Corrupt Politicians, Good Leaders

The paradox of good leaders yet corrupt politicians. News about the misdeeds of Buddy Cianci, George Ryan, Paul Patton, and Robert Toricelli mesmerize the media but make their constituents cringe. Were these men effective leaders for the people they represented, or low-down, no-good political players? Were they both? And can America live with the contradiction?

Guests:

Alan Ehrenhalt, executive editor, Governing magazine

Darrell West, professor of political science and public policy and director, Taubman Center for Public Policy, Brown University

Patrick Murray, associate director of The Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers Poll at Rutgers University

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst and a senior editor at The Atlantic Monthly