Exploring Political Scandals with CNN’s Jake Tapper: A Deep Dive into “United States of Scandal”
CNN’s Jake Tapper is set to host a new limited series titled “United States of Scandal,” which will delve into some of the most prominent political scandals of the early 21st Century. The series, airing on CNN, will cover scandals such as the Bush administration’s lies about WMDs, Mark Sanford’s Appalachian Trail hike, Rod Blagojevich’s attempt to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat, John Edwards’ secret campaign baby, Jim McGreevey’s political downfall, and Eliot Spitzer’s extracurricular activities.
Tapper, who has been covering politics for nearly three decades, views these scandals as modern-day Shakespearean dramas that raise questions about the political system, media, and public leadership. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tapper discussed the series, the evolution of media coverage of scandals, and the unique shamelessness of former President Donald Trump.
Reflecting on the changing media landscape, Tapper highlighted the role of social media in today’s scandals and the partisan divide in journalism. He noted that Trump’s shamelessness and ability to deflect scandals have reshaped the way politicians handle accountability.
The series aims to explore the importance of journalism in holding power accountable and documenting the unfolding of political scandals. Tapper emphasized the need for skepticism and accountability in journalism, drawing lessons from his own experiences covering these scandals.
While Tapper acknowledges the frustration of reporting on scandals without always seeing immediate consequences, he remains committed to seeking accountability through his reporting. He believes that his role as a journalist is to report the facts and hold power to account, regardless of the outcomes.
“United States of Scandal” offers viewers a deep dive into the complexities of political scandals and the role of journalism in uncovering the truth. Through Tapper’s insightful interviews and analysis, the series sheds light on the enduring impact of these scandals on American politics.