Fresh Air How American Lobbyists Threaten Democracy
11 snips
Aug 14, 2024 Casey Michel, an investigative reporter and author of "Foreign Agents," discusses the powerful impact of American lobbyists representing foreign, often repressive, regimes. He reveals the minimal enforcement of lobbying laws that allow unethical practices to thrive. Michel dives into the intertwining of legal and illegal political financing, illustrated through notable lobbyists like Paul Manafort. He stresses the urgent need for transparency in lobbying to safeguard democracy from foreign influence.
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Ivy Lee and Nazi Germany
- Ivy Lee, the "father of public relations," worked for Nazi Germany, whitewashing their image in the US.
- He advised top Nazi officials, including Hitler, on US public opinion and media strategies.
FARA's Origins and Inaction
- Congressional hearings revealed Lee's Nazi ties, leading to public outrage and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
- FARA, requiring disclosure of foreign lobbying, was largely unenforced for decades.
Manafort's Lobbying Revolution
- Paul Manafort pioneered a new lobbying style, blending lobbying and consulting.
- He brought clients directly to policymakers, creating a closed system of influence and fundraising.
