Why Don't Sex Scandals Matter Anymore?

27 snips

Oct 11, 2024

Brooke Gladstone, a seasoned journalist and host of On the Media, dives deep into the intriguing transformation of political scandals. She discusses how Gary Hart's 1987 affair marked a pivotal shift in media coverage. The conversation illuminates why sex scandals have lost their potency in contemporary politics and examines the ethical dilemmas journalists face when scrutinizing candidates' personal lives. Gladstone also reflects on the evolution of political discourse and how personal character has become central to reporting.

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ANECDOTE

Hart's Rise and Fall

Gary Hart, a rising political star, gained popularity in the 1984 election.
Despite losing the nomination, he became the frontrunner for 1988.

ANECDOTE

Whispers in Washington

Rumors about Hart's personal life circulated, including marital troubles and dating.
These details were known in Washington but remained largely unreported due to journalistic conventions.

INSIGHT

The Old Rules

Before the Hart scandal, politicians' private lives were often shielded from media scrutiny.
Figures like Roosevelt and Johnson had their personal affairs kept private.

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In 1987, Gary Hart was a young charismatic Democrat, poised to win his party’s nomination and possibly the presidency. Many of us know the story of what happened next, and even if you don’t, it’s a familiar tale. Back in 2016, we examined how, when this happened, politicians and political reporters found themselves in uncharted territory. And with help from author Matt Bai, we looked at how the events of that May shaped the way we cover politics, and expanded our sense of what's appropriate when it comes to judging a candidate.

In the wake of the 2016 election, and in the throes of our current political moment, it would seem we’ve come full circle in the weirdest way. So we sat down with Brooke Gladstone, co-host of our sister show here at WNYC, On the Media, to talk about why sex scandals don’t matter anymore.

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EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Simon Adler
with help from - Jamie York
Produced by - Simon Adler
Update produced by Rebecca Laks

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