In "Profiles in Corruption," investigative journalist Peter Schweizer pulls back the curtain on some of the most prominent progressive politicians in the United States. While these figures often present themselves as champions of the working class and crusaders against corruption, Schweizer's research paints a very different picture. Through extensive investigation and documentation, he reveals how many of these politicians have used their positions of power to enrich themselves, their families, and their allies - often at the expense of the very people they claim to represent.
This book focuses specifically on progressive politicians because they are the primary advocates for expanding government power and influence. However, it's important to note that corruption and abuse of power are not limited to any one political party or ideology. Schweizer's goal is to encourage readers to look beyond the carefully crafted public images of politicians and examine their actual behavior and decisions.
In the following summary, we'll explore Schweizer's findings on eight high-profile American politicians:
- Kamala Harris
- Joe Biden
- Cory Booker
- Elizabeth Warren
- Sherrod Brown
- Bernie Sanders
- Amy Klobuchar
- Eric Garcetti
For each of these figures, we'll examine how they've leveraged their positions, connections, and influence for personal gain or to protect powerful allies. We'll see patterns of nepotism, selective enforcement of laws, financial impropriety, and more. By the end, readers will have a clearer picture of how power and corruption often go hand in hand in American politics.
Kamala Harris: The Power of Connections
Kamala Harris, currently serving as a U.S. Senator from California, has built a reputation as a tough, charismatic prosecutor turned politician. She often attributes her success to hard work and determination. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals that her rise to prominence was heavily influenced by her connections to a powerful and often corrupt California political machine.
The Willie Brown Connection
One of the most significant relationships in Harris's early career was with Willie Brown, a prominent California politician. In 1994, Harris began dating Brown, who was then the Speaker of the California State Assembly. This relationship proved to be extremely beneficial for Harris's career:
Political Appointments: Brown used his influence to secure Harris appointments to state boards, significantly boosting her income and political profile.
Campaign Support: When Brown became Mayor of San Francisco in 2000, he leveraged his wealth, supporters, and employees to help Harris win her election as San Francisco District Attorney in 2003.
Political Network: Perhaps most importantly, Brown introduced Harris to his extensive network of political connections, donors, and sponsors. These relationships would prove crucial in supporting Harris's various campaigns and building her political war chest.
Selective Prosecution and Protection of Allies
As Harris rose through the ranks of California politics, first as San Francisco District Attorney and later as California Attorney General, a troubling pattern emerged. While she maintained a tough stance on issues like violent crime and environmental protection, she often remained curiously silent when her political supporters were involved in wrongdoing.
One of the most disturbing examples of this selective prosecution involved the Catholic Church child abuse scandal:
In 2002-2003, Harris's predecessor as San Francisco DA, Terence Hallinan, began pursuing legal cases against the San Francisco Archdiocese related to child abuse and molestation.
The Archdiocese reluctantly provided Hallinan with internal records of abuse complaints spanning 75 years.
When Harris took office, she inherited this case. However, during her campaign, she had received unprecedented donations from the Catholic Church and its lawyers.
Despite urging from victims' groups to release the records and expose alleged abusers, Harris refused to do so.
Even more troubling, Harris never pursued a single documented case against an abusive priest during her entire tenure as District Attorney.
This case exemplifies how Harris seemed willing to look the other way when her political allies and donors were involved in serious wrongdoing. It raises questions about her commitment to justice and her willingness to stand up to powerful institutions.
Joe Biden: Family First
Joe Biden has long cultivated an image as a champion of the working class, presenting himself as a gritty, blue-collar guy from Scranton who fights tirelessly for unions and workers. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals a different side of Biden - one that repeatedly used his political power to benefit his family members, often in ethically questionable ways.
Hunter Biden's International Dealings
Much attention has been paid to Hunter Biden's business activities in recent years, particularly in relation to Ukraine. However, Schweizer details how Joe Biden's influence as Vice President opened doors for his son in multiple countries:
China: In December 2013, Hunter accompanied his father on an official trip to Beijing. While Joe Biden met with Chinese officials, Hunter was introduced to potential business partners. Just ten days later, Hunter's company, Rosemont Seneca Partners, finalized a $1 billion deal with the Chinese government.
Ukraine: Hunter was appointed to the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, despite having no relevant experience. This occurred while Joe Biden was the Obama administration's point person on Ukraine policy.
Kazakhstan: Similar patterns of Hunter leveraging his father's position for business deals emerged in Kazakhstan.
These dealings raise serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential influence on U.S. foreign policy decisions.
Protecting Family Members
Joe Biden's willingness to use his influence to help family members extends beyond just business opportunities. Schweizer details how Biden protected his brother Frank from legal consequences:
In 1999, Frank Biden was involved in a car accident that killed a young single father.
Frank was sued and ordered to pay $275,000 to each of the victim's two daughters.
Frank never paid the judgment, and seemed to disappear, evading even private investigators.
