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No Consequences for Bad Behavior

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First Read: “The American political system right now is so good at expressing outrage at distasteful/unethical/racist behavior. But it has become so bad at producing actual consequences for that behavior.”

Consider:

  • The political world howled when two GOP congressmen — Chris Collins (R-NY) and Duncan Hunter (R-CA) — were indicted, but both won re-election in 2018.
  • Democrats called for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) to resign after being accused of, respectively, past racist behavior and sexual assault, but both men are still in office.
  • Republicans rebuked Rep. Steve King (R-IA) but he’s still around on Capitol Hill.
  • Oh, and President Trump, despite his approval ratings in the 30s and 40s, still enjoys tremendous support from Republican voters.

“And what happens when you only express outrage but don’t punish anyone? Well, it only leads to more bad behavior – and then less outrage at future transgressions.”

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About Political Wire

goddard-bw-snapshotTaegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire, one of the earliest and most influential political web sites. He also runs Political Job Hunt, Electoral Vote Map and the Political Dictionary.

Goddard spent more than a decade as managing director and chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City. Previously, he was a policy adviser to a U.S. Senator and Governor.

Goddard is also co-author of You Won - Now What? (Scribner, 1998), a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians from both parties. In addition, Goddard's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country.

Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University. He lives in New York with his wife and three sons.

Goddard is the owner of Goddard Media LLC.

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