Here’s a thought experiment: Imagine that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and other 2016 Democratic hopefuls attended a large political event hosted by an Arab-American titan of industry, jockeying for his financial support in the upcoming presidential primaries.

Suppose that this kingmaker had a long history of making anti-Semitic comments and financing propaganda hostile to Israel. Then imagine that this billionaire recently called on Barack Obama’s administration to drop a nuclear bomb somewhere in Israel’s territory to prove that it was serious in its diplomatic negotiations.

The reaction from the press and political organizations would be furious. It would erupt into a huge scandal, broadcast across the networks — “Democrats jockey for support from leading anti-Semite.” The Anti-Defamation League’s Abe Foxman would be leading rallies. Mayors from New York to Los Angeles would be distancing themselves from all involved.

Thankfully, the Democrats are not courting such an extreme figure. But the Republicans are falling over themselves to win the favor of the anti-Muslim equivalent.

Over the past week, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and other Republican bigwigs attended the Republican Jewish Committee’s spring leadership meeting, hosted by casino baron Sheldon Adelson at his Venetian Resort Casino in Las Vegas.

The political-star-studded event has attracted plenty of media fanfare. "Can 2016 hopefuls hit the jackpot?" wondered The Hill. "Today is the first Republican primary of the 2016 presidential election," opined The Washington Post's The Fix. "Republican billionaire looking to back mainstream candidate," CBS News reported.

But what the news media didn’t do is ask whether Adelson deserves to be the arbiter of mainstream Republican politics. These outlets ignored his long history of extreme statements on foreign policy and instigating Islamophobia.

Adelson’s latest agenda is rooted in the headlines: President Barack Obama’s groundbreaking negotiations with Iran. Shortly after those talks with Iran started to bear fruit, Adelson appeared at an event at Yeshiva University in New York and suggested the United States drop a nuclear bomb in the Iranian desert to show “we mean business.” It’s no surprise that none of the leading Republicans who appeared with Adelson at his Vegas extravaganza have endorsed Obama’s talks with Iran, and it would not be surprising if they tacked far to the right on the issue if they chose to run. After all, Adelson spent more money in the 2012 election cycle than any other American.

Adelson has been open about his extremist views, and thanks to his deep pockets, those views have influence. He’s already appearing to have an impact on Christie, who has been one of the stronger Republicans in confronting Islamophobia. Despite the fact that he vocally defended the appointment of a Muslim judge at Adelson’s meeting, Christie later apologized for referring to Palestinians’ lands as “occupied territories” — after objections from Adelson and other attendees. Christie comes from a state with a large Muslim American population, which may explain his past defense of Muslims’ civil rights in the face of NYPD spying abuses — but now he has his eyes set on a higher post.