'Dark money,' explained – and why it's likely to stay dark

+ does Hezbollah represent Lebanon? US Edition - Today's top story: What is 'dark money' political spending, and how does it affect US politics? [View in browser]( US Edition | 3 October 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( The countdown to Election Day is on, and Americans across the country, but particularly in or near swing states, are seeing and hearing a seemingly endless barrage of election-related advertising. Some of those ads come from the campaigns, but there are other, hidden forces at work seeking to influence voters’ choices in November. Emily Lau, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s State Democracy Research Initiative, explains the American political phenomenon known as “dark money” – funds spent on electioneering that come from unknown, and unknowable, sources. She describes how this type of spending is legal and what can, and can’t, be known about [where it comes from and where it goes]( before ending up in front of our eyeballs on TV and online. She also explains why, despite efforts to bring more transparency to this powerful force in American politics, not much is likely to change anytime soon. Also in this week’s politics news: - [Dems shift campaign message to ‘freedom’]( - [The global threat of spiraling Middle East violence]( - [Differing views of masculinity at VP debate]( Jeff Inglis Politics + Society Editor Where exactly did this money come from? Manuel Augusto Moreno/Moment via Getty Images [What is ‘dark money’ political spending, and how does it affect US politics?]( Emily Lau, University of Wisconsin-Madison Donors often try to conceal their involvement in politics, and campaigns try to hide what they spend their money on. A picture of the secretary-general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah is seen among the rubble following an Israeli air strike. Str-/picture alliance via Getty Images [Does Hezbollah represent Lebanon? And what impact will the death of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah have?]( Mireille Rebeiz, Dickinson College Israeli strikes have wiped out much of the leadership of a group that has huge influence – if not popularity – within Lebanon. New York City Mayor Eric Adams leaves after appearing at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Court House in New York on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. AP Photo/Andres Kudacki [NYC’s ‘Eric Adams Show’ heads for a final curtain, with echoes of another New Yorker more focused on style than policy]( Lincoln Mitchell, Columbia University Eric Adams, the New York mayor facing an indictment that could end his career and send him to jail, long boasted that his swagger was good for the city. But swagger doesn’t make a good mayor. [Cities are clearing encampments, but this won’t solve homelessness − here’s a better way forward]( Deyanira Nevárez Martínez, Michigan State University The US Supreme Court’s high-profile Grants Pass ruling allows cities to clear homeless encampments, even if they can’t offer shelter. A scholar explains why a Housing First approach is more effective. [The splendid life of Jimmy Carter − 5 essential reads]( Howard Manly, The Conversation Beloved in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter became the 39th US president and used his office to make human rights a priority throughout the world. [What to expect from federal judges appointed by Trump or Harris − based on what we’ve seen from Trump and Biden picks for the Supreme Court and lower courts]( Paul M. Collins Jr., UMass Amherst A leading expert in the selection of federal judges analyzes the Trump and Harris records regarding judicial nominations. There’s a big difference in their approaches. [While Republicans are downplaying abortion ahead of November, Democrats are leaning in on the issue]( Linda C. McClain, Boston University; Nicole Huberfeld, Boston University While the Republican Party platform has typically included anti-abortion language, this year’s platform is curiously silent on the issue. International - [Iran’s strikes on Israel are the latest sign that the conflict in the Middle East is spiraling, presenting rising global security threats]( Javed Ali, University of Michigan A US counterterrorism expert explains the dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas – and why Hezbollah presents new risks for the US and other places globally. - [Israeli actions have the cover of ‘moral hazard’ − a touch of ambiguity might give US pressure greater weight]( Charles Walldorf, Wake Forest University Washington has had little luck in its calls for de-escalation in the Middle East. Is America’s ‘ironclad’ support for Israel part of the problem? - [Russia’s new ideological battlefield: The militarization of young minds]( Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, Colorado State University Russian President Vladimir Putin has increasingly turned to education and membership groups to promote patriotism and loyalty among the country’s youth. - [Bottled up in the Black Sea: Russia is having a dreadful naval war, hindering its great power ambitions]( Colin Flint, Utah State University Russia is becoming more reliant on naval support from China, limiting Moscow’s sea-power reach. US election - [Why CNN is changing up its polling for 2024]( W. Joseph Campbell, American University School of Communication Polls help set the public’s expectations in a presidential race. In 2020, presidential polls overall were the worst in 40 years. No misfire was more striking than CNN’s. Will CNN do better in 2024? - [Latino voters are a growing force in Pennsylvania’s old industrial towns − and they could provide Harris or Trump with their margin of victory]( A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, Penn State Allentown, Bethlehem and other old industrial cities in Pennsylvania have made a remarkable recovery − thanks in part to new residents from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. - [Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s records on abortion policy couldn’t be more different – here’s what actions they both have taken while in office]( Rachel Rebouché, Temple University Ahead of the election, a reproductive health law scholar lays out the broad strokes of what both Harris and Trump have done regarding abortion policy while in office. - [Voters without kids are in the political spotlight – but they’re not all the same]( Jennifer Watling Neal, Michigan State University; Zachary P. Neal, Michigan State University Compared with voters who are trying to have kids or haven’t decided yet, those who definitely don’t want to have kids – known as the ‘child-free’ – have a different set of political priorities. - [What the facial expressions of Tim Walz and JD Vance said about their nerves, embarrassment and pride]( - [Yes, calling someone ‘mentally disabled’ causes real harm]( - [Trump and Harris have clashing records on clean energy, but the clean power shift is too broad for any president to control]( - [Prepare your social media for the election − 3 tips to stay sane and connected without being overwhelmed]( - [Why trying to protect freedom may work better than campaigning to protect democracy]( - [America’s dad vs. the manosphere: Walz-Vance debate highlights two versions of masculinity]( - - More of The Conversation [A graphic with the words Election 2024 coverage to help you understand, Read now]( Like this newsletter? 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