By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he's been bought ten times over

By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he's been bought ten times over

Gore Vidal, the renowned American writer and political commentator, was known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on the American political landscape. One of his most famous quotes, "By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he's been bought ten times over," perfectly encapsulates his cynical view of the corruption and influence of money in politics.

Vidal believed that the path to the presidency was paved with compromises and deals made with powerful special interests. In his eyes, no candidate could rise to the highest office in the land without owing favors to those who had financed their campaigns and supported their rise to power. This cynical view of the political process was a recurring theme in Vidal's work, as he often criticized the influence of money in shaping political decisions and policies.

Vidal's assertion that presidential candidates had been "bought ten times over" speaks to the pervasive influence of money in American politics. Campaign finance laws and regulations are meant to prevent corruption and undue influence, but Vidal believed that these laws were often circumvented by wealthy donors and special interest groups who sought to buy access and influence with politicians.

Vidal's critique of the political system was not limited to one party or ideology. He was equally critical of Democrats and Republicans, arguing that both parties were beholden to corporate interests and wealthy donors. In Vidal's view, the American political system had become a "corrupt oligarchy" where the interests of the few outweighed the needs of the many.

Despite his pessimistic view of the political process, Vidal remained a vocal advocate for reform and transparency in government. He believed that the only way to combat the influence of money in politics was to shine a light on the corrupting influence of special interests and hold politicians accountable for their actions.