A political scandal involves an unethical or illegal action by a government official or institution. It becomes public knowledge through investigations or leaks, then generates outrage and calls for reforms. Scandals can damage the reputation of officials and institutions, but they can also help voters see that power is not a license to do whatever one wants, and that transparency and accountability are necessary for a democracy.

In some cases, politicians lose their job and their trust in the system as a whole. For example, the Watergate scandal led to many resignations and increased cynicism about politics as a whole. In others, partisan loyalty softens the impact of scandals or even changes them from one type to another.

Research shows that the media plays a critical role in shaping how citizens perceive and react to political scandals. When journalists report on unethical behavior by politicians, they often exaggerate the severity of the allegations and minimize any information that may defend their colleagues. This reflects the journalists’ own opinions and the editorial line they follow.

In fact, one study found that the more polarized the media is, the greater the incentive for an aligned party to hide misconduct and for the opposing party to fabricate accusations, even if they are based on flimsy evidence. This translates into a skewed discourse in which voters hear only half the story, leading to a “he said/she said” environment in which it is hard for them to evaluate politician integrity.