

Best of Design Matters: David Cay Johnston
Jul 28, 2025
David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, dives deep into the intricacies of political corruption and tax fraud. He recalls his early encounters with Donald Trump in the casino industry, highlighting the skepticism surrounding Trump's abilities. Johnston discusses the impact of Trump's media manipulation and critiques the failures of journalism. The conversation underscores the importance of informed voting and civic responsibility, urging listeners to engage with the complexities of democracy and the lasting effects of Trump's presidency.
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LAPD Exposure & Newspaper Pushback
- Johnston exposed LAPD corruption, including cops instructed to sleep with women for political info.
- He was shut down by the LA Times and reassigned to features due to disturbing too much local establishment.
Journalism Needs Rigor and Fortitude
- Verify facts rigorously; fake news claims require provable, solid evidence.
- Antagonistic subjects scrutinize journalists intensely, so be careful and fortify your reporting.
Focus on Hard Ideas, Not Journalism
- Study enough journalism for basics but focus on understanding hard ideas like statistics, philosophy, or history.
- Learning principles and theories deeply helps you grasp mechanics and reveal hidden truths.