For more half a decade, the massive nonprofit now officially blessed by Bidenworld to be its main backup on the outside has been soliciting donations via ActBlue, the Democrats’ top online fundraising tool.
It turns out that this is almost certainly illegal. According to website archives, the Future Forward USA Action (FFUSA) has had a “donate” button on its homepage that links to an ActBlue site since at least 2018. Groups like FFUSA are usually given about two years to get their paperwork in order, but for a group this big to be this far behind in getting its act together is raising eyebrows in the campaign finance world.
FFUSA just announced plans to spend upwards of $13 million in support of President Joe Biden’s agenda; its compliance failures could lead to its inability to raise funds. Last year, California’s Democratic attorney general banned one of Nancy Pelosi’s dark money nonprofits from raising money in California because it was “delinquent” in its paperwork filings.
In an incredibly ironic twist, FFUSA currently states on its legally-problematic website that “stricter enforcement of the existing laws by the Federal Election Commission [is] essential to a healthy democracy.” The site still links to FFUSA’s ActBlue page, which campaign finance experts tell us is likely impermissible at this point.
Groups like FFUSA have to file charity registrations nationwide in order to accept online donations, which FFUSA doesn’t seem to have done. The group’s most recent 990 does not list any states they’re registered to solicit contributions in.
–Matthew Foldi
On our radar
TEXAS HOLDEM State senators have begun deliberations in the impeachment trial of Texas General Ken Paxton. The Spectator is monitoring the case and will bring swift reaction.
VEEP OR HOMEWRECKER? The British DailyMail is assuring readers that South Dakota governor Kristi Noem and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski have been having a “years-long clandestine affair.” Is it true? Will it affect Noem’s shot at being named Trump’s running mate? Or are Trump supporters used to a candidate with a little bit of a licentious side?
Glory and gloom for Kevin McCarthy
This week has been full of glory and gloom for Speaker Kevin McCarthy. On Tuesday, he announced an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, and for a second, he felt like a superstar. Shortly after though, he became frustrated, as he is unable to lead a Republican majority with colleagues that threaten to oust him.
Yesterday, as tensions intensified in a behind-closed-doors gathering, it is reported that McCarthy dared his colleagues to come after him. The Associated Press reports that he went as far as to say, “file the fucking motion,” according to his colleagues in the private meeting.
You might have thought that the impeachment inquiry would have inspired some GOP unity, but a demanding Freedom Caucus is ready to shut down the government if spending cuts are not made. If McCarthy is on the way, then the caucus appears to be ready to file a motion to replace him.
–Juan P. Villasmil
Vivek’s TikTok flip-flop is paying off
Vivek Ramaswamy to The Spectator, day one of his campaign: “I think this is the single most important issue we’re dealing with, is that dynamic with China. And I’m optimistic. I think there’s a window, because of the Xi Jinping self-inflicted damage, to be able to act now.”
Vivek Ramaswamy in the first week of his campaign: “I’m very open to banning TikTok outright. In the meantime, we sit on our hands and do nothing as kids get addicted to it like it’s digital fentanyl.”
Vivek Ramaswamy discussing young people on the campaign trail last month: “Sixty percent of them say they would sooner give up their right to vote than to give up their access to TikTok. I’m not making this up. This is the stuff of a national crisis unless we step up and stand from something as a nation.”
Vivek Ramaswamy on Twitter/X this week: “Had dinner with @JakePaul on Sunday. He changed my mind and convinced me to join TikTok. Yes, kids under age 16 shouldn’t be using it, but the fact is that many young voters are & we’re not going to change this country without winning.” (Paul, for what it’s worth, did not endorse Vivek in exchange for the candidate’s reversal on the Chinese-run app.)
Commenters on Vivek Ramaswamy’s first TikTok Thursday: “Vivek i edge to you”; “Vivek I’m so close”; “vivek im gooning to this so hard”; “Whoa Vivek! I edge to you my guy”; “Vivek I constantly edge to you🥰🥰🥰”; “Vivek I edge to you buddy”; “finally vivek a true voice we can all edge to !!”; “We edge to Vivek!”
From the site
Ben Domenech: DC elites want to move on from Joe
Cockburn: Donald Trump, the new King David
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