We explore the unique approach to campaign finance in the United States, focusing on the Citizens United case. This case, decided in 2010, changed the rules surrounding political spending and opened up new possibilities for campaign messaging. The impact of the case is far-reaching, particularly in the age of social media. The episode also delves into the competing theories on free speech and the implications for a functioning democracy and highlights the need for transparency and reasonable restrictions on campaign finance to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.

Key Takeaways:

• The Citizens United case in 2010 changed the rules surrounding campaign finance in the United States opened up new possibilities for campaign messaging and advertising, particularly in the age of social media.
• There are competing theories on the justification for protecting free speech in the context of campaign finance, with some arguing for individual expression and others emphasizing the importance of a functioning democracy.
• Transparency and reasonable restrictions on campaign finance are necessary to maintain the integrity of the democratic process, but it's difficult to balance these restrictions against the need for free expression (and free speech).