On the Media Do Sex Scandals Matter Anymore in Politics?
Jan 1, 2025
Latif Nasser, co-host of Radiolab, engages with former Senator Gary Hart about the seismic shift caused by his 1987 sex scandal. They dive into how this incident reshaped political journalism and public perception of candidates. The conversation highlights the evolving standards of media scrutiny and ethical dilemmas reporters face covering personal scandals. With Donald Trump's possible return to office, they question whether such scandals still hold weight in today's political climate, reflecting on the changing dynamics of accountability in public life.
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Shifting Impact of Scandals
- The Gary Hart scandal marked a turning point in political journalism.
- Today, similar scandals, even with convictions, don't hold the same weight due to increased partisan divide and media distrust.
The Untold Bush Affair
- Brooke Gladstone shares a story about George H.W. Bush's alleged 17-year affair.
- Despite being an open secret, the media chose not to cover it, prioritizing governance over personal life.
From Citizens to Consumers
- The media's focus has shifted from informing citizens to serving consumers.
- This 'tabloid' approach caters to what sells, potentially leading to 'tabloid presidents'.
