A New Era of TV-Famous Billionaire Politicians Is Upon Us
Why is it that people continually conflate the accrual of loads and loads of money coupled with a cheesy TV spot as prerequisites to becoming an effective policy-maker?
I have often asked myself that question when considering the horrifying trainwreck that is Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. But now, there’s a new billionaire with political ambitions: Mark Cuban, the billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner, Ayn Rand fanboy, and “Shark Tank” judge.
In an interview with NBC News’ Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press” set to air Sunday, Cuban said he would “absolutely” consider being Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s second-in-command.
A few questions here: Why did Todd even ask this question—do we really think the Clinton campaign will ask Cuban? Why was Cuban invited on “Meet the Press”? Why do we not learn from our mistakes, and remember that businessmen don’t make good politicians???
It’s not the first time Cuban has hinted about his political aspirations. Last year, he said that running for president was “a fun idea to toss around,” and that he “could beat both Trump and Clinton” if he ran.
It’s worth noting, however, that Cuban would bring an interesting skill set to the White House, particularly as the only vice president to have danced a hideous foxtrot on national television.