Money Can’t Buy Me…?
What's love got to do with the candidates and causes We the People support? Have we more integrity than the duopoly suspects?
Money Can’t Buy Me…?
by C.A. Matthews
I'll give you all I've got to give
If you say you love me too
I may not have a lot to give
But what I've got I'll give to you
I don't care too much for money
Money can't buy me love –Paul McCartney & John Lennon
The Beatles are more than the greatest pop group in history. They are the proletariat’s philosophers. Their catchy song lyrics often express deep truths that aren’t easily ignored. Their 1964 hit Can’t Buy Me Love is still a favorite of many.
Wonder why? Could it be because it’s true? Sure, money can buy all the accouterments of love, but it can’t buy the real deal. One has to earn another person’s love and respect or else… It’s not really love, now is it?
The same could be said for buying votes.
Kamala Harris spent upwards of $1 billion dollars on her ill-fated “Joy” campaign. She still owes some $20 million to her campaign workers and some of the celebrities she bribed to endorse her. Beyonce’s asking price was $10 million—and that didn’t even include her giving a concert, which was a huge disappointment to the many fans who came to a Harris event just to see Beyonce perform. Oprah Winfrey’s production company had an asking price of a cool $1 million. That’s a lot of incentive to “love” a candidate, isn’t it?
Did giving tons of money to these celebrities truly earn their love and respect for Harris? The Beatles had it right, don’t you think?
So, what did Harris get for her record-breaking spending spree on the campaign trail? Well, it didn’t get her the White House. She might be the first politician in a US presidential race to break the trusted axiom, “Whoever spends the most money, wins.” What a great way to be entered into the record books!
Donald Trump got more “love” (votes) this time out with about half the outlay of cash—a mere $488 million. On the whole, he got more bang for his buck and won both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote. Still, a half-billion dollars is a lot of money to spend on being re-elected to a seat you held previously. If you can’t stand on your past record in office and engender enthusiasm for your stated future policies without spending millions of dollars, then you probably aren’t as “well loved” as you might think you are.
Oops. Sorry to pop your over-inflated ego, Orange Man, but I get a feeling more folks are afraid of you than they’re in love with you. Or the voters just couldn’t stand the idea of genocide-enabling Harris working in the White House a moment longer. Being seen as the lesser of two evil candidates isn’t much of a win, in my opinion. In the end, you’re still considered an evil.
The postmortems of this election season have been even more dismal. It’s like the talking heads who pushed Harris as the best thing since sliced bread on their mainstream media shows and popular neoliberal podcasts just can’t grasp that basic fact of life the Beatles taught us back in 1964: Money can’t buy you love, and it sure as hell doesn’t guarantee your candidate a vote.
It striking contrast to the billion and a half spent by the duopoly candidates Harris and Trump, alternative party candidates have received a lot of love from voters without that much outlay of cash. Jill Stein (Green Party) supporters eagerly await meeting her again at upcoming events on her busy activism schedule after the holiday break. For example, Dr. Stein along with Party for Socialism and Liberation candidate Claudia de la Cruz are planning to be at a big protest in Washington DC on Inauguration Day.
Greens and PS&L members are determined to continue the fight to bring about an end to the US’s involvement in the horrific genocide of Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. They’re concerned about the climate catastrophe and are protesting to shut down the ecocidal war machine. They’re targeting the likes of Big Oil and promoting cleaner forms of energy, along with raising awareness on human rights issues such as universal health care, food security, and guaranteed housing.
Jill Stein and Claudia de la Cruz and their voters/supporters aren’t giving up. They give their “love” and votes freely. They don’t have to be paid to show up to events like Harris endorsers did. Eco-socialists show up because they believe in the cause. They don’t demand a $10 million check to give “love” such as Beyonce demanded of Kamala Harris. They’d rather that $10 million go to feed children instead.
