Money Politics

The Supreme Court has spoken. "Bong hits for Jesus" is out as protected speech by high schools students. So much for the kids in Alaska and their cheeky banner.

Big money campaign ads, however, are back in. By a 5-4 vote, the high court said big corporations, unions, anybody with a bundle of cash, can — in the waning hours of political campaign — push into the fray with big money "issue ads."

Chief Justice John Roberts says it's "free speech." Critics say the vote is once again losing to the power of the almighty dollar.

This hour On Point: cash and power now in American democracy.

Guests:

Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor at Slate magazine.

Sheila Krumholz, executive director for Center for Responsive Politics.Lawrence Lessig, professor of law at Stanford University.

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst, senior editor at the Atlantic Monthly.