Ethics in American Politics: How a Convicted Felon Can Run for President

Ethics lacking in American Politics is made palpable when even the idea that a convicted felon, potentially facing additional charges, could successfully run for and even win the presidency in the United States is a shocking reality for many. This phenomenon is not merely a reflection of a flawed candidate but also a glaring sign of deeply entrenched problems within the American political system. Issues like the corrupting influence of money in politics, a Supreme Court plagued by ethical lapses, and a political culture that tolerates—if not encourages—blatant

power grabs all converge to create an upside-down landscape where such a situation becomes not just possible but plausible.

The Corrupting Influence of Money: A Democracy Bought and Sold see Ethics in American Politics

American politics has been inundated with money, often shaping policies and platforms more than the needs of everyday citizens. The post-Citizens United v. FEC ruling by the Supreme Court in 2010, which allowed corporations and super PACs to donate unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns, has effectively undermined the ethical foundations of democratic governance. This ruling has resulted in a significant increase in political spending. In the 2020 election cycle alone, more than $14 billion was spent, a staggering figure that dwarfs the spending of previous elections and highlights the problem of financial influence over politics.

Take, for example, the fossil fuel industry’s influence on climate legislation. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus about the dangers of climate change, Congress has consistently failed to pass meaningful environmental protections. The American Petroleum Institute (API) and other fossil fuel groups have spent millions on lobbying, ensuring that their interests are prioritized over environmental concerns. This systemic bribery has eroded any real sense of accountability in Congress, where representatives are often more concerned about their donor base than their electorate.

Consider the case of Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, who has received significant funding from the coal industry throughout his career. Despite public outcry for stronger climate action, Manchin has repeatedly sided with fossil fuel interests, illustrating how financial ties can dictate legislative behavior. In this ethical vacuum, it’s hardly surprising that someone with a criminal record could be a viable candidate. The system prioritizes wealth and influence over competence or integrity. As long as a candidate can secure the financial backing of powerful interests, their moral failings, including criminal convictions, become secondary concerns.

The Supreme Court: No Ethical Oversight, No Accountability

The United States Supreme Court, the body responsible for interpreting the nation’s laws, is itself riddled with ethical concerns. Unlike lower courts, the Supreme Court has no formal code of ethics, leaving justices free to engage in conflicts of interest without fear of consequences. Recent reports about justices accepting lavish gifts from wealthy donors and participating in events organized by politically motivated groups have eroded public trust in the Court’s impartiality.

Justice Clarence Thomas has been scrutinized for accepting luxury trips and real estate deals from billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow. This relationship, which has remained undisclosed for years, raises significant questions about Thomas’s impartiality in cases involving wealthy interests. Despite these glaring conflicts of interest, there are no mechanisms in place to hold Supreme Court justices accountable for their actions. In an environment where even the highest court in the land lacks ethical oversight, it becomes much easier for morally questionable politicians—including convicted felons—to ascend to power.

Consider the 2016 case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, where the Court had to decide on abortion regulations in Texas. Thomas and the other justices faced allegations of bias due to their past affiliations and financial ties to pro-life organizations. The lack of accountability at the Supreme Court level mirrors the broader erosion of ethical standards in American governance. It’s no wonder that a convicted felon could run for office; the highest institutions in the country have normalized corruption and impunity.

Media, Manipulation, and the Toleration of Chaos

Adding fuel to this ethical firestorm is the role of the media in manipulating public opinion. Modern political campaigns are less about policy and more about spectacle. Cable news, social media, and the 24-hour news cycle have created an environment where politicians who command attention—no matter how unsavory their actions—are rewarded. The rise of former President Donald Trump exemplifies this trend. His often incendiary rhetoric and controversial behavior attracted massive media coverage, overshadowing many of the ethical questions surrounding his candidacy.

In the 2016 election cycle, Trump’s campaign was marred by numerous legal issues, including allegations of fraud and sexual misconduct. Yet, these controversies seemed to fuel his appeal among a significant portion of the electorate, illustrating how scandal can transform into a political asset. The media’s focus on sensationalism rather than substantive policy discussions creates an environment where ethical considerations are sidelined.

