Of All The Scandals In The Last Nine Years, Is One Of Them ‘The Worst’?

 In a recent discussion, Kevin Finn explores the significant scandals of the past nine years and debates which might be considered the worst. This analysis compares the impact of various events on society, trust in institutions, and political polarization.

1. Defining the Impact of Scandals:

• The severity of a scandal can be assessed through economic costs, loss of life, social disruption, and erosion of trust.

• Scandals differ in their nature and scale, making direct comparisons challenging.

2. COVID-19 Pandemic:

• The pandemic resulted in over a million deaths in the U. S. and significant economic downturn, with losses projected at up to $14 trillion.

• The effects included increased mental health issues and educational setbacks.

• Overall, it revealed critical weaknesses in public health systems.

3. Response to COVID-19:

• Lockdowns were intended to reduce virus spread but led to high unemployment, worsened mental health, and disrupted education.

• 72% of Americans now view this time as divisive, fueling skepticism towards the government and science.

4. Russiagate:

• Allegations of collusion involving Donald Trump were fueled by fraudulent memos.

• The FBI’s involvement became controversial, damaging trust in federal institutions and contributing to political polarization.

• It significantly impacted Trump’s presidency and his campaign.

5. Biden Dementia & Autopen Scandals:

• Questions arose regarding President Biden’s mental capacity and governance capabilities, especially during his debate performance against Trump.

• This created major political concerns and cast doubts on the leadership and decision-making following the election.

6. Other Notable Scandals:

• Other events like the Clinton/Lewinsky affair, the handling of Obamacare, and foreign policy decisions also contributed to the overall climate of distrust.

Determining the "worst" scandal depends on the criteria used for judgment. While events like Russiagate and the Biden controversies are politically acute, the response to COVID-19 has reshaped American life and has far-reaching social consequences. The economic pain, societal division, and trust erosion caused by the lockdowns and mandates highlight ongoing challenges that can take years to heal. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/11/of_all_the_scandals_in_the_last_nine_years_is_one_of_them_the_worst.html