I view donations this way ... I like you, I hope you succeed, here's some money to go forth and kick-ass.
I view donations-related bribery this way ... my interests are important, here's some money to let you know how important they are ... you do know that I sell alcohol at local gas stations, right? Also, did I mention how I only sponsor politicians that serve my interests?.
Yes, that's not explicit by itself. $500,000 ending up in some bank account is the explicit part. The government's purpose is to serve the interests of all the country's citizens, instead of listening to the highest bidder. How can that still be framed as free speech beats me.
I view donations-related bribery this way ... my interests are important, here's some money to let you know how important they are ... you do know that I sell alcohol at local gas stations, right? Also, did I mention how I only sponsor politicians that serve my interests?.
Yes, that's not explicit by itself. $500,000 ending up in some bank account is the explicit part. The government's purpose is to serve the interests of all the country's citizens, instead of listening to the highest bidder. How can that still be framed as free speech beats me.