Adam Bonica

Adam Bonica, a Stanford political scientist and expert on political dynamics, joins to discuss the shifting landscape of American politics. He highlights how recent electoral victories signal a move towards populism as the new centrism. Bonica critiques mainstream media narratives on moderation and analyzes the impact of billionaire money in politics. He also emphasizes the role of public financing in empowering anti-oligarchy candidates and explores how nationalized elections affect political outcomes. Their conversation invites a fresh perspective on political labels and campaign strategies.

Stanford political scientist Adam Bonica, an expert in campaign finance and digital persuasion, dives into the murky world of political fundraising. He reveals how Mothership Strategies employs tactics resembling internet scams, targeting vulnerable donors, especially the elderly, while siphoning millions away from actual campaigns. Bonica also discusses the systemic corruption permeating both parties, the alarming rise of Super PACs, and how wealth inequality distorts democracy. He advocates for anti-corruption as essential in combating authoritarian trends in politics.

Adam Bonica, a Stanford political scientist and author of 'On Data and Democracy,' joins to delve into the murky world of political fundraising. He reveals how firms like Mothership Strategies have mastered digital tactics that often resemble scams, using repetitive billing to siphon millions from unsuspecting elderly donors. They also discuss the alarming inefficiencies of modern campaign finance and the ethical dilemmas it presents for both parties, especially in light of the looming government shutdown and shifting American views on Israel.