Could it be… that although money can’t buy you love, love can inspire many into continuing their support of candidates and their causes who “lost” in the recent presidential election? Is “winning” not all that it’s cracked up to be in the end if no one really gives a damn about you?
If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat or Republican, that last paragraph probably makes zero sense to you. You’ve been convinced that losing a race doesn’t make sense, that money is the only thing that makes the world go ‘round. You’ve been told that if you support someone like a Harris or a Trump it will be “worth your while.” You will do better financially (i.e., taxes cut for the wealthiest Americans) or socially (you’ll be personally invited to the events with big names like Beyonce and Oprah). You’ve been convinced that only your personal wants and desires are important, so you’ve put asleep any altruistic urges you may still possess.
Campaign promises of “it’ll be worth it for you” are what motivates Democrats and Republicans to go to the polls and cast their ballots for duopoly candidates. Even if a duopoly voter doesn’t quite agree with all of their candidate’s proposed platform positions, they’ll still vote the party line. It will be “worth it” in the end they’re told.
The duopolists’ instructions aren’t new. Most Americans have heard them before: Who cares there’s more bloodshed abroad and at home? It’ll be “worth it.” Shut down that nagging conscience and get to the polls! Ignore any other names you might see on your ballot who promise impossible things like peace and Medicare for All... Do as you’re told!
But the vast majority Americans (especially working class Americans) aren’t duopoly aligned. They won’t invest their time, energy, and resources in a candidate or party they feel doesn’t love them back. You can’t simply buy their votes with expensive mudslinging ads or slick celebrity-filled extravaganzas. You must earn their votes and their respect first before they’ll sacrifice for you. They won’t be bullied into doing as they’re told by a bunch of elitists who seemingly haven’t worked a day in their lives.
It’s a tough concept, this philosophy of “Money can’t buy me love,” but it’s a driving force for many. Until you as a duopoly candidate can demonstrate your love and respect for ordinary voters and their needs, don’t expect their votes. You haven’t earned them.
But how could the duopolists have earned the workers’ votes in this election? Harris missed many opportunities on her very short campaign trail. She didn’t promise to increase the federal minimum wage to $25/hour—or even a measly $15/hour. She didn’t promise universal healthcare for all Americans—especially those who are unemployed, underemployed, or disabled and cannot find work. What did she think most decent American workers really wanted? More Beyonce concerts?
Trump, for better and probably for worse, at least pretended to care about the everyday struggle most Americans face as grocery prices rise daily. Harris could have learned a thing or two from Trump: If you’re going to lie about caring about the voters, at least do so boldly!
And don’t expect anything but contempt if you continue to ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people who are being mass murdered by US-supplied armaments. Ordinary folks actually care about other oppressed peoples. They realize that a genocide can happen here in the good ol’ US of A—just head on out to Indian Country and talk to those living on a reservation. They’ll set you straight.
The poor and the struggling will always have empathy for others facing oppression. Harris’ insipid idea of spreading “joy” while ignoring America’s bloody involvement in the genocide of Palestinians and her rude comment of “I’m speaking” (to shut up pro-Palestine protesters) backfired spectacularly. No votes were gained there because there was no “love” demonstrated there.
Trump and his constant warmongering rhetoric and idolizing Zy –oh –nists isn’t attractive to most decent Americans, but once again, Trump balances out his xenophobia with his pretend sympathy with the workers’ plight. The Biden-Harris administration’s apparent lack of response to recent hurricane and flooding victims in the Southeastern US didn’t inspire any love (or votes). Hundreds of billions of dollars in arms have been sent to Ukraine and Israel, but there’s no money left for FEMA, leaving the climate catastrophe sufferers’ fate in doubt. What a way to show you care!
The 2024 election could spell the end of the “Parties of War and Wall Street.” It has exposed the duopolists for what they are—over-paid puppets of their masters, the billionaire oligarchs. It has demonstrated their lack of empathy and compassion for the struggling and oppressed, such as those in Gaza and in the Southeastern US after the recent hurricanes. It has blown the lid off the duopoly’s lies, exposing their total lack of love and respect for ordinary Americans.
