The News Agents - USA Is this the biggest political sex scandal since Lewinsky?
22 snips
Dec 3, 2025 
Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her sharp commentary on politics and culture, delves into the sensational affair between journalist Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. They explore the implications for journalistic ethics and the pervasive influence of MAGA culture on public narratives. The discussion includes how ambition shapes journalists today, comparisons to Monica Lewinsky, and the blurred lines between victimhood and cunning strategy. Plus, they touch on explosive allegations surrounding Pete Hegseth, raising moral questions about wartime conduct.
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Personal Entanglement Undermines Credibility
- Olivia Nuzzi's affair with RFK Jr. exposes how personal entanglements can reshape journalistic credibility.
- The story reveals modern journalism's vulnerability to personal branding and click-driven incentives.
A Rivalry Rooted In Past Exposés
- Ryan Lizza's long history of scooping and exposing insiders fuels the present feud with Olivia Nuzzi.
- That backstory helps explain why their split has become a public, vindictive clash.
Power Shields Politicians, Not Journalists
- The Nuzzi story shows how political environments now protect powerful figures more than journalists.
- RFK Jr. faces fewer career costs from the affair while Nuzzi bears professional fallout.
