SummaryRunning for office isn’t just about good ideas or a desire to serve — it’s about access. And in America, access starts with money. A lot of it.In this episode, I take a closer look at why the cost of running for office is so high, who gets left out because of it, and how other countries are doing it differently. From campaign finance to media gatekeeping to public funding solutions, we’ll ask: What would democracy look like if it were built for the rest of us?In This Episode, I Talk AboutReal-world stories like Gary Hart mortgaging his house to runHow Citizens United changed everythingThe media’s role in deciding who gets taken seriouslyWhy some voices are never heard — even when they’re qualifiedWhat countries like Ireland, France, and the UK do differentlyWhat a public financing system could look like in the U.S.How local reforms are already working — and where we go from hereResources & Links:Campaign Spending & FundraisingOpenSecrets – 2020 Election CostsGary Hart – WikipediaCitizens United v. FEC – Oyez SummaryMedia Gatekeeping & Debate AccessShorenstein Center: 2016 Media Coverage StudyAndrew Yang 2020 Campaign – WikipediaLawrence Lessig 2016 Presidential Run – WikipediaGlobal Campaign Finance ComparisonsIreland’s Spending Caps – SIPOBBC – UK Election RulesFrance – Campaign Finance Overview (in French)Local Reform ExamplesHoward County Public Financing ProgramSeattle’s Democracy VouchersNYC Campaign Finance BoardListener PromptWould you be more likely to run for office if money weren’t such a huge barrier? What kinds of reforms would make our elections more accessible - and more fair? Have you seen local efforts that give you hope?Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who’s said, “I wish someone like me could run.” Leave a rating, send a message, or post about it.Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.Email [email protected] Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

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