How Clinton, Trump, and Epstein Rewired America’s Moral Compass

In this episode of Breaking History, Eli Lake examines the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its connection to the broader issue of elite impunity in America. The episode analyzes how the scandal has become a focal point for populist rage, given Epstein's connections to powerful figures across various sectors. Lake traces the evolution of sex scandals in American politics, contrasting the handling of Bill Clinton's affairs in the 1990s with the present-day outrage surrounding Epstein. The podcast explores how the feminist movement and political calculations influenced the response to Clinton's scandals, and how this has led to a coarsening of political norms. Ultimately, the episode argues that the Epstein scandal is a consequence of a culture where wealth and fame allow individuals to evade accountability, a pattern enabled by past compromises and partisan defenses of norm violators.