America in Transition: Money and Absolute Power are the Objectives

By Norman Franklin

Norman Franklin

As I sat down to write this last column of 2024, I wanted to craft something reflective— an authentic reflection, honest and revealing our vulnerabilities, yet showcasing the strength of our hope. A challenge to find optimism while standing amid the shards of morals, values, and integrity.

The new America emerging from the cathartic election seems empty, harsh, and vulnerable to political parasites questing for absolute power. The common electorate was misled. In frenzies of hope, they flocked to the polls to reclaim their country. What we witnessed leading up to the official transfer of power offers a glimpse into the darker side of authoritarian rule.

It was never about concern for forgotten Americans. It has always been about the deep pockets of the top 1% gaining positions of control. Politics and the economy are deeply intertwined, both driven by an insatiable pursuit of wealth.

The last two federal elections reveal the parallel tracks of the economy and politics. The 2020 and 2024 campaign financing and spending show their connected roles.

Here’s a look at the numbers:

Total spending is projected to reach $15 billion. $1.2 billion was spent on political ads in Pennsylvania, setting a record for one state. Billionaire Elon Musk reportedly spent $277 million through various political action committees (PACs). He even gave random awards of $1 million to individuals who registered as Republicans leading up to election day.

The primary beneficiaries of these expenditures were media outlets. Political advertising revenue poured into their coffers, underscoring the critical role media plays. These outlets were also the conduits through which messaging shaped the perceptions of the electorate.

Television networks captured nearly 72% of campaign ad spending, with Fox News being a dominant source of political messaging. The network’s strong viewership attracted record political revenue. Digital platforms shared in the influx of advertising revenue as well. Google and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) exceeded $1.35 billion during the election cycle. Local and national radio stations saw a revenue boost of $750 million, and print media garnered $250 million.

Overall, this election cycle resulted in a significant windfall of advertising revenue.

The narratives—be they negative messaging, misinformation, or disinformation—channeled through various media outlets proved effective. More than 155 million people cast ballots in 2024, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. Nearly 64% of eligible voters participated, marking the second-highest turnout in the last 100 years. Only the 2020 turnout was higher. Seventy-one percent of the electorate were white voters.

Reproduction rights and immigration were two policy issues that drew heavily on the values of the electorate. Approximately 23 million women voted. Forty-six percent of the 38 million eligible Latinos voted for candidate Trump, despite his policy stance on immigration.

President-elect Trump won 49.9% of the popular vote. This below-fifty-percent result falls short of an “unprecedented” and “powerful mandate.” It is not uncommon for presidents to over-read their election victories.

There is infighting within the MAGA camp over immigration and the failure to adhere to their pre-inauguration plan to dictate House policy and shut down the government. Elon Musk wanted the debt ceiling increase included in the stopgap measure. The Republican House defied the mandate.

We are not certain how long their courage will last, but the Democrats are standing their ground.