Bags Quote by Jonathan Alter
“Almost no one under 60 remembers what fundraising was like before Watergate. Until the 1970s, campaign money was collected by "bagmen," familiar characters from the world of organized crime. As fans of Boardwalk Empire know, a bagman is a political fixer who walked around with stacks of $100 and $1,000 bills. At lower levels, he used brown paper bags. In presidential campaigns, the cash was more likely to be in briefcases. Classier that way.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Promise: President Obama, Year One by Jonathan Alter, 2010
Fundraising before the 1970s relied on cash hand‑offs by intermediaries, resembling organized‑crime methods, which changed after reforms.
In simple terms: Old campaigns used cash couriers called bagmen.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how fundraising transparency evolved.
Themes
politics
campaign finance
history
reform
corruption
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- campaign planning
- political consulting
- financial compliance
- media analysis
Key Concepts
cash handling
political patronage
regulatory change
Questions to Reflect On
- How did Watergate reshape campaign finance law?
- What new risks arise from online fundraising?
A Different Perspective
Modern digital fundraising reduces cash handling but raises data‑privacy concerns.
