In an unusually candid comment about what it takes to run for the White House, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., told a talk radio program on Monday that he will join the 2016 race — but only if he can find “big money” donors for his candidacy.
King said he that has already traveled to New Hampshire, received popular support from audiences there and thinks this election cycle is shaping up to be very favorable to the Republican Party.
Appearing on Boston Herald radio, King was asked if there was “anything that could sway” his decision.
“It would have to be more of an indication that some of the big money supporters will be there,” King replied. “I still think some of that’s possible and that’s what I’m checking out right now.”
Listen to King’s remarks here:
Analysts estimate that the upcoming presidential election could cost upwards of $5 billion. In the 2012 campaign, wealthy donors like Sheldon Adelson and Foster Friess were able to keep the floundering campaigns of Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum alive through infusions of cash via Super PACs.
Many of the declared candidates for the 2016 cycle have already lined up billionaire supporters who are expected to play a similar role.
(This post is from our blog: Unofficial Sources.)
Photo: Peter King campaigns in New Hampshire on April 17, 2015. (Jim Cole/AP)
IT’S EVEN WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT.
What we’re seeing right now from Donald Trump is a full-on authoritarian takeover of the U.S. government.
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Court orders are being ignored. MAGA loyalists have been put in charge of the military and federal law enforcement agencies. The Department of Government Efficiency has stripped Congress of its power of the purse. News outlets that challenge Trump have been banished or put under investigation.
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I’M BEN MUESSIG, The Intercept’s editor-in-chief. It’s been a devastating year for journalism — the worst in modern U.S. history.
We have a president with utter contempt for truth aggressively using the government’s full powers to dismantle the free press. Corporate news outlets have cowered, becoming accessories in Trump’s project to create a post-truth America. Right-wing billionaires have pounced, buying up media organizations and rebuilding the information environment to their liking.
In this most perilous moment for democracy, The Intercept is fighting back. But to do so effectively, we need to grow.
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