In 2008, the victim's family wrote to Joe Biden seeking help and sympathy.
Biden's response, through an assistant, expressed sympathy but claimed he could do nothing to help. The letter also falsely stated that Frank had no financial assets to satisfy the judgment.
This incident shows Joe Biden's willingness to protect his family members even when they've clearly done wrong, prioritizing family loyalty over justice for victims.
Cory Booker: The Action Hero Image
Cory Booker, former mayor of Newark and current U.S. Senator from New Jersey, has cultivated an image as a hands-on, action-oriented politician. He's known for stunts like personally delivering diapers to constituents during snowstorms or sleeping in a tent in dangerous neighborhoods. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals that much of this is carefully crafted image-making that often masks less noble actions and motivations.
The Reality Behind the Image
The Snowstorm Incident: While Booker was praised for delivering diapers during a snowstorm, the deeper question was why the streets weren't properly plowed in the first place, forcing residents to call the mayor directly for help.
The Tent Stunt: In 1999, Booker pledged to sleep in a tent in a dangerous area of Newark as a form of protest. However, witnesses reported seeing Booker leaving the tent late at night and returning early in the morning, creating a false impression of his commitment.
These incidents suggest that Booker is more concerned with creating a heroic public image than addressing the root causes of problems in his city.
Pay-to-Play Politics
Schweizer details how Booker's actions often benefited those who provided financial support to his campaigns or pet projects:
At one golfing event, nine contractors gave a combined $19,500 to one of Booker's nonprofits. Over the next year, these contractors' companies received $21.5 million in city contracts.
Booker frequently left Newark for lucrative speaking tours, sometimes being away from the city for up to three months in a year. While he collected millions from these engagements, Newark faced serious issues, including a police department engaged in such brutal practices that it eventually sparked federal intervention in 2016.
The Disconnect Between Words and Actions
Throughout his career, Booker has spoken out against cronyism and corruption. However, his actions often directly contradict these statements. By prioritizing his image and financial interests over the genuine needs of his constituents, Booker exemplifies the disconnect between the public persona and private actions of many politicians.
Elizabeth Warren: Selective Truth-Telling
Elizabeth Warren, the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, has built her political career on her reputation as a Harvard law professor and advocate for consumer protection. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals troubling inconsistencies in Warren's claims about her background and her willingness to work against the interests she publicly champions when it benefits her financially.
The Native American Controversy
One of the most contentious issues surrounding Warren has been her claims of Native American heritage:
In 1993, a year before her appointment to the University of Pennsylvania faculty, Warren began listing herself as a "minority" Native American law professor in the directory of the Association of American Law Schools.
Both the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School touted Warren as a minority faculty member. Harvard even boasted about Warren being their "first woman of color."
In 2018, Warren took a DNA test which showed she was, at maximum, only 1/32nd Native American.
Curiously, the same year she received tenure at Harvard, Warren stopped listing herself as a minority.
This controversy raises questions about Warren's honesty and whether she unfairly benefited from affirmative action policies.
Contradictions in Legal Work
While Warren has built a reputation as a fighter for working-class Americans and consumer protection, her legal career tells a different story:
In the mid-1990s, Warren was influential in writing and advising Congress on bankruptcy laws. The resulting laws allowed large corporations to avoid liability and shield themselves from lawsuits by declaring bankruptcy.
Warren then offered her advisory services to companies affected by these new laws, profiting from the very system she had helped create.
In one notable case, Warren was paid $10,000 to help LTV Steel avoid paying $140 million in retirement benefits to former employees and their dependents. This was the same company Warren publicly attacked on television for treating its employees "like paper towels."
These examples demonstrate a willingness to work against the interests of the working class when it's financially beneficial, directly contradicting her public image and statements.
Sherrod Brown: The False Working-Class Hero
Sherrod Brown, the senior U.S. Senator from Ohio, presents himself as a long-time champion of progressive causes and a voice for the working class. He proudly displays symbols of blue-collar America in his office, like a miner's safety lamp and a United Workers beer stein. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals a politician who is not only out of touch with the working class but also willing to engage in corrupt practices to benefit himself and his family.
The Reality Behind the Image
Despite his working-class image, Brown has never held a full-time job outside of politics.
His inspiration to fight for working people came not from personal experience, but from reading Tolstoy's "Resurrection" while studying at Yale.
This disconnect between Brown's carefully crafted image and his actual background raises questions about his authenticity and understanding of the people he claims to represent.
Protecting Union Leaders, Not Workers
Brown has received significant financial support from major unions throughout his career. However, his actions often benefit union leaders at the expense of rank-and-file workers:
Brown has consistently sided with union leaders when their interests clash with those of workers.
He worked to protect union leaders from having to implement transparency policies that would track how union members' dues are spent.
This pattern suggests that Brown is more interested in maintaining the support of powerful union leaders than in genuinely advocating for workers' rights and interests.
