U.S. Presidents and Their Influences on the Nation

Two scholars have competing theories to the Office of the Presidency. Friedenberg in his book “Sold to the Highest Bidder” argues that money plays a large role in the presidency and that democracy is undermined as a result. Skowronek in “Presidential Leadership in Political Time” argues that most presidents fit into one or three categories which all fit into a changing cycle of the Office of the Presidency. 

Private interests contribute money to both political parties to gain influence in formulating policies. These political parties look for the best person who can be sold to the public. Selling a candidate to the public can be done through buying of media time. Usually candidates have a lot of money to spend on campaign advertising to elicit public support for their campaign. Campaign advertising, not issues, is what ultimately elects candidates as President (Friedenberg, 2002). 

President John F. Kennedy and President Jimmy Carter came from two different financial backgrounds but had access to money, which ultimately bought them the election. These two presidents are examples of most past presidents who have had family members serve in public office and these family members enabled them to aspire to become President of the United States (Friendenberg, 2002). 

John F. Kennedy’s father, Joe Kennedy, came from a political background and had about $300 million in the 1960s. Joe used this money and popularity to finance his son’s campaign for the U.S. House in 1946. In 1952, John Kennedy beat Republican incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. in the U.S. Senate through a political campaign consisting of 286 workers, all hired by Joe (Friedenberg, 2002).