Financial Analysis: Rothschild campaign fueled by famous donors

Candidate Pablo Rothschild released his financial records yesterday, disclosing to the public where about $55,500 of his campaign funds came from. The star-studded list of financial support includes Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Lebron James, in addition to the non-profit known as The Education Trust. The Walking Nine decided to take a closer look at some of these donations and what they may mean for Rothschild’s campaign.

Brad Pitt:

Though primarily an actor, Pitt is known for his work as a humanitarian and environmentalist, with his most famous project being, as mentioned in Rothschild’s financial disclosures, working with Global Green USA to build environmentally friendly houses in New Orleans. Pitt’s financial contribution mainly speaks to the work that Rothschild vows to put into the environment and his plan to reduce the environmental harm that we as a nation cause. His program, as put in his first speech, are titled “The Harmful Waste Disposal and Total Conservation plan.” These plans involve uniting environmental groups across the nation and creating more jobs in environmental-related industries. Pitt’s hefty endorsement of $2,000 proves that he, a well-respected figure in the environmental world, has faith in Rothschild’s plans to help improve our environment.

George Clooney:

Clooney is not only an Oscar-winning actor, but also an activist for Syrian refugees who donate approximately $1,000 to the Rothschild campaign. Though a vote of confidence from an individual who is experienced with the issue of refugees is important, the fact that the Rothschild campaign did not release any financial disclosures that involved support from a more prestigious organization that deal with foreign policy and the refugee crisis, such as the UN, is slightly concerning given that a main part of his platform as discussed in his recent speech revolves around accepting refugees from Syria and reforming the screening process.

The Education Trust:

The Education Trust is a “national non-profit organization” that aims to increase “high academic achievement for all students at all levels, particularly for students of color and low-income students”, according to Rothschild’s financial disclosure. The organization donated $50,000 to Rothschild’s campaign, making it the highest donor. Though celebrity donations are certainly important, a donation from a nationally-renowned organization such as The Education Trust that has been doing charitable work for years is even more valuable. The education aspect of Rothschild’s campaign focuses on making state universities more accessible and publically funded, as well as reducing the rate of “dropout schools” across the nation. The Education Trust’s faith in Rothschild proves that we as a country can trust his plans for the future of our education, an extremely important issue that we need a well-qualified and trusted candidate to tackle.

Lebron James:

James donated approximately $25,000 to Rothschild’s campaign and according to his financial disclosures will keep a constant dialogue with Rothschild regarding education reform. James’ financial support is meaningful considering his recent vow to provide scholarships to students at the University of Akron, however support from more well-known and respected education charities such as Teach for America would have been more impactful. Additionally, Rothschild’s financial disclosures did not mention support from any civil rights groups, something that seems disturbing given that we can all agree that any candidate we elect should support equality for all.

*Photos courtesy Department of Defense, the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival, the National Basketball Association

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