Question

A campaign advertisement appears on TV and in social media that says, "Candidate Smith has a record that includes policies that will hurt all Americans. If these policies are put into place, much of your hard-earned savings will be taxed away, and your well-paying job will be moved overseas. Be sure to vote on election day."
Which statement below best explains what limitations, if any, might be placed on this campaign message?

Answer 1

Answer:

Smith's opponent could use "soft money" to pay for the ad and does not have to claim support for it.

Explanation:

Soft money is money that is donated to political parties where the purpose is not to promote a specific candidate. Soft money is largely unregulated, and there is no cap on it. Political parties can essentially spend it on whatever they want as long as it fits a generic objective to "increase the vote." Soft money is often called "nonfederal" contributions.

The opponent might be using these funds to sponsor a slander campaign against Smith.