Campaign finance abuses and reforms
(eVideo)

English

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 12, 2005.

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This program, hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hedrick Smith, provides an overview of Clinton-era campaign finance reform: the failed initiatives of the post-Watergate era, soft money scandals, and models for reform. Smith interviews John McCain, Bill Bradley, and Jack Kemp to determine how soft money corrupted the political process. The initial segment describes the campaign finance system in use during the 1990s-itself the result of reforms instituted after Watergate-and explains how that system broke down. A second segment originates in Florida's sugarcane fields and demonstrates how well-targeted campaign donations helped win passage of legislation that favored the sugar industry. A final segment, set in Maine, illustrates how a public-funding bill impacted the electoral process and considers the lessons the nation might learn from it.

Mode of access: Internet.

System requirements: Access Video On Demand playback platform.