Watch Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk?

Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? is a 2016 documentary directed and produced by Alexandra Pelosi. In this film, Pelosi explores the role of money in American politics by interviewing some of the country's wealthiest individuals who've contributed large sums of money to political campaigns. The film delves into the inner workings of political fundraising, exploring the motivations behind the enormous amounts of money that people are willing to give to political candidates.

Pelosi starts the film by introducing viewers to some of the biggest political donors in America, including Julian Robertson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, and Bernard L. Schwartz, a former CEO of Loral Space & Communications. Through interviews with these donors, Pelosi uncovers their reasons for supporting political candidates, which range from altruistic to self-serving. Some donors have an ideological agenda and want to see their principles reflected in policy, while others have business interests that they want to protect or promote.

The film also explores the use of "dark money" in American politics, which refers to anonymous donations made to political action committees (PACs). These donors can remain anonymous, allowing them to contribute millions of dollars to political campaigns without disclosing their identities. Pelosi interviews representatives from groups that handle large amounts of dark money, like the NRA and the Koch brothers' political network, to find out why they choose to remain anonymous.

Throughout the film, Pelosi also delves into the power dynamics at play in political fundraising. She interviews politicians who candidly discuss the pressures they face to raise money, often spending more time courting donors than voters. The film shows how political candidates spend hours on the phone soliciting donations, often from the same small group of wealthy individuals.

One of the most significant aspects of the film is the way it highlights the impact of money on the democratic process. Pelosi shows how some donors use their money to pursue their own interests and shape public policy in their favor. For example, she interviews a donor who contributed millions to candidates who opposed healthcare reforms that would impact his insurance company. The film also highlights how the wealthy have a disproportionate influence on politics and policy, which can sometimes undermine the voices of everyday citizens.

Throughout the film, Pelosi maintains a relatively objective approach to her subject matter. While she doesn't condone the use of dark money or the influence that wealthy donors have on the political process, she also recognizes their right to free speech and their ability to participate in the democratic process. Nonetheless, Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? raises important questions about the role of money in politics and the impact it has on democracy.

In conclusion, Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the intersection of wealth, politics, and democracy. Through interviews with wealthy political donors, representatives from dark money organizations, and politicians, Pelosi delves into the motivations behind political fundraising and the impact it has on policy-making. The film highlights the dangers of wealthy individuals having an outsized influence on politics, and it raises important questions about how to ensure that the democratic process is fair and equitable for all.

Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? is a 2016 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.