Thread by @TheBeatWithAri

THREAD: In a special report, @AriMelber analyzes new ways campaign spending can shape the race, online and off, in a election where "democracy is now literally more expensive for candidates than it's ever been before."

on.msnbc.com/2vPftwi

@AriMelber Democrats now have two billionaires contenders, with debate newcomer Mike Bloomberg being the richest person to ever run for president. While few billionaires have self-funded races before, Trump is the first person to self fund a primary and win.

on.msnbc.com/2vPftwi

WATCH: Multi-million dollar media buys are almost a requirement for getting near the nomination. Federal courts have cut back laws that regulate campaign spending, which leaders in both parties have warned may "cripple the political process."

bit.ly/2PaBflf

Notice any of these videos? Bloomberg's 2020 campaign is now PAYING Instagram influencers who have shared these viral videos to their followers, to post content that supports or advertises the Bloomberg candidacy.

bit.ly/2PaBflf

This type of "paid branding" is basically legal.

According to The Daily Beast, Bloomberg is paying these citizens to post about voting for him, which is legal. Paying the same people to vote for him would not be.

bit.ly/2PaBflf

WATCH: While Bloomberg and Sanders are two of the oldest people running in 2020, younger people are engaging them online, including a meme making light of Sanders' call for financial support, comparing him to a "college kid" asking their parents for cash.

bit.ly/2PaBflf

The "jokes tee off something many Dems take seriously, searching for a strong candidate against Trump who can deploy the financial power to compete. For Sanders that's his grassroots fundraising... Other Dems eyeing Bloomberg like the idea that he HAS the money" -@AriMelber