Larry D. Lauer

I write about politics from a communication and media perspective. The dynamics I try to explain have no ideology or party preference. My assessments are about the impact of both words and imagery. And right now, money is “talking” louder than ever.

It has been widely reported that the Russians gave (and may still be giving) money to the NRA. And it is also widely known that the NRA funds many congressional campaigns. So does this kind of “dark money” funding explain why there was little push-back from Congress when the president said he would consider help from foreign sources?

It was also recently reported that the owner of the Miami Dolphins, Steven Ross, is hosting a huge fundraiser for Mr. Trump. When questioned about it he said he personally rejects much of the rhetoric, but Trump’s policies have been good for business. How then does business feel about the president’s love affair with autocrats and dictators? And when his obvious autocratic ambitions take over, will Mr. Ross also raise big money to support that? Believe it or not, the president’s behavior these days is talking almost as loud as money.