Political Scandals

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Scandal 11: The Election of 1828 Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

The intense feud between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams festered for years before the rivals went to head-to-head in a vicious rematch. Accusations of cannibalism and sex trafficking were just the beginning of their slanderous campaigns meant to tear the other down.

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Scandal 12: The Election of 1824 Aug 18, 2020

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After President Monroe’s so-called “Era of Good Feelings,” bitter factions from the North, South and West fought for power. With four presidential candidates battling for votes in the House of Representatives, the mudslinging was fierce—and the outcome contentious.

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Scandal 13: John Edwards Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

From successful lawyer to Senator to disgraced presidential candidate… John Edwards’ political star rose and fell in the decade between 1997 and 2008. With his wife Elizabeth dying of cancer, he had an affair, impregnated his mistress, and used everything—and everyone—at his disposal to cover it up.

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Scandal 14: The Keating Five Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

By 1985, Charles Keating had parlayed his go-getter’s hustle and dubious ethical compass into a multi-million dollar banking and real estate empire. When a federal investigation threatened everything, he called in a favor to five U.S. senators, including John McCain and John Glenn.

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Scandal 15: Alger Hiss Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

Dedicated public servant, or Soviet spy? In the late 1940s, the American public was transfixed by the accusations against Alger Hiss. But Hiss would not be deterred by his nemesis Whittaker Chambers, a nine hour Congressional hearing, or even the dogged Richard Nixon.

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Scandal 16: William Blount Conspiracy Jul 21, 2020

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In the late 1700s, William Blount was a land speculator-turned-senator. A failed conspiracy to get himself out of debt triggered the first impeachment trial in United States history.

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Scandal 17: Richard Helms Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

He made a career out of keeping secrets, starting in a wartime intelligence group and working his way up to Director of the CIA in 1966. But when Congress questioned him about U.S. involvement in the 1970 Chilean presidential election, Helms found himself caught between two oaths—one to secrecy, and one to truth-telling.

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Scandal 18: The Eaton Affair Jul 07, 2020

Show notes

President Andrew Jackson had just secured the presidency in 1828 when his good friend married a scandalous Washington widow. As the wives and daughters of D.C.'s elite retaliated, Jackson was forced to make a decision that would alter his cabinet—and set Martin Van Buren up for the future presidency.

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Scandal 19: Gary Hart and Donna Rice Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

Colorado Senator Gary Hart was set to make a splash with his second attempt to campaign for the Democratic nomination for President in 1988… but he didn't even make it to the July convention before the Miami Herald ran an explosive story about his affair with a young socialite.

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Scandal 20: Daniel Webster’s Secret Mistress Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

The unspoken code of turning a blind eye to the private lives of Congresspeople was broken open in the 19th century. That’s when journalist Jane Swisshelm revealed the secret mistress and child of Senator Daniel Webster, bringing his unexpected vote for popular sovereignty during the Compromise of 1850 under direct fire.

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