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Comment by GuiA | Hacker News Reader

I would argue that in the long term, Bill Gates running his foundation has a much deeper impact on humanity than being president, which would effectively cut him off from his philanthropic activities for 4-8 years. In other words, we're better off with Bill helming the Gates foundation rather than presiding the USA.

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I would argue the otherwise. Imagine the resources and the influence power he would have on both U.S. and other nations, compared to few billion dollars spared by few people.

You're forgetting he'd be hampered by Congress. POTUS isn't a dictatorial position.

He can move more or less unilaterally.

You're assuming they would run as Democrats.

No my comment holds true regardless of party.

Countries where the president can't go because of diplomacy, Bill can. Bill also doesn't have to deal with things like the debt ceiling, F35 contract, nominating supreme court justices etc etc. He can focus on global health.

How many would vote for him if they knew he hoped to help non-Americans with US txpayer dollars?

That depends on how good his marketing team is.

Would it? If it's permissible now to run a major international business while President, would it not also be permissible to run a giant charity?

I believe the comment was in regards to time spent on either venture, not the legality of doing both.

Back in October, no, it was not permissible to run a giant charity. Apparently.

I know it's called the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but isn't it Melinda that runs and manages everything? I'm pretty sure Bill just donates to the foundation. I could be wrong tho.

Did you notice the format that report took? Melinda, Bill, Melinda, Bill...

Not that I feel this is the case, but one could argue that having Bill sign his name to something doesn't mean he's not "just a donor" and they're using his name for marketing purposes. Of course, I don't feel this is true, but I wanted to point it out nonetheless :)

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