Topic: Dark Money

Co-hosts on "The View" discussed the potential for Elon Musk to derail Donald Trump's legislative agenda by funding primary challenges against Republican lawmakers. The panel noted that Musk's significant wealth and influence on social media platforms could peel off enough votes to shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives. However, critics pointed to Musk's recent financial backing of a losing judicial candidate in Wisconsin as evidence that his political spending may not always yield the desired results.

Whistleblower Brittany Kaiser discusses her time at Cambridge Analytica and the 2016 Trump campaign's use of "dark money" and psychographic targeting. She claims the campaign specifically targeted "neurotic" individuals with fear-based messaging. The hosts question Kaiser's framing of "manipulative communications," noting that all marketing is inherently manipulative.

A shadowy 501(c)(3) group called "Acronym" has launched a $75 million ad campaign to support Democratic candidates. While the primary donors remain anonymous, its affiliated PAC, "Pacronym," has received funding from George Soros, Eric Holder's redistricting committee, and the Dollar Shave Club.

Senator Susan Collins criticized special interest groups for opposing the Kavanaugh nomination before the nominee's name was even known. She highlighted the use of "dark money" and the spread of debunked falsehoods via social media. The segment notes how these groups whipped followers into a frenzy using over-the-top rhetoric.

Joe Scarborough reports on the backstory of Chris Christie's exit from the presidential race, alleging that Marco Rubio's campaign used "dark money" to fund negative advertisements. The claim suggests that Christie's momentum in New Hampshire was intentionally sabotaged by these attacks, leading to his poor fourth-place finish.

The hosts predict a global economic collapse in 2017 following the U.S. election, citing falling prices for gold, silver, and oil. They argue that the fracking industry maintains political support through "dark money" donations to both parties, including former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. The decline in oil prices is seen as a threat to the profitability of shale and natural gas projects.

Senator Al Franken questions First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams about the potential for wealthy corporations to intimidate politicians with threats of massive campaign spending. The discussion touches on "dark money" and 501(c)(4) social welfare groups. The hosts counter that such influence is no different from existing lobbying by groups like the Sierra Club and dismiss Franken's arguments as specious.