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Podcasts Take Two
Do politicians never learn from sex scandals?
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Jul 26, 2013
Listen • 8:40
Do politicians never learn from sex scandals?
Why do politicians who know that they're in the spotlight do things which so easily can land them in big trouble?
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) announces his resignation June 16, 2011 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The resignation comes ten days after the congressman admitted to sending lewd photos of himself on Twitter to multiple women.
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) announces his resignation June 16, 2011 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The resignation comes ten days after the congressman admitted to sending lewd photos of himself on Twitter to multiple women.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Why do politicians who know that they're in the spotlight do things which so easily can land them in big trouble?

On the East Coast, New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner confronted new revelations of more inappropriate sexting he did after leaving Congress (and introduced America to his alias, "Carlos Danger.")

Meanwhile on the West Coast, San Diego mayor Bob Filner is facing calls to step down amid allegations by at least seven women of sexual harassment.

Sex scandals in politics is surely nothing new. But in many ways it's confounding. Why, after he spent nearly 20 years in Congress, are these accusations about Bob Filner just now coming to light?

Why do politicians who know that they're in the spotlight do things which so easily can land them in big trouble?

To explain is Mark Sachleben, professor of political science at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, and co-editor of the upcoming book, "Scandal! An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Consequences, Outcomes, and Significance of Political Scandals."