Mark Cuban asks voters to ‘reconsider’ donating to Georgia run-off elections
Mark Cuban #MarkCuban
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, made waves on social media on Thursday after stating that voters should “re-consider” making monetary donations to candidates in Georgia’s upcoming runoff Senate elections.
In a tweet, Cuban said that Americans should put their money towards local charities instead of politics.
“For those considering donating to Reps or Dems in the Georgia Senate run-offs, can you please re-consider and donate that money to your local foodbank and organizations that can help those without food or shelter? Lets put Americans in need above Politics,” Cuban wrote.
The tweet was met with resistance from several users, including singer John Legend, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Fox News’s Gianno Caldwell.
“I get that politics is annoying and contentious, but the bottom line is that the Senate flipping would be far more impactful than a food bank donation. We need massive stimulus and aid to individuals and small businesses. Government needs to do this. Charity isn’t sufficient,” Legend responded to Cuban.
He later added, “That being said, I’ll be doing both.”
Cuban responded sarcastically saying “Let’s go all the way. Stop donating to charity, give those $ to politicians because 1 party will solve all of our problems! Come on John,” and emphasized that there are “no diminished returns on feeding the hungry.”
Lieu pointed out to Cuban that the federal government has a role in addressing nationwide food insecurity.
“Dear @mcuban: Thank you for supporting food banks. I also note that the federal government has a huge role in addressing food insecurity, from SNAP to agricultural policies to the Farm to Food Bank Program. It is unwise and misleading to act as if US Senators don’t matter,” he tweeted.
Cuban snapped back writing “Never said they don’t matter. While I have you. Have heard many recent stories from the house and Senate of members not wanting to vote party line only to have their Speaker or Majority Leader withhold funds or tamp down donors. True ?,” to which Lieu did not respond.
Caldwell retorted with his own reasoning behind supporting Senate candidates in Georgia.
“The reason we are donating is to prevent Dems for putting us in the food bank lines. This race is just that important. Protect the GOP Senate,” he wrote.
Georgia will hold a runoff election for its Senate seats in January. GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are facing Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock.