Historically speaking, when did money become the most important factor towards winning a presidential election

Answer 1

Well, it's not really money, per se, but what that money represents.

The money they raise represents the contributions of thousands upon thousands of voters who support the candidate, as well as the special interests (businesses, labor unions, trial lawyers, whoever) who favor the candidate, and who host big fundraisers for said candidate.

So when a presidential candidate accumulates a large campaign fund, it is a signal that they enjoy significant support from a large cross-section of people throughout the country.

Money has been important in campaigns since the founding fathers passed the torch to the next generation, because those who followed were less well known outside a regional presence, and money was needed to travel and provide information to those areas where the candidate was less well known.

As the US expanded in size, the need for more and more money for a campaign has grown. As the types of media grows, so too must the cost of providing campaign ads to all the different media.

That's just how it goes.

Answer 2

Obama the professed Christian or McCain the non-Christian? One married to the same wife since the beginning (Obama), the other into his third marriage (McCain)? One who takes no money from special interests groups and can't be bought (Obama) or one who has gotten very rich from being bought (McCain)? If this were a spiritual question only the real Christian (Obama) should win. However, I never vote based on the religious beliefs on the person running for office. I actually respect both men for many reasons (not counting McCain's pocket money from the wealthy) and think either will serve our country fairly well as president. As to who will probably win, Obama is far ahead in the polls and will probably win.

Answer 3

There is basically only one real reason people run for public office. "EGO"! For some ridiculous reason, they seem to feel they are annointed, by God or someone, to become a leader. The issues are so very plain to them. They are gifted with the answers to all our problems. They need money to gain the exposure to the masses. Their message must get through. I once seen a senate candidate spend many millions of dollars for a job that would never amortize that amount. It was mostly her own money. But her ego told her to go for it. Some people are just plain ego driven. And the more contributions to that belief, the more driven they become.

Answer 4

Money has always been important. The first president of the United States was the very rich George Washington and although he did not "buy" the election by out spending his competitors (if you want to count John Adams as a competitor) he did have money and prestige. Every president has had money and every president has used it to win elections.

Answer 5

It became the most important factor approximately 1797, the year that Washington left office.

Answer 6

When television hit the scene and corporates were unwilling to give free air time to reach the most people.

Answer 7

with the explosion of so many media sources. it is expensive to place all those adds and adverting has become the basis for how many ppl vote. it can be a negative also, as John Edwards and Howard Dean can tell you.

Answer 8

Tell McCain that he's raised the most and is in 4th place

Answer 9

Probably within the last 40 years and it is disturbing.

Answer 10

year 1000