In the 90s there was a scandal about “buckraking,” where journalists were reporting positively about certain moneyed interests while raking in huge “speaking fees” from them. (A good example was 1996’s Money Talks by Howard Kurtz, Part 1, Part 2.) … Continue reading
Meet The Press moderator David Gregory is the “Keynote Address” speaker at the upcoming National Federation of Independent Business “Small Business Summit” conference. This is a conservative advocacy group that solidly aligns with Republicans. Here is a speakers bureau page … Continue reading
Speaking fees are one way people in the conservative movement — even bloggers –make significant money. Many corporate trade associations pay significant fees to have people speak. Local organizations pay significant fees as well. Apparently Republican Party groups around the … Continue reading
I’m working on an article for AlterNet, about Chris Matthews’ speaking fees and repeating right-wing nonsense about liberals and Democrats. I’ll let you know when it’s posted. Until then, please visit Think Progress and Raw Story. Update More at Open … Continue reading
People are questioning Hillary Clinton over millions in speaking fees and contributions from Wall Street. There are specific steps she can take now, and pledges she can make about what she will do if elected. Will she? Continue reading
The Clinton campaign is accusing the Sanders campaign of “going negative.” Is this Clinton accusation just an attempt to “muddy the waters” as Clinton’s attacks on Sanders’ health care plans backfire?
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Why is it that any time you hear the word “reform” coming out of Washington it always ends badly for about 99 percent of us? Here are some actual reforms that are need for corporate tax reform. Continue reading
Tim Geitherner is getting paid huge “speaking fees” by the big banks he helped while in his government jobs… Geithner joins top table of public speakers with lucrative appearances, … receiving about $400,000 for three speaking engagements. A speech at … Continue reading
One reason is because everyone understands that there is a big check waiting for them later if they “play ball.” Example: Ex-Obama Aides Attended Oil Industry-Sponsored Azerbaijan Conference, Jim Messina, the former Obama 2012 campaign manager, Robert Gibbs, the former … Continue reading
The most important thing the President said about the Republican Budget in his big speech Tuesday was when he described just some of the damage it does, and said, “This is not an exaggeration. Check it out yourself.” Seriously, do … Continue reading
Mitt Romney’s ultra-low tax rate on his ultra-high income is reviving questions about the breaks and perks that the wealthiest of the 1% receive from the rest of us. One of these is a special low tax rate for investments … Continue reading
Last week big oil/big coal sent a not-subtle message to the country’s investment community: if you back companies or technologies that compete with us we will crush you. Our media/political machine will accuse you of every crime in the book. … Continue reading