Democratic Donors Support Media Matters: Leaked List Exposed

The recently leaked donor list of Media Matters for America, a progressive activist group posing as media watchdogs, reveals that some of the most influential Democratic donors in the country financially support the organization. This disclosure, unintentionally brought to light in a public report to the New Mexico Attorney General's office in November, raises serious questions about the transparency and independence of Media Matters.

Controversial Funding

As a charitable organization, Media Matters is not obligated to disclose its donors publicly. However, the group inadvertently exposed its top five donors.

1. Debora Simon: Shopping mall magnate from Indiana, contributed an impressive $4 million to Media Matters and has donated a total of $53 million to Democratic politicians and groups since 2018.
2. Joshua Bekenstein and Anita: Co-chairman of Bain Capital and his wife, known major donors to Democratic super PACs, contributed $1.75 million.
3. Gill Foundation: Private foundation of LGBT activist Tim Gill, contributed nearly $3 million.
4. Stephen Silberstein Foundation: Left-leaning organization funding other progressive groups, contributed an additional $1.9 million.
5. Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation:  Associated with billionaire Warren Buffett, donated over $1.7 million.

Loss of Objectivity?

Media Matters was founded in 2004 by David Brock, a staunch supporter of the Clintons. The organization obtained tax-exempt status with the goal of identifying and correcting conservative misinformation. Critics argue that Media Matters lost its supposed objectivity in 2016 when it supported Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Impact on Perception and Credibility

The inadvertent disclosure of donor information could have significant implications for the perception and credibility of Media Matters. This incident triggers a debate about the transparency of political organizations in today's political landscape.