With the 2020 US Presidential election looming, scandals involving the candidates have been rife. From allegations of corruption to sexual misconduct, the American people have had a lot to contend with. Here is a roundup of some of the most significant political scandals so far.
One of the most prominent scandals involved former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. The controversy began when it was revealed that Hunter served on the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, while his father was in office. Opponents claimed this represented a conflict of interest and suggested that Joe used his position to benefit his son’s business dealings.
Another scandal that dominated headlines involved Democratic candidate Elizabeth Warren’s claims about her Native American ancestry. Warren initially claimed she had Cherokee heritage but later apologized for taking DNA test results as proof after they showed little evidence supporting her claims.
President Donald Trump also faced several controversies in recent years, including allegations from adult film star Stormy Daniels that she had an affair with him before he became president. Trump has denied these accusations and paid $130,000 in hush money to keep them quiet.
In another case involving Trump, Special Counsel Robert Mueller spent two years investigating whether or not there were any connections between Russia and Trump’s campaign during the 2016 election. Although Mueller did not find enough evidence to charge Trump with obstruction of justice or conspiring with Russia, several high-ranking officials within his administration faced criminal charges.
The #MeToo movement also played a role in this year’s election cycle when former Nevada politician Lucy Flores accused former Vice President Joe Biden of inappropriate behavior at an event they attended together. Flores said Biden kissed her on the back of her head without consent.
Another scandal surrounded California Senator Kamala Harris’ association with Jussie Smollett after he reported being attacked by two men yelling racist and homophobic slurs in Chicago earlier this year. Harris initially expressed support for Smollett but later backtracked after evidence emerged that the attack may have been staged.
South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg has also faced criticism over his handling of the police department in his city. Critics claim that he failed to address systemic racism within the department and allowed for officers who committed misconduct to remain on the force.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was recently accused of making sexist remarks and creating a hostile work environment for women at his media company. Several former employees came forward with allegations, including one who claimed Bloomberg told her to “kill it” when she announced she was pregnant.
Finally, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders faced controversy when several female campaign workers reported instances of sexual harassment by male staffers during his 2016 presidential campaign. Sanders apologized for not addressing these issues sooner and pledged to do better if he were elected president again.
As we move closer to election day, it’s clear that political scandals will continue to make headlines. It remains to be seen how much these controversies will impact the candidates’ chances of winning, but they serve as a reminder that no politician is perfect and all should be held accountable for their actions.