Veteran political correspondant, Matt K. Lewis, has studied politicians and their use of political power to enrich themselves for decades. A recent article in The Atlantic estimated that President Trump has made over $3 billion while in office–mostly from his goofy, but lucrative, crypto business.
Filthy Rich Politicians shows how the political money games work, for both the Republicans and the Democrats. “Rich people get elected, and people, when elected, tend to get richer,” Lewis says. “Over time, it has gotten worse.”
Part of the problem is that the “guard-rails” of wealth acquisition in political office had been dismantled. Trump rid himself (and his political allies) of oversight by Inspector Generals…by firing them all.
And, it’s no surprise that Trump surrounded himself with billionaires by including them in his Cabinet. They have the opportunity to enrich themselves, too.
If you have an interest in political corruption–and what to do to fix it–Matt K. Lewis’ Filthy Rich Politicians provides a workable plan.
Do you have a “favorite” corrupt politician? GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Foreword by Batya Unger-Sargon — ix
Introduction — 1
The ruling class — 11
A rich history: Pre$idents from Washington to Biden — 18
Why the rich get elected — 29
Why the elected get rich — 45
All in the family: How politicians spread the wealth — 70
The lifestyle: Living large — 91
Latte liberals: Rich and privileged with influence — 102
Ivy League populists: Rich and privileged networks — 125
You can take it with you: The revolving door — 142
Don’t eat the rich — 160
Appendix: The Richest Twenty-Five Members of Congress — 181
The Ten Richest US Presidents — 181
Acknowledgements — 193
Notes — 197
Index — 235
About the Author — 243
