Does Joe Biden Accept Funding from Fossil Fuel Billionaires?

When it comes to campaign financing, Joe Biden's stance is clear: he accepts funding from a variety of sources, including the fossil fuel industry. However, he does not accept foreign or racist organization contributions. This article explores the dynamics of campaign funding, particularly in relation to the fossil fuel industry, and the realities of how political influence is bought.

Overview of Campaign Financing

When discussing campaign financing, it's important to understand that the majority of contributions to the Republican camp tend to come from fossil fuel billionaires, while Biden's efforts were initially less sizably funded. During the 2020 election cycle, Biden's relative lack of financial resources compared to other serious candidates suggests that the sources of his financial support are indeed from the fossil fuel industry.

Media Reports on Biden's Fundraising

A The Hill report stated that despite Biden's pledge to not accept campaign contributions from fossil fuel industries, CNBC revealed a fundraiser scheduled with Andrew Goldman, a co-founder of Houston-based natural gas producer Western LNG. When asked about the fundraiser, Biden defended it by asserting that Mr. Goldman is not a fossil fuel utive. Anderson Cooper later clarified that Goldman no longer had any day to day functions with the company. Biden stated that his staff informed him of this information.

These vague relationships between candidates and their campaign contributors are the norm. Inside Climate News, a published with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, reported that although Trump's presidential campaign benefits were technically separate from his inauguration activities, they helped him raise significant funds, much of which came from the fossil fuel industry. These funds were intended for inauguration activities rather than the campaign itself, highlighting the futility of distinguishing between campaign funds and those used for inauguration events. Both forms of funding are ultimately available for use by the candidate, and both are purchased to gain influence.

Specific Examples of Industry Contributions

Inside Climate News provided an example of the Dakota Access pipeline, which contributed $250,000. Additionally, Continental Resources, an Oklahoma-based fracking company led by Harold Hamm, a key Trump supporter, contributed $100,000. These contributions highlight the business investments made by corporations to ensure access and influence over regulatory and legislative priorities.

According to the report, top donors to Trump's inauguration received perks such as access to cabinet appointees at leadership luncheons and other events. This demonstrates that the methods purchased political influence under the current system are varied, and these practices do not serve the interests of the American people.

Conclusion

While Joe Biden may not accept every type of contribution, it is clear that the fossil fuel industry has funded his campaign to a significant extent, as it has with other candidates. Both campaign contributions and fundraising for inaugurations serve to create political influence, as is evident in the examples provided. The American public should be aware of these realities when evaluating the political landscape.

Keywords: Joe Biden, Fossil Fuel Funding, Campaign Finances