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Chapter 11: Groups and Interests
You Decide
This exercise is designed to explore the relationship between politicians and interest groups. Your textbook bemoans the problem of too much influence by special interests. Complete the following exercises
1. Watch the following clip from a 2004 episode of The Daily Show with John Stewart:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Charles Lewis
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorTea Party


What is the main issue or problem in American politics that Charles Lewis is targeting in his book, The Buying of the President? What is his proposed solution to this problem?
2. According to Lewis, about how much money did George W. Bush raise per day in 2004?
3. Watch the following clip from the news show, Dan Rather Reports, “Race To The White House.”



How much money did a candidate need to raise just to make it to the primaries in the 2008 presidential election? Based upon this amount, how much money per day did a candidate need to raise in the 2008 presidential election?
4. Instead of an “election,” what does Hogan think we hold now every four years when selecting a president? Why does he feel that way? Do you agree with this characterization?
5. The authors of your textbook argue that “in the realm of group politics, liberty seems inconsistent with equality.” How does the above clip from Dan Rather Reports support that argument?

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