This book examines how scandal allegations have been managed in the contemporary era in the United States and how understandings of the impact of scandal on political credibility have changed over time. It incorporates prominent scandals, at both federal and state level, in which sudden and unexpected revelations created an uncertain political environment. The primary focus is on sex scandals and how damage limitation strategies have been utilized in order to try to limit and accommodate a demise in political standing. The book considers how damage limitation strategies were utilized, the core components of each, and their impact on the political standing of the individuals involved. Rather than marking the end of a political journey, scandal increasingly appears to be an issue that can be perceived as a temporary impediment in a political career.
Author(s): Robert Busby
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 255
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
About the Author
1 Introduction
References
2 Scandal: The Causes, the Problems and the Outcomes
Concepts of Political Scandal
Media Coverage and Scandal Politics
The Impact on Public Opinion
The Unfolding of Scandal
Conclusion
References
3 Twentieth Century Issues: The Lessons of the Past
Watergate
Iran-Contra
Sex Scandals
Gary Hart
The Clinton Episodes
Conclusion
References
4 Spitzer: The Downfall of a Governor
The Backdrop
The Scandal
Public Address—Public Apology
Resignation
Legal Issues
Damage Control, Image Restoration and Political Recovery
Conclusion
References
5 John Edwards: The Chaos of the Cover-Up
John Edwards: High Standing and High Expectation
The National Enquirer
Fallout
Conclusion
References
6 Mark Sanford: Hiking in Appalachia
Press Conference
Political Resurrection
A Bid Too Far: The Presidency 2020
Conclusion
References
7 Anthony Weiner: The Perils of Social Media
Anthony Weiner: Democrat Rising Star
The Initial Scandal
Act Two
Conclusion
References
8 Donald Trump: The Teflon Don
Trump: At the Center of the Storm
Trump and Access Hollywood
Trump Defense
Elite Support and Public Opinion
Clinton Response
Bannon and Damage Limitation
Political and Social Fallout
Trump and Daniels
Poll Evidence
Conclusion
References
9 Conclusion
References
Index
