Ep 7. Democracy for Sale

In the seventh episode of America Divided season 1 titled Democracy for Sale, the focus is on the issue of money in politics. The episode opens with a montage of clips showing politicians giving speeches about the importance of campaign finance reform and the need to get money out of politics. However, despite their rhetoric, the reality is that money has become even more influential in American politics in recent years.

The episode follows two different storylines, each of which highlights a different aspect of the issue of money in politics. The first storyline focuses on the impact of big money on local elections. The episode follows a group of activists in Tallahassee, Florida, who are fighting against the influence of big money in local politics. The group is opposed to a proposed city ordinance that would allow unlimited campaign contributions from wealthy donors. They argue that this would effectively drown out the voices of ordinary citizens and make it impossible for candidates without wealthy backers to win elections. The episode shows the group organizing protests, lobbying city officials and even confronting a local businessman who is one of the biggest donors in the city. The storyline illustrates how the battle for campaign finance reform is being fought at the grassroots level and demonstrates the importance of local activism in the fight against big money politics.

The second storyline focuses on the impact of corporate money on national politics. The episode begins with a clip of Bernie Sanders giving a speech in which he criticizes the role of big money in political campaigns and calls for a political revolution to take back the government from wealthy elites. The episode then follows a group of investigative journalists who are trying to uncover the influence of corporate money on political decision-making in Washington, D.C. The journalists use a combination of interviews and research to connect the dots between corporate donations and policy outcomes. They uncover examples of corporate lobbyists essentially drafting legislation and then using their money and influence to get it passed. The storyline illustrates how the influence of corporate money has essentially turned the government into a tool for advancing corporate interests rather than serving the needs of ordinary citizens.

Throughout the episode, there are also interviews with various experts and political insiders who provide context and analysis of the issue of money in politics. These include former Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig and political strategist Ian Russell. Their insights help to deepen the viewer's understanding of the issue and provide a broader context for the specific examples shown in the episode.

Overall, Democracy for Sale is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that shines a light on the corrosive influence of money in American politics. It shows how the fight against big money politics is being fought on multiple fronts, from local campaigns to national policy battles. It also highlights the importance of investigative journalism and grassroots activism in holding politicians accountable and fighting for a more democratic political system. Whether you are a political junkie or a casual viewer, this episode is sure to leave you with a deeper understanding of the issue and a renewed sense of urgency to get money out of politics once and for all.