"After all, if the corporate directors authorizing the donation didn’t expect to get some kind of benefit from the politician in return" Of course. But, that

"After all, if the corporate directors authorizing the donation didn’t expect to get some kind of benefit from the politician in return" Of course. But, that thing in return might not be corrupt. Let's say you are a gun manufacturer and you give money to politicians who support the NRA. Corrupt? No more so than a gun owner making contributions for similar reasons. Beneficial? You bet.