A political scandal involves an accusation of government misbehavior, such as bribery or unethical behavior. Such allegations can trigger legal repercussions or force officials to step down, thereby triggering ongoing debates about the importance of transparency and accountability in politics. Throughout US history, scandals such as Tammany Hall, Credit Mobilier, Watergate, and Iran-Contra have had lasting impacts on American politics by influencing public discourse about ethics in politics.

However, it’s important to note that scandal on its own does not measure actual misbehavior; rather, it measures a politician’s party’s willingness to expose or even suggest the possibility of misbehavior. As a result, scandals often reveal more about partisan calculus than they do about misbehavior, with political polarization playing a powerful role in the process.

In this week’s episode of Politics in Question, host Lee and Julia talk with Charles Hunt and Jaclyn Kettler, both Professors of Political Science at Boise State University, about their new research that sheds light on why politicians engage in a range of ethically dubious activities. They also discuss how the emergence of “fake news” along party lines has increased polarization and reduced the value of politics, and they explain what can be done to reverse these trends.

Amid a wave of scandals that has highlighted unethical and illegal conduct by public officials, the need for structural reforms to bolster federal institutions and rein in corrupt conduct that harms Americans becomes increasingly urgent. Harmful Supreme Court decisions, the erosion of norms, and the brazenness of elected officials have all contributed to the current climate of corruption.