Similarly, in the 2020 election, Trump’s impeachment proceedings became a central topic of discussion, often overshadowing important issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality. The more outrageous the candidate, the more media coverage they receive, turning what should be a disqualifying factor into a selling point. This degradation of the political process, driven by a media landscape more concerned with profit than the public good, creates an environment in which a convicted felon could not only run for office but be taken seriously by a significant portion of the electorate.

Voter Apathy and Cynicism: The Final Nail in the Coffin

Perhaps the most alarming element in this ethical collapse is the widespread voter apathy and cynicism that have taken root in American politics. As voters watch scandal after scandal unfold without any meaningful consequences for those in power, they begin to lose faith in the democratic system. Many Americans believe that their vote no longer matters—that the system is so rigged by money, corruption, and special interests that genuine change is impossible.

Polling data shows that trust in government has plummeted in recent decades, with a 2023 Gallup poll indicating that only 23% of Americans have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the federal government. In this context, voters may be more willing to support a candidate with a criminal record, believing that all politicians are corrupt anyway. After all, if the system is already broken, what harm could one more compromised candidate do? This pervasive cynicism undermines any ethical discourse, reducing elections to popularity contests or tribal battles, rather than meaningful engagements with ideas and values.

Moreover, some voters might even see a candidate’s criminal record as a badge of honor—proof that they are willing to challenge the establishment. This perverse logic turns ethical failings into political advantages, further upending traditional ideas of right and wrong in governance.

Restoring Ethics to American Politics

In light of these challenges, it is essential to consider potential solutions to restore ethical standards in American politics. A multi-faceted approach could significantly improve the political landscape:

1. Campaign Finance Reform: Introducing stricter regulations on campaign financing, such as limiting contributions from corporations and super PACs, could diminish the outsized influence of money in politics. Public financing of campaigns, like those proposed in states such as Connecticut and Arizona, would help level the playing field for candidates without wealthy backers.
2. Establishment of a Supreme Court Code of Ethics: Implementing a formal code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, similar to those governing lower court judges, would help restore public trust in the judicial system. Such measures could include mandatory disclosure of financial relationships and gifts received from donors, increasing accountability.
3. Promoting Voter Engagement and Education: Combatting voter apathy requires initiatives aimed at increasing civic engagement. Education programs that inform citizens about their rights and the importance of voting could empower them to hold politicians accountable. States like Minnesota have seen success with automatic voter registration and outreach programs aimed at marginalized communities, resulting in higher voter turnout.
4. Strengthening Investigative Journalism: Supporting independent journalism through grants and non-profit funding can ensure that unethical behavior in politics is exposed. Initiatives like ProPublica and the Center for Investigative Reporting have demonstrated the power of investigative journalism in holding power accountable. A robust media landscape that prioritizes facts over sensationalism is crucial in an era where misinformation thrives.
5. Accountability Measures for Politicians: Implementing clear standards for ethical behavior among elected officials, including consequences for violations, can help rebuild trust. States like California have introduced measures that allow for the removal of officials who engage in unethical conduct, setting a precedent for accountability.

Conclusion: The Triumph of Corruption Over Ethics

The fact that a convicted felon can run for president—and might even win—is a symptom of a political system that has lost its ethical compass. Corruption, fueled by corporate money and unchecked power, has become the norm, tolerated by a media industry driven by sensationalism and an apathetic electorate that has lost faith in the democratic process.

From a Supreme Court without ethical standards to legislators who prioritize the interests of the wealthy over those of their constituents, the American political system has normalized corruption and impunity. In such an environment, ethical considerations no longer play a central role in deciding who is fit for office. Instead, power and influence have taken precedence, allowing even those with criminal records to rise to the highest levels of government.

The upside-down nature of American politics today is not just an anomaly—it is the logical outcome of decades of eroding ethical standards, unchecked power, and the corrupting influence of money. Unless the system undergoes serious reform, the prospect of convicted felons running for, and winning, the presidency will become not just possible, but inevitable. Addressing these issues with concrete solutions is essential for restoring integrity to American democracy and ensuring that it remains a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Disclaimer: The images and videos in this post are AI-generated creations, intended purely for illustrative and conceptual purposes. They are not real-life representations and should not be interpreted as such. Their sole purpose is to offer a visual means of exploring the topics discussed in this post.