The Case for Corruption, Redux
Summary
The article compares President Donald Trump's recent promise of a $5,000 "Trump Dividend" to voters if Republicans control Congress with past political practices of offering benefits for votes. It explains that giving voters material benefits in exchange for political support has a long history in the U.S., often done through programs like stimulus checks, and this practice is sometimes called “honest graft.”Key Facts
- In 2014, Jonathan Rauch argued that some legal forms of political favors, like earmarks and patronage, helped government work.
- President Trump promised voters $5,000 if Republicans win and keep control of Congress, calling it a “Trump Dividend.”
- Many people criticized Trump's promise as a bribe and illegal.
- In January 2021, Georgia Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock said electing them would bring stimulus money to voters.
- After their win, Ossoff and Warnock helped pass President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which included $1,400 stimulus checks.
- President Trump also supported $2,000 stimulus checks earlier.
- The article argues that giving voters benefits in exchange for political support has always been part of democracy but should be done transparently and fairly.
- The term “honest graft” refers to politicians legally using their position to benefit supporters.
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