Scandal in 2024: Why Aren’t Politicians Held Accountable Anymore?

The Watergate scandal that brought down Richard Nixon’s presidency in 1974 is still a topic of discussion today. In a new CNN series called “United States of Scandal With Jake Tapper,” the question is raised: why don’t scandals seem to matter anymore in American politics?

Former President Donald Trump has been at the center of numerous scandals, including efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the violence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021. Despite these scandals, Trump remains a clear frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024.

One of the reasons scandals may not have the same impact as they did during Watergate is the high levels of distrust in government that have been present since the 1970s. This distrust has led to a public culture where many Americans don’t expect much from their leaders, making it easier to shrug off scandals as more of the same.

Political polarization has also played a role in the diminishing impact of scandals. With voters more concerned about party power than punishing individual politicians for misdeeds, there is a greater willingness to tolerate unethical behavior.

Additionally, the modern media landscape, where news is often consumed through partisan lenses, makes it easier for supporters to discount damaging information as “fake news.” This fragmented media environment makes it harder for politicians demanding accountability to reach a broad audience.

While there are some positive aspects to the current era of scandals, such as not ending the careers of good officials over every mistake, the dangers are immense. Holding politicians accountable for their actions is crucial for the health of democracy.

In conclusion, scandal in 2024 isn’t what it used to be. While some politicians may feel secure in surviving scandals, the importance of holding them accountable remains paramount to prevent further wrongdoing in the future.