Chapter 13
Buying Democracy
Shen drives, while Maria shoots campaign videos from the front seat.
“Let’s do another take.” Maria points her camera at None.
None says, “With a $25,000 budget, how much democracy can we buy? Even with a free attorney, is that enough to be heard? With no political party or volunteers, we’re going on a month-long road trip to find out.”
Maria rotates the camera around to scan the passengers. She poses for a quick selfie.
None says, “What would it take to get an independent candidate on the ballot in all fifty states? Over a million signatures and millions in expenses and fees. Even then, major parties use lawsuits to keep independents off the ballot, like Ralph Nader in 2004.
“You might think that all you have to do to elect None of the Above and More Job
