This cartoon encapsulates the influence of money in the American political process and more specifically in the unofficial selection of nominees during the invisible primaries or “pre-primary” phase. During this period leading up to the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, party elites and interest groups will often anoint a specific candidate and show their support with donations. The aggregate funding secured by a candidate during this phase often dictates the ultimate success of their campaign during the election period, and therefore, money can be seen as a proxy for votes before formal voting can begin.