If I were a betting person, I’d put my money on alternative party candidates for the “win” from here on out. The ballot boxes might be rigged against them, but the people’s hearts are firmly in their corner. To stay.
Thus, the Second American Revolution is born.
Another viewpoint I caught here on Substack:
The Harris campaign spent $1B in 90 days with what to show for it? All of these celebrities were paid inordinate amounts of money to endorse her like--
Beyonce--$10M
Megan Thee Stallion $5M
Oprah--$1M (to Harpo Prods. for her town hall site)
Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy podcaster)--$100,000 (for her hotel room set, right?)
Others such as Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga as well...
These celebrities endorsed her for money and to toe the line. That goes to show money alone cannot win an election. A movement of something people believe in, can and did. --Sabrina LaBow on Substack
Seen on X:
Raw vote change for Democrats from 2020 to 2024:
Black voters: -2 million
Latino voters: -2 million
Under 30y/o: -3 million
Under $50k: -6 million
$50k-$99k: -7 million
$100k+: +7 million
Democrats have lost support with every group except voters who make over $100K. (There goes the lie of the DNC being the party of the workers!)
Related Articles and Other Interesting Links
Support the Uhuru 3! Be there December 16! https://handsoffuhuru.org/
Can’t Buy Me Love (music video) youtu.be/TBSpmoA8V78
Kamala Harris ran the Fyre Festival of campaigns https://thespectator.com/newsletter/kamala-harris-ran-the-fyre-festival-of-campaigns-bad-press-11-11-2024/
Kamala Harris Owes a Lot of Money https://activemeasures.substack.com/p/kamala-harris-owes-a-lot-of-money
In Election Aftermath, Hollywood Smashes Records for Lack of Self-Awareness https://www.racket.news/p/listen-to-this-article-in-election
The Celebrities & Democratic Consultants Who Cashed In On The Billion $$$ Harris Campaign https://mark192.substack.com/p/cartoon-the-celebrities-and-democratic
Why I #WalkAway From the Democratic Party https://censorednews.substack.com/p/why-i-walkaway-from-the-democrat
Number One Lesson For Lefty Progressives To Learn From 2024 https://mark192.substack.com/p/cartoon-number-one-lesson-for-lefty
8 HUGE Things Biden/Harris Could Do If They Cared About Americans (But They Won't) https://rumble.com/v5o6p28-8-huge-things-bidenharris-could-do-if-they-cared-about-americans.html
When The Show Is Over, The Actors Hold Hands And Take A Bow https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/when-the-show-is-over-the-actors
Israel’s Genocide Day 404: Israel is committing ethnic cleansing, says Human Rights Watch https://mondoweiss.net/2024/11/israels-genocide-day-404-israel-is-committing-ethnic-cleansing-says-human-rights-watch/
Israel fails to meet US demands on Gaza humanitarian aid https://www.stephensemler.com/p/israel-fails-to-meet-us-demands-on
Lebanon hit by over 100 Israeli airstrikes in 24 hours https://thecradle.co/articles/lebanon-hit-by-over-100-israeli-airstrikes-in-24-hours-officials
UN Report: Israel’s Tactics in Gaza Are “Consistent With Genocide” https://truthout.org/articles/un-report-israels-tactics-in-gaza-are-consistent-with-genocide/
Saudi Crown Prince condemns Israel attacks on Palestinians as 'genocide' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241111-saudi-crown-prince-condemns-israel-attacks-on-palestinians-as-genocide/
End of empathy: Did the Gaza genocide render the UN irrelevant? https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241113-end-of-empathy-did-the-gaza-genocide-render-the-un-irrelevant/
No Thanks to These 52 Dems, House Defeats Bill Enabling Trump Assault on Nonprofits https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-nonprofits-bill
CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Federal Probe of Case Western Reserve U. Targeting Anti-Genocide Group https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ohio-welcomes-federal-probe-of-case-western-reserve-u-targeting-anti-genocide-group/
