American Plutocracy: Corruption Is In the Eye of the Beholder

Stuart Whatley / Truthdig Aug 1, 2009 To many observers, the recent New Jersey corruption sting, which resulted in the arrests of three mayors, two state assemblymen and five rabbis, seems rather surreal for the American social and political fabric. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Poll Finds Obama Is the Most Admired Man

Staff / Truthdig Dec 26, 2008 First he wins the presidency of the U.S., then he wins Time's Man of the Year. Now a poll shows that Barack Obama holds a sizable lead among Americans as the most admired man in the world. Coming second was George W. Bush and third was John McCain, proving once again the horrible imagination Americans have when finding inspiration outside politics. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Walters Fascinated by Fellow Celebrity Palin

Staff / Truthdig Dec 6, 2008 It's dizzying, really, if you think about it: In this clip, media celebrity Barbara Walters names political celebrity Sarah Palin as one of her "Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008," which people are mostly compelled to watch because Walters' name is attached to it. Celebrities are fascinating! Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Nader: Will Obama Be an ‘Uncle Tom for the Giant Corporations’?

Staff / Truthdig Nov 6, 2008 Not entirely sure how to unpack what exactly is going on in this startling exchange between Fox News' Shep Smith and third-party avenger Ralph Nader, but here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Who Pays $273,000 for Household Help?

Staff / Truthdig Oct 10, 2008 John McCain does. This hilarious YouTube clip, from a documentary filmmaker, gets at the heart of the disparity between the realities of working folk and the politicians who claim they are "friends" with the American people.(Alert: salty language.) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Real Operation to ‘Rescue’ Ingrid Betancourt

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2008 The July 2nd rescue of French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt and U.S. mercenaries employed by the Northrop Grumman Corp. was heralded as a dramatic victory over the anti-imperial FARC guerrilla forces in Colombia. The real story may be significantly less daring. The mainstream media's heroic rescue narrative is being contradicted by claims that a $20-million ransom payment was made. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jesse Helms Dead at 86

Staff / Truthdig Jul 4, 2008 White separatist, U.S. senator, GOP darling and otherwise racist stalwart Jesse Helms died Friday after a bout with both metaphorical and actual heart problems. For his supporters and detractors, Helms' persona as a race-baiting Southern politician defined many debates around civil rights in the 1960s. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Meet the Press’ Anchor Tim Russert Dies at 58

Staff / Truthdig Jun 14, 2008 Veteran journalist and "Meet the Press" moderator Tim Russert died Friday of an apparent heart attack while recording voice-overs for Sunday's show, according to NBC. Russert, 58, was also the network's Washington bureau chief and had grilled politicians and public figures on "Meet the Press" since 1991. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Hillary Clinton Does Not Endorse This ‘SNL’ Sketch

Staff / Truthdig May 11, 2008 You just can't catch a break as a politician these days. Right when you think you look all "hip" and "endearingly self-deprecating" by allowing yourself to be skewered by certain late-night comedians (bonus points if you're actually on the show while this gentle, aide-approved ribbing is happening), those same wise asses up and turn on you. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

An Honest Politician

Mike Luckovich / Truthdig Mar 12, 2008 Dig deeper

The ‘Colbert Bump’ = $$ for Candidates

Staff / Truthdig Mar 5, 2008 You know you've hit it big when you're the topic of an academic study on the media. As it turns out, there's a demonstrable effect known as "the Colbert bump," which entails a boost in campaign cash for politicians who make a stop at "The Colbert Report" while on the campaign trail. Translation: Stephen Colbert can count on a full dance card for, say, the next few decades. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Blair Likens Media to a ‘Feral Beast’

Staff / Truthdig Jun 12, 2007 Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who ought to know a thing or two about the topic, says the relationship between the media and public figures of various stripes has deteriorated of late, owing in part to the proliferation of broadcast, online and print outlets, the decline of the newspaper industry, and an insatiable need to create "impact" at all costs. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )