In 2021, Presidential Debates Executive Director Made $530,257
Ah, the Commission on Presidential Debates.
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3), established in 1987.
The very name connotes credibility. High civic mindedness. Nobleness of purpose.
It emerges from a figurative chrysalis every four years to sponsor three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.
Unfortunately, the Commission effectively limits participation to Republicans and Democrats -- only. By its own fiat, independents and new party candidates must attain polling in excess of 15%.
Good luck with that. Hasn’t happened since Ross Perot in 1992.
Interestingly, the Commission’s shameless quadrennial suppression of other political voices and views could become moot next year. A November 20th headline from the Associated Press says it all: “Three General Election Debates Are Scheduled for 2024. Neither Party Has Committed to Attending.”
Okay, now to the headline tease.
Nonprofits must file annual tax returns (Forms 990) with the Internal Revenue Service.
They’re matters of public record, readily viewable at www.Guidestar.org.
So I looked up the Commission’s 2021 return, which is the most recent one available.
The Commission’s executive director received $428,682 in salary and $101,575 in benefits – a total compensation package of $530,257.
That’s for a non-Presidential election year.
Background:
www.Guidestar.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_on_Presidential_Debates