CNN’s new series, “United States of Scandal,” hosted by Jake Tapper, is set to premiere this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. The series delves into the controversial actions of politicians during the pre-Trump era, providing a fresh perspective on familiar scandals.
Among the profiles are Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s fiery self-defense, the gradual downfall of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards during and after the 2008 presidential campaign, and the diversionary coming-out of a New Jersey governor. The series also covers the mysterious disappearance of a South Carolina governor, and much more.
For those who experienced these scandals firsthand, the series offers a chance to revisit these events. For newcomers, it provides an insightful education into the political landscape of the time, including Tapper’s unique “Jar Jar Binks” theory.
In a recent email interview, Tapper discussed the series, the evolution of political scandals in the Trump era, and his motivations for creating the series.
Why “United States of Scandal”?
With nearly three decades of experience covering American politics, Tapper has always been intrigued by the risks politicians take for seemingly trivial or fleeting gains. Given the current political climate and the myriad scandals surrounding former President Donald Trump and others, Tapper felt it was an opportune time to revisit past scandals and provide new insights from those who were there.
Defining “Scandal”
According to Tapper, scandals in politics can range from a lewd selfie to mishandling a pandemic. They often involve distorted moral compasses and inflated egos, leading politicians to believe they can evade consequences for their actions. However, they are sometimes caught.
Revisiting Scandals in the Trump Era
Tapper acknowledges that the Trump era, with its vast and complex scandals, has altered public perception of what constitutes a scandal. The traditional playbook, where public officials resign to avoid further scrutiny, has been upended. Despite this, Tapper believes the human frailties, fascinating narratives, and behind-the-scenes testimonies of past scandals remain compelling.
The Common Thread in Scandals
Tapper’s “Jar Jar Binks” theory suggests that successful individuals often reach a point where they exclude anyone who might challenge their decisions from their inner circle. This lack of checks and balances often leads to scandalous behavior.
Journalism and Scandals
The series also explores the relationship between journalists and the people they cover. Tapper believes that while some improvements have been made, certain media organizations still rely on close relationships with their subjects, which can be detrimental to truth and democracy.
Justice and Scandals
Only one politician (Blagojevich) and one aide (Scooter Libby) profiled in the series served jail sentences, both later pardoned by Trump. Tapper suggests this indicates that misdeeds can be excused with the right connections, undermining public faith in the government.