Richard Wolff: The End of the US Empire and the Denial of the US, and the Rise of China and BRICS https://scheerpost.com/2024/11/15/richard-wolff-the-end-of-the-us-empire-and-the-denial-of-the-us-and-the-rise-of-china-and-brics/
Biden Allows Ukraine to Strike Russia With Long-Range U.S. Missiles (NYT full article) https://archive.vn/A8pYn
Biden Ramps Up Nuclear Brinkmanship On His Way Out The Door https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/biden-ramps-up-nuclear-brinkmanship
China opens World’s Largest offshore Solar Power Facility, as U.S. Falls Farther Behind https://www.juancole.com/2024/11/largest-offshore-facility.html
12 economic growth myths and how to counter them https://www.greensocialthought.org/less-what-we-dont-need/12-economic-growth-myths-and-how-to-counter-them/
Climate Groups Decry Dutch Court’s Reversal of Shell Ruling as “Setback” https://truthout.org/articles/climate-groups-decry-dutch-courts-reversal-of-shell-ruling-as-setback/
Sandy Hook Families Help Satirical News Site The Onion to Purchase InfoWars https://truthout.org/articles/sandy-hook-families-help-satirical-news-site-the-onion-to-purchase-infowars/
A love letter to world leaders from the Invisibles https://countercurrents.org/2024/11/a-love-letter-to-world-leaders-from-the-invisibles/
Degrowing the Military While Preserving Jobs (webinar) youtu.be/MHnQd_F7GRg?si=mo_zoLlUXPVTQ46Z
The FT, of all places, had a good article on how Trump was a protest vote,nothing more.
When voters realize that the game is rigged and not in their favor, it is a entirely understandable response to Burn It All Down.
1 billion dollars. 1 billion divided by $7,25 an hour Federal Bush Junior Obama Trump Biden minimum wage equals how many hours.
I remember once just being at a local county Democratic Party office having a conversation at the same time the party man was opening paper checks....either to the party or a congressman's reelection campaign. Lots of checks in just one days mail....All that money for college educated consultants and TV commercials and broadcast.....
Not bad if you can get it.
Talk about "Equity." .....I think about 2/3'rds of adults over age 25 do NOT have college degrees.....out if that Billion Dollars do you imagine 2/3rds was paid to people with college degrees? (Probably next to nothing!)
Now if everyone who gave the Democrats $1000 to help the working or "retired" poor improve their lives gave MY PUPPY WANTS A CHEESEBURGER GoFundMe than maybe I won't go homeless again.
If dems ever win again they should dramatically change federal home buying assistance and subsidized so that at least 2/3rds of that money goes to people without college degrees.
I got zero trying to buy a house because it's means tested to favor higher income people with good credit. I couldn't even get FEMA to help with durachio damage because they would not answer phone.....I applied...qualified...then they said my insurance should have covered even though they had letter from insurance company saying it wasn't ....it was like they only wanted to work with people with computers and vacation days not people working 6 days/nights a week.....
All these agencies under both our Monopoly Parties discriminate constantly in favor of government employees, college educated, high incomes and especially against the poorest full time working people.
Now I'm old enough if I go homeless again maybe I can move in to an elderly high rise and the feds may pay the landlord $1000 or more a month. But not 1 penny to me. I'm sure that supposed $25,000 for home buyers Harris spoke about would have left out mine wage workers and others who have to try to buy on contract because they aren't rich enough to get a governor subsidized low interest mortgage.
Anyway. Good article. I'm so pissed off at both of our violent pro war everywhere forever and pro rich anti poor pro college educated Monopoly Parties.
Think just how bad the Dems had to be for so long for working poor without college degrees ..... for them to choose the Republicans...with nothing for the working poor from them either.
American Nonviolent Dissident Artist and Environmentalist Mr Dodo B Bird. dodobbird.pixels.com