Question

The cost of TV time-buys makes fundraising an enormous entry barrier for candidates for public office, an oppressive burden for incumbents who seek reelection, a continuous threat to the integrity of our political institutions, and a principal cause of the erosion of public respect for public service." —Reed Hundt, 1995 Based on his opinions about television advertising and fundraising, Reed Hundt most likely would not support campaign finance reform.

a)True
b)False

Answer 1

Reed Hundt's opinions about the high costs and negative impacts of TV time-buys on political campaigns suggest that he would likely support campaign finance reform, making the statement false (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Reed Hundt's opinions regarding television advertising and fundraising, it can be deduced that he recognizes the high cost of TV time-buys as a significant barrier for candidates and a potential corrupting influence in politics, implying a need for campaign finance reform. Therefore, the statement presented is False. Hundt likely supports campaign finance reform as a means to address the pervasive issues of fundraising barriers for new candidates, the burden of campaign financing on incumbents, and the integrity of political institutions.

The passage refers to the excessive amounts spent on television ads for campaigns and the negative influence this can have, including an erosion of public respect for public service. This suggests a need for reform that would reduce the reliance on large fundraising efforts for TV advertising. It also highlights the loopholes that exist in the current system, such as using 'issue ads' to advocate for a candidate without explicitly endorsing them, which circumvents regulations.