Money in politics equals unprecedented access for big spenders

Questions about donations to the Clinton Foundation sparked a new debate this election cycle regarding money and access in politics. MPR News host Kerri Miller spoke with Joseph Uscinski , associate professor of political science at the University of Miami, about his notion that money — to this point — has not shaped the political or economic landscape in this country, pointing to the large social safety nets and ubiquitous political talk of the middle class.

They were joined by journalist John Nichols. Nichols writes for The Nation and is also the author of "Dollarocracy: How the Money-and-Media-Election Complex is Destroying America," which explores how campaigns have become predictable and money-soaked.

To hear the entire segment, select the above audio player.

Correction (Sept. 13, 2016): Joseph Uscinski was misidentified in an earlier version of this article.