Exploring America’s Iconic Political Scandals with CNN’s Jake Tapper

CNN’s Jake Tapper is diving deep into some of America’s most iconic political scandals in his new series, “United States of Scandal.” Premiering Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, the show will explore the bombastic defense of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the implosion of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, and more.

Tapper, who has covered American politics for nearly three decades, wanted to revisit these scandals from the pre-Trump era to provide new context and insights. In a recent interview, he discussed how the scandals of today, including those involving former President Donald Trump, have redefined the public’s perception of scandal.

The series will cover scandals from both Republicans and Democrats across the country, ranging from sex scandals to corruption scandals. Tapper’s “Jar Jar Binks” theory suggests that many politicians reach a level of power where they remove all critics from their inner circles, leading to their downfall.

One of the most disturbing episodes in the series focuses on the outing of CIA officer Valerie Plame, highlighting the sometimes too chummy relationship between journalists and the people they cover. Tapper believes that while some aspects of media coverage have improved, there are still challenges in maintaining objectivity and truth.

The show also delves into the justice system, with only one politician and one aide from the scandals profiled receiving jail sentences. Tapper notes that the pardons and commutations issued by Trump send a message that certain crimes can be excused with the right connections, eroding trust in government.

“United States of Scandal” promises to be a captivating look at the human frailties and fascinating narratives behind some of America’s most infamous political scandals.