Yes that spending has been very helpful in keeping all these far left candidates from winning their primaries. It seems like the only thing that matters in politics is money.
Where money goes further is being able to get attention. If the performance on TV, ads, roadshows is stronger than the other candidate you win.
Politics so so much about showmanship.
Elon with his Nazi salute even though many perceived as negative, it got him lots of attention in Media to be talk of town.
One thing going for Trump is he understands entertainment and attention. Positive or negative, he is center stage in news.
US apparently still has a functioning democracy, at least when candidates ignore the consultants and insiders and speak straight to the voters. Worked for Trump after all, remember that in 2016 the establishment was against him. Sure he's rich but that's not why he "won" (popular vote aside :( )
Just like Maga/populist right, the left can beat the billionaires if they're willing to take the message to the people.