The New Rules of Political Scandal: Why “Riding It Out” is the New normal
For decades,a political scandal meant one thing: resignation. A misstep, a controversy, and the expected response was to step aside. But something has fundamentally shifted in the landscape of American politics. Today, facing accusations often doesn’t lead to an exit, but to a strategic hunker-down. Why the change? And what does it mean for the future of our democracy?
This isn’t just anecdotal. Veteran political strategists from both sides of the aisle confirm a dramatic shift in how scandals are handled. Bill Carrick, a long-time Democratic strategist, now hesitates to advise candidates to withdraw unless facing truly egregious charges – “murder, kidnapping, or bank robbery.” Kevin madden, a Republican communications expert, echoes this sentiment, stating that “survival is the new fallback mode.”
The old playbook of immediate surrender is simply passe.Politicians are increasingly choosing to “grind it out,” betting that the 24/7 news cycle will move on to the next outrage. As Madden succinctly puts it, “a new scandal… or a new shiny object will be along.”
The Curation Revolution: How We Consume News Now
This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. The way we consume information has undergone a radical transformation, and it’s a key driver of this new reality.
Here’s how things have changed:
* Personalized News Feeds: You now curate your own news experience, reinforcing existing beliefs and filtering out uncomfortable truths.
* fragmentation of Media: The days of three major networks dominating the news are long gone. Information is scattered across countless platforms.
* Echo Chambers & Silos: You’re more likely to encounter information confirming your worldview, making it harder for dissenting narratives to break through.
* Information Overload: We’re bombarded with data constantly, leading to a “poverty of attention” – making it arduous for any single story to truly resonate.
As Scott Basinger, a University of Houston political scientist, explains, many scandals simply don’t gain traction as people “may not even hear about it, if they don’t want to hear about it.” The sheer volume of information,combined with our ability to selectively consume it,creates a buffer against lasting damage.
A Look Back: From Gary Hart to Today
The contrast with past scandals is stark. Consider Gary Hart‘s 1988 presidential campaign. Facing allegations of an affair, he initially dropped out, only to attempt a comeback months later. It failed spectacularly. He didn’t win a single delegate, and ultimately conceded, stating, “The people have decided.”
Back then, a scandal could be decisive. Today, candidates like California’s Gavin Porter and Maine’s Eric Platner have faced calls for resignation, expressed remorse, and remained in the race. Even Virginia’s Attorney General-elect, Jason Miyares, navigated controversy and still won his election.
What Does This Mean for You, the Voter?
this evolving landscape places a greater burden on you, the informed electorate.The traditional expectation that a scandal automatically disqualifies a candidate is fading.
Here’s what you need to consider:
* Contrition Matters: Look for genuine remorse and accountability from candidates who have made mistakes.
* Temperament & Character: Assess whether a candidate’s behavior, even outside of formal duties, reflects the qualities you want in a leader.
* Your Values: Are you willing to overlook certain behaviors if you agree with a candidate’s policies? This is a personal decision.
* Demand Accountability: Don’t let candidates off the hook. Ask tough questions and hold them responsible for their actions.
Ultimately, the power remains with you. you have the right – and the obligation – to decide what conduct you will tolerate in your elected officials.
As Mark Z. Barabak, the author of the original article, concludes: “Let the people decide.” But in this new era of political scandal,that decision requires more scrutiny,more awareness,and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our political discourse.
This isn’t about excusing bad behavior. It’s about recognizing a new reality and empowering yourself to navigate it effectively.
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