On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti What happened to shame in politics?
Apr 10, 2026
Carolyn Long, associate professor who studies shame, ethics, and political behavior, explores why shamelessness some leaders display persists. She contrasts 1950s social norms with today’s media incentives. She explains how shameless tactics win attention and donations, why shaming opponents often backfires, and what cultural or systemic changes might reduce shameless political behavior.
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Welch Moment Made Decency Politically Powerful
- Joseph Welch's rebuke to Senator McCarthy on live TV crystallized decency as a political norm that helped end McCarthyism.
- 20 million viewers saw Welch call out cruelty during the Army-McCarthy hearings, turning public outrage into political consequences.
Carolyn Long Faced Personal Attacks On The Trail
- Carolyn Long's 2018 and 2020 congressional campaigns exposed her to personal attacks that violated political norms.
- Opponent repeatedly targeted her husband and middle-school daughter, prompting Long to reflect on civility and shame in campaigns.
Shamelessness Is Incentivized By Media And Money
- Political systems reward shameless attention-seeking because media coverage converts controversy into free publicity and fundraising.
- Examples include Joe Wilson's outburst and Marjorie Taylor Greene leveraging outrage into campaign resources.