We live in a time when people have vast enough wealth to practically buy their way into the Presidency. Is this unprecedented, or have there been other time in American history when this was a possibility?

by wise_idiot

I realize there have been wealthy people who could buy influence ever since there has been a United States, but it seems to me that they've done just that: bought and peddled influence, as opposed to just buying their ways into office. Am I off base, or are we seeing something new in politics in terms of the access wealth provides?

HoldingOnElegy

Your question is based on the premise that you can buy your way into the presidency. While wealth is a vital part of national politics, you'd be hard pressed to defend the claim that anyone can simply buy their way into the presidency.