FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2024
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J Cleveland Payne
More Better Media, LLC / The Conversation Project
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Headline:
We Don’t Really Know Eric Adams, Or Any Of Them: Taking The Conversation Further Syndicated Column For Release September 28, 2024
Subheadline:
What The Eric Adams Saga Tells Us About What We Know About Politicians And Famous People
[Little Rock, Arkansas] — In politics, perception often overrides reality. As voters, we develop our ideas about who our leaders are, what they stand for, and how they got to where they are. But history has shown us repeatedly that we’re often left to grapple with the gap between what we think we know and the truth that eventually comes out. Whether through scandals, investigations, or criminal charges, the public image of many elected officials can crumble overnight, leaving us to wonder how we missed the signs. The latest example? New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was recently indicted on federal charges of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. But Adams isn’t the first, and he certainly won’t be the last.
Eric Adams was once seen as a rising star in American politics. His tough-on-crime stance, coupled with his relatable background as a former police officer, made him a natural fit for a city grappling with issues of public safety. However, this week, Adams’ political ascent hit a significant roadblock with his federal indictment. The charges—bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions—have put his entire career under a microscope.
For many, Adams’ indictment is shocking, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. In a political system as vast and complicated as New York’s, the potential for corruption always looms large. Yet, in the rush to embrace new leadership, voters often gloss over the red flags or forget that political figures have complicated pasts that don’t always align with their public personas. It’s only now, when the federal government intervenes, that the public is forced to reckon with a new reality for Adams.
In truth, this pattern extends well beyond politics. Let’s not forget the fall of entertainment giants like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein. Both men were revered in their respective fields for years, only to have their legacies destroyed once their past misdeeds came to light. And then there’s Sean Combs, who for years has been a figure of admiration and wealth, but recent developments are chipping away at his once untouchable empire. These cases serve as a reminder that no amount of power, money, or fame can fully insulate anyone from accountability. Whether in entertainment or politics, the truth has a way of surfacing—often when it’s least expected.
This pattern of hidden or forgotten truths isn’t limited to cases of criminal misconduct. It also applies to how political figures evolve—sometimes dramatically—in the public eye. Take Kamala Harris, for example. Before joining Joe Biden’s ticket in 2020, Harris was often described as a more progressive politician. Her early career as a district attorney and attorney general in California had liberal elements that many have since forgotten, particularly her tougher stance on criminal justice issues, which earned her the ire of some on the left. Much of her liberal identity was cast aside—or conveniently forgotten—in favor of a more centrist, palatable image for a national electorate when she began her quest for the Vice Presidency. Yet, as the 2024 election approaches, her past may become more of an issue as voters are reminded of her prior positions and she has not adequately answered her evolution on certain position.
Then there’s Donald Trump, who has always been—well, Donald Trump. Over the years, his political flip-flops and personal transgressions have been well-documented. Trump’s record is full of inconsistencies. And yet, for reasons that continue to puzzle many political analysts, his supporters seem largely unfazed. It’s not that the evidence isn’t there—or repeatedly exposed to the world at large—it’s that his base either doesn’t care or has made peace with his contradictions.
This speaks to the broader point about how we, as voters, treat our elected officials. In some cases, we are willing to forgive even the most blatant inconsistencies because we’ve already bought into the larger narrative. With Trump specifally, the reality of his many missteps is an open secret, but the impact on his political career has been minimal.
Now, back to Eric Adams. His indictment is a stark reminder that no political figure is untouchable. While Adams faces serious charges, the possibility of a fall from grace is real—but so too is the potential for redemption. Many politicians who have faced scandals have found ways to rebuild their careers. In fact, some thrive in the aftermath of their downfalls, using their comebacks as a way to galvanize their supporters and re-enter the political arena with a new lease on life.
As rumors swirl about other fallen politicians who might use Adams’ situation as a blueprint for their own returns, it’s worth considering what comes next. Could this be the beginning of a new wave of redemption stories in American politics? Or will Adams’ fall serve as a cautionary tale for those who rise too quickly without addressing the skeletons in their closets?
In the end, the downfall of elected officials like Eric Adams serves as a reminder that we never fully know our leaders. What we forget—or choose to overlook—during their rise often comes back to haunt them, and us, when it’s too late. And whether it’s Harris, Trump, or another figure entirely, we can expect that the surprises—October or otherwise—will keep coming. After all, in politics, the truth has a way of catching up.
About More Better Media, LLC & The Conversation Project:
The Conversation Project is a news and information-gathering project that operates under More Better Media, LLC (MBM). MBM has a bold commitment to help expand the world’s knowledge base, striving to provide high-quality content that educates, informs, and inspires. The Conversation Project produces Things You Might Not Have Heard, a weekday morning newscast, and a digest of popular stories showcased over the week called The Weekly Wrap. Both can be found at http://thisistheconversationproject.com.
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