Ethical issues may take a backseat in favor of retaining power.

George Santos, a Republican congressman from New York, faced widespread accusations of fabricating key details about his background and financial dealings. Despite these scandals, Santos continued to receive support from many Republicans, primarily because of the party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2022 midterms. His seat was vital for the GOP’s control of the House, leading party leaders to refrain from immediate disciplinary action. This situation highlights a broader, recurring theme in politics: ethical issues are often sidelined in favor of retaining power.

This pattern of political hypocrisy is not exclusive to one party or country. In fact, it occurs across the political spectrum, including the Democratic Party. Here are five examples where Democrats were willing to support or tolerate controversial figures for the sake of maintaining political advantage:

1. Bill Clinton and Democratic Support During the Lewinsky Scandal (1998):

During the impeachment of President Bill Clinton over his affair with Monica Lewinsky and subsequent charges of perjury, many Democrats, while acknowledging his misconduct, defended him to avoid ceding power to the Republicans. The scandal became a highly partisan issue, and Democratic leaders prioritized protecting Clinton’s presidency and the party’s future electoral prospects over ethical considerations.

2. Ted Kennedy and the Chappaquiddick Incident (1969):

Senator Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident in which a young woman, Mary Jo Kopechne, died after his vehicle went off a bridge. Despite his delayed response and the surrounding controversy, Kennedy retained strong support within the Democratic Party for decades. Many Democrats continued to back him because of his influence in the Senate and his leadership on liberal causes, choosing political priorities over addressing the scandal.

3. Robert Byrd and His Past with the Ku Klux Klan:

Senator Robert Byrd, one of the longest-serving members of Congress, had a documented history of involvement with the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s, which he later renounced. Despite this troubling past, Byrd continued to receive the Democratic Party’s support for decades, becoming a prominent figure in the Senate. His seniority and ability to deliver political wins were often prioritized over addressing the ethical implications of his past.

4. Keith Ellison and Allegations of Domestic Abuse (2018):

Keith Ellison, a prominent Democratic politician and former Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee, faced allegations of domestic abuse during his 2018 campaign for Minnesota Attorney General. Despite these accusations, many in the Democratic Party continued to support his candidacy, as his victory was seen as important for maintaining influence in a key swing state. His supporters framed the allegations as politically motivated, downplaying the ethical concerns.

5. Al Franken and Sexual Misconduct Allegations (2017):

Senator Al Franken of Minnesota faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to his resignation in 2017. However, many Democrats were initially hesitant to demand his resignation, as Franken was seen as an effective legislator and an important figure in opposing the Trump administration. While he eventually stepped down due to mounting pressure, the initial reluctance to act quickly demonstrated the political calculus at play in maintaining power.

These examples illustrate how political expediency often leads parties to overlook or downplay the ethical missteps of their own members, focusing instead on preserving power and maintaining political advantage. Whether in the name of holding onto critical legislative seats, key leadership positions, or political influence, both parties have engaged in similar behavior. This hypocrisy underscores a broader theme in politics, where principles are frequently compromised for the sake of maintaining control and advancing partisan goals.