Barack Obama
playerMoney & Finance · Intelligence & Surveillance
The 'progressive' president ran Wall Street's cabinet, jailed more whistleblowers than every prior president combined, and never prosecuted a single banker for the 2008 crash.
Who they are
Barack Obama, framed by the engine as a managed asset representing the progressive wing.
What they do
The engine reads him not as an outsider reformer but as a figure whose administration served establishment finance.
How it works
Goldman Sachs was his top 2008 donor at over $1M; his finance chair was subprime banker Penny Pritzker; the Crown family of General Dynamics bundled money; and Geithner and Summers filled a Wall Street-heavy cabinet. He prosecuted 7-10 whistleblowers under the Espionage Act versus 3 total before him, expanded every Bush surveillance program, prosecuted no Wall Street executive for 2008, and passed a healthcare law (ACA) built on mandatory market participation.
Why it matters
The engine's point is that the 'reform' brand masked continuity with existing financial and surveillance power.
The engine's record — word for word
Managed asset — progressive wing. Goldman Sachs top 2008 donor ($1M+). Penny Pritzker (subprime banking) as finance chair. Crown family (General Dynamics) as bundlers. Geithner/Summers Wall Street cabinet. Prosecuted MORE whistleblowers under Espionage Act than all prior presidents combined (7-10 vs 3 total before). Expanded every Bush surveillance program. No Wall Street executive prosecuted for 2008 crisis. ACA = mandatory market participation.
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