Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban is garnering passionate reactions from several Twitter users after suggesting voters donate to charities instead of candidates in Georgia’s runoff elections.
“For those considering donating to Reps or Dems in the Georgia Senate run-offs, can you please re-consider and donate that money to your local foodbank and organizations that can help those without food or shelter? Lets put Americans in need above Politics,” Cuban wrote on Thursday.
For those considering donating to Reps or Dems in the Georgia Senate run-offs, can you please re-consider and donate that money to your local foodbank
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) November 12, 2020
and organizations that can help those without food or shelter? Lets put Americans in need above Politics
Singer John Legend criticized Cuban for underestimating the power of the government over charities.
“I get that politics is annoying and contentious, but the bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful than a food bank donation. We need massive stimulus and aid to individuals and small businesses. Government needs to do this. Charity isn’t sufficient,” Legend replied.
I get that politics is annoying and contentious, but the bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful than a food bank donation. We need massive stimulus and aid to individuals and small businesses. Government needs to do this. Charity isn’t sufficient
— John Legend (@johnlegend) November 12, 2020
Cuban responded, “Let’s go all the way. Stop donating to charity, give those $ to politicians because 1 party will solve all of our problems! Come on John. There is a point of diminishing returns on political ad spend, there are no diminished returns when it comes to feeding the hungry.”
Let's go all the way. Stop donating to charity, give those $ to politicians because 1 party will solve all of our problems! Come on John. There is a point of diminishing returns on political ad spend, there are no diminished returns when it comes to feeding the hungry. https://t.co/kGJsPrqw0K
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) November 12, 2020
Actor Tom Arnold told Cuban, “Let me explain this to billionaire: WE are the party of feeding people. YOU are the party of not feeding people. WE will use all of our money to flip the Senate so people get all the food all the time. Thats how WE put Americans above Politics Mark Cuban.”
Cuban fired back, “I’m neither party. The political duopoly is at the heart of why we are partisan. When you play us VS them it gets worse. Want to see it get better ? Take the money away from both parties. You eliminate the power of Mitch and Nancy and make them serve their constituents instead.”
I’m neither party. The political duopoly is at the heart of why we are partisan. When you play us VS them it gets worse. Want to see it get better ? Take the money away from both parties. You eliminate the power of Mitch and Nancy and make them serve their constituents instead. https://t.co/XVYSUAE3mt
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) November 12, 2020
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) weighed in on Cuban’s remarks.
“Dear [Mark Cuban]: Thank you for supporting food banks. I also note that the federal government has a huge role in addressing food insecurity, from SNAP to agricultural policies to the Farm to Food Bank Program. It is unwise and misleading to act as if US Senators don’t matter,” Lieu wrote.
Cuban reacted, “Never said they don’t matter. While I have you. Have heard many recent stories from the house and Senate of members not wanting to vote party line only to have their Speaker or Majority Leader withhold funds or tamp down donors. True ?”
Never said they don’t matter. While I have you. Have heard many recent stories from the house and Senate of members not wanting to vote party line only to have their Speaker or Majority Leader withhold funds or tamp down donors. True ? https://t.co/omyYM9U4TG
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) November 12, 2020
Republican Sen. David Perdue will face off against Democrat Jon Ossoff while Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) will take on Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock in Georgia runoff elections. Those elections will determine which party controls the upper chamber.
