Meghan McCain accused Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer of running an unfair campaign funded by the fortune he made in business.
Steyer, a wealthy businessman, appeared on ABC’s The View on Friday to discuss his presidential campaign to take on President Trump in 2020. McCain pushed Steyer on the fairness of him using resources that other candidates do not have access to, specifically his private fortune.
Steyer has pledged to spend $100 million of his own money to support his campaign. Three months after he announced his candidacy, campaign financial disclosure forms showed that he had spent $47 million, a rate of spending significantly higher than every other candidate except former New York City mayor and fellow billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
“Mr. Steyer, between you and Mayor Bloomberg, you have now spent $200 million on political ads. It hasn’t really helped you very much in the polls, but you did make it to the next debate stage,” McCain began.
“I think you bought your way there, and I don’t think it’s fair that you are there and Cory Booker isn’t. Change my mind,” McCain said.
Steyer asserted that, in the end, the election would not be about who has the largest treasure chest. Whichever candidate has the strongest message will eventually win the Democratic nomination and the chance to take on Trump, he said.
“I think for every single person who wants to be the Democratic nominee, the question is: What is your message? Are you saying something differential, important that the American people trust you on?” Steyer said.
“I have a simple message: This government is broken. It’s been bought by corporations,” Steyer continued. “We’re not going to get any of the progressive policies that Democrats are talking about until somebody gets us back to government of, by, and for the people.”
Steyer said his self-funded campaign gave him more freedom than other candidates from corporate influence that “is preventing [our government] from acting on anything.” Steyer said his message is resonating in early primary states, though his national polling numbers have remained low.
“But it’s good you have $100 million to buy Facebook ads to get you on a debate stage. I’m completely unconvinced by this, but we can move on,” McCain said.
[Related: Tom Steyer spent $109,000 per second he spoke during 2020 presidential debate]
