The cost is high to run for American presidency

Obama spent $760m (Rs80 bn) in 2008 to reach Oval Office; Nixon $25.4m (Rs2.66 bn); Reagan $57.7m (Rs6 bn); Bush junior $355m (Rs3.6 bn)

LAHORE: As the 2016 US Presidential election to determine the 45th President and 48th Vice President of the world super power is almost four weeks away, both Hillary Clinton and the $4.5 billion tycoon Donald Trump have already raised and spent dozens of millions of dollars till date, meaning thereby that it is nearly impossible for a man with average financial resources to buy America’s Presidency.

Research shows that Barack Obama had spent over $760 million getting to the White House in 2008—nearly twice as much as George W. Bush Junior had spent in 2004 and more than 260 times what Abraham Lincoln had spent in his first election (as measured in 2016 dollars).

Lincoln’s 1860 Presidential campaign had cost over $3 million when measured in today’s US dollars.

According to the US Federal Election Commission, here follow the brief financial details pertaining to Presidential election campaign spending between 1960 and 2012:

In 1960, while Richard Nixon had spent $10.1 million, winner John F. Kennedy had spent $9.8 million.

In 1964, Goldwater ($16 million) and winner Lyndon Johnson ($8.8 million).

In 1968, winner Nixon ($25.4 million) and Humphrey ($11.6 million).

In 1972, winner Nixon ($61.4 million) and McGovern ($30 million).

In 1976, Gerald Ford ($35.8 million) and winner Jimmy Carter ($33.4 million).

In 1980, winner Ronald Reagan ($57.7 million) and Carter ($49 million).

In 1984, winner Reagan ($67.5 million) and Mondale ($66.7 million).

In 1988, winner George Bush Senior ($80 million) and Dukakis ($77.3 million).

In 1992, Bush Senior ($97.4 million) and winner Bill Clinton ($107.9 million).

In 1996, Bob Dole ($66.8 million) and winner Clinton ($115.4 million).

In 2000, winner George Bush Junior ($186.5 million) and Al-Gore ($120.3million).

In 2004, winner Bush Junior ($355 million) and John Kerry ($332.7 million).

In 2008, winner Barack Obama ($760.4 million) and John McCain ($239.7 million).

In 2008, winner Barack Obama ($737.1 million) and Matt Romney ($483.1 million).

In its May 7, 2016 edition, renowned magazine “Economist” had viewed: “It is reckoned that political candidates, parties, and outside groups will spend at least $5 billion on the 2016 election, more than double the cost of the 2012 campaign. Hillary Clinton alone is expected to raise and spend about half of that if she wins her party's nomination and goes on to November's election for President.”