UNBIASED Politics

In this episode of UNBIASED University, we continue our look at the biggest government scandals in U.S. history and the impact they had on politics, public trust, and government accountability. In Part II, we examine three major controversies from different eras: the Whiskey Ring scandal of the 1870s, the Iran–Contra affair of the 1980s, and the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal of the late 1990s. Along the way, we break down what happened in each case, how the scandals were uncovered, and what they reveal about the limits of power and the mechanisms for accountability within the American political system.

Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place.

Intro (0:00)

Whiskey Ring Scandal (2:22)

Iran-Contra Affair (14:03)

Clinton/Lewinsky Scandal (27:23)

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In this episode of UNBIASED University, we examine some of the biggest government scandals in United States history and the lasting impact they had on political accountability and the structure of government oversight.

In Part I, we walk through four major scandals that reshaped American politics in different ways: the Credit Mobilier scandal of the 1870s, the Teapot Dome scandal of the 1920s, the release of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Along the way, we explain what happened in each case, how the scandals were uncovered, and what changed in government as a result.

Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place.

Intro (0:00)

Credit Mobilier Scandal (1:50)

Teapot Dome Scandal (12:01)

Pentagon Papers (20:44)

Watergate Scandal (29:17)

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⁠Watch⁠ this episode on YouTube.

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In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we break down the three levels of government in the United States: federal, state, and local. What powers belong to each level, how do their responsibilities differ, and how do these layers of government interact with one another?

We walk through the structure and authority of the federal government, the role of state governments within the constitutional system, and the wide range of responsibilities handled at the local level, from counties to cities and school districts. Along the way, we explain how powers are divided, where authority overlaps, and how policies often require coordination across multiple levels of government.

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In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we explore the evolution of political parties in the United States and how the country’s party system developed into what we see today. The Constitution never mentioned political parties, and many of the nation’s founders were openly skeptical of them. So how did parties become one of the most powerful forces in American politics?

We walk through the rise and fall of early parties, from the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans to the emergence of the modern Democratic and Republican parties. Along the way, we look at key political realignments, shifting voter coalitions, and the historical events that reshaped party identities over time. This episode provides a clear, nonpartisan look at how political parties formed, why they evolved, and how their development continues to shape elections and policy debates in the United States today.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED University, we pull back the curtain on the hidden power players in Washington and examine how influence actually works behind the scenes. Who are lobbyists, what do they legally do, and how do Political Action Committees, Super PACs, and so-called dark money groups operate within the campaign finance system?

We break down the difference between direct lobbying and independent expenditures, how campaign finance laws have evolved over time, and what Supreme Court decisions have shaped the modern political funding landscape. We also explain the rules around disclosure, coordination, and contribution limits so you can better understand what is legal, what is controversial, and why these systems generate so much debate.

Whether you view these groups as essential participants in a representative democracy or as outsized influencers in American politics, this episode provides a clear, nonpartisan explanation of how money and advocacy intersect with power in Washington.

What to Know About Lobbying (2:58)

The World of Campaign Finance (~20:03)

PACS, Super PACS, and "Dark Money" Groups (~32:27)

Notable Supreme Court Cases That Have Shaped the World of Campaign Finance (~42:41)

How to Track the Money (~46:50)

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