Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right is a non-fiction book written by Jane Mayer. The book was published in 2016 and it explores the influence of billionaires on American politics. The book focuses on how these billionaires use their wealth to fund conservative causes and candidates, and how their money has shaped the political landscape in the United States.
The book is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the influence of dark money on American politics. In this book summary, we will provide a brief overview of each chapter and then conclude with a summary of the main themes of the book.
Chapter 1: The Origins of Dark Money
The first chapter of the book provides a historical overview of the rise of dark money in American politics. Mayer traces the origins of dark money back to the 1970s, when a group of conservative businessmen began to fund right-wing causes and candidates. These early efforts were largely unsuccessful, but they laid the groundwork for the rise of dark money in the years to come.
Chapter 2: The Koch Brothers
The second chapter of the book focuses on the Koch brothers, two of the wealthiest and most influential conservative donors in the United States. The Koch brothers have used their vast wealth to fund a wide range of conservative causes, including climate change denial, opposition to Obamacare, and support for right-wing candidates. Mayer provides a detailed overview of the Koch brothers’ political activities and their impact on American politics.
Chapter 3: The Mercers
The third chapter of the book turns to the Mercers, a wealthy family of investors who have become major players in conservative politics. The Mercers have funded a number of right-wing causes, including Breitbart News, which is known for its inflammatory and often false reporting. Mayer provides a detailed overview of the Mercers’ political activities and their impact on American politics.
Chapter 4: The Bradleys
The fourth chapter of the book looks at the Bradleys, a wealthy family of conservative donors who have been involved in right-wing politics for decades. The Bradleys have funded a number of conservative causes, including the Heritage Foundation, a think tank that has played a key role in shaping conservative policy. Mayer provides a detailed overview of the Bradleys’ political activities and their impact on American politics.
Chapter 5: The Adelsons
The fifth chapter of the book turns to the Adelsons, a wealthy family of casino magnates who have become major players in conservative politics. The Adelsons have funded a number of right-wing causes, including the Republican Party and the Trump campaign. Mayer provides a detailed overview of the Adelsons’ political activities and their impact on American politics.
Chapter 6: The Impact of Dark Money
The sixth chapter of the book looks at the impact of dark money on American politics. Mayer argues that dark money has had a profound impact on American politics, shaping the political landscape in ways that are often hidden from view. She provides a detailed overview of the ways in which dark money has been used to influence elections, shape policy, and undermine democracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Money is a powerful and thought-provoking book that provides a detailed overview of the influence of dark money on American politics. Mayer’s writing is clear and concise, and she provides a wealth of evidence to support her arguments. The book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in understanding the role of money in politics and the ways in which it shapes our democracy. Overall, Dark Money is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and often hidden world of American politics.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “Dark Money” on Amazon
