Truth and the Politics of Deception: An Insider’s View of Washington’s Political-Journalistic Complex

Abstract

The Watergate and January 6 investigations link to debates that the constitutional framers had over the powers of the chief executive, constraints on the press, and notions of truth as a core issue in managing the democratic republic. The framers left the Congress, the press, and the electorate to police presidential abuse. All these entities must act in concert to constrain any president operating outside the law, in an elaborate choreography aimed at engaging and enraging the public and empowering the judiciary, congressional, and executive branches to act. Critical to this process is a vigorous, vigilant, and diligent press.