Family Favoritism
Schweizer details how Brown's political position has directly benefited his brother, Charlie Brown:
Charlie and his business partner run several health advocacy non-profits that push unscientific claims, such as childhood vaccines causing autism and mercury in dental fillings poisoning people.
As Charlie deals with legal cases involving drug and health companies, Sherrod introduces congressional bills and campaigns that directly benefit his brother's interests.
For example, after Sherrod helped form an organization called Consumers for Dental Choice (CDC) in 1996, Charlie began working with class-action attorneys to file lucrative lawsuits against dental companies.
This nepotism demonstrates how Brown is willing to use his political power to advance his family's financial interests, even when it involves promoting dubious scientific claims.
Bernie Sanders: The Socialist Millionaire
Bernie Sanders has had a profound impact on modern left-wing politics in the United States, presenting himself as a tireless warrior for the 99 percent against the excesses of the wealthy elite. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals numerous contradictions between Sanders' public image and his private actions, as well as questionable financial activities that he and his wife have worked hard to conceal.
Contradictions in Action
Despite railing against "moron work" for the working class, Sanders has supported projects that contradict his stated principles:
- As mayor of Burlington, Vermont, Sanders held secret meetings with developers to plan an exclusive waterfront condominium project, angering his supporters.
- He sided with a local armaments plant and ordered the arrest of protesters, likely because the plant and increased military spending benefited Burlington's economy.
Sanders criticizes the wealthy for their lavish lifestyles, yet he owns three homes, including a $575,000 vacation house in Vermont.
These actions suggest a willingness to compromise his stated principles when it benefits him politically or personally.
Questionable Financial Activities
Schweizer details several financial irregularities surrounding Sanders and his wife, Jane:
The Sanders family formed a consulting company, Sanders & Driscoll LLC, which operated under multiple names and served as a financial conduit for Sanders' election campaigns.
Jane Sanders has listed herself as both a "self-employed antique dealer" and "media buyer" on financial disclosure forms, but there are no antiques business licenses registered in her name in Vermont.
The source of funds for the Sanders' third home purchase remains unclear.
During Jane Sanders' tenure as president of Burlington College, the institution made a land purchase that ultimately led to its financial collapse. The FBI investigated the deal, focusing on whether Jane Sanders had inflated donor commitments to secure a loan for the purchase.
These financial mysteries raise questions about the Sanders' commitment to transparency and their own adherence to the principles they espouse publicly.
Amy Klobuchar: Tough on Staff, Soft on Donors
Amy Klobuchar, the senior U.S. Senator from Minnesota, has gained attention not just for her political career but also for allegations about her treatment of staff members. Schweizer's investigation reveals a stark contrast between Klobuchar's harsh treatment of her employees and her willingness to go easy on those who can benefit her political career.
Staff Mistreatment
Numerous reports have emerged about Klobuchar's abusive behavior towards her staff:
Staffers report being called in the middle of the night, having binders thrown at them, and being sent to Klobuchar's house to do her dishes.
One female staffer even reported that Klobuchar forced her to dry shave Klobuchar's legs under her desk while she was on the phone.
Klobuchar's office has an unusually high staff turnover rate of 36 percent, lending credence to these stories of abuse.
These allegations paint a picture of a politician who treats those beneath her with contempt, contradicting her public image of Midwestern niceness.
Selective Law Enforcement
Schweizer details how Klobuchar's approach to law enforcement varies dramatically depending on whether the target can benefit her politically:
In the early 2000s, Klobuchar aggressively pursued Northwest Airlines pilots for tax evasion, publicly declaring them "white-collar crooks."
However, she took a very different approach with Tom Petters, a friend and major financial backer who was orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme:
- Petters and his employees donated $8,500 to Klobuchar's 1998 campaign for Hennepin County Attorney.
- By the end of Klobuchar's 2006 senate campaign, Petters Group Worldwide had contributed more than $120,000 to her.
- Evidence of Petters' crimes began surfacing as early as 1999, when Klobuchar was county attorney.
- While Klobuchar charged two of Petters' partners with fraud, she did not press charges or even investigate Petters himself.
- The FBI finally raided Petters' office and home in September 2008. In a recorded conversation, Petters mentioned that Klobuchar had called him a few days after the raid.
This stark contrast in treatment between ordinary citizens and a wealthy donor raises serious questions about Klobuchar's integrity and commitment to equal justice under the law.
Eric Garcetti: The Star-Studded Corruption of Los Angeles
Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, embodies the stereotype of a politician with celebrity supporters. With endorsements from stars like Salma Hayek, Jimmy Kimmel, and Will Ferrell, as well as personal friendships with figures like rapper Jay-Z, Garcetti seems to dance effortlessly between politics and Hollywood glamour. However, Schweizer's investigation reveals that behind this star-studded facade lies a deeply corrupt political machine, with Garcetti at its center.
The Real Estate Game
Los Angeles' complex zoning laws have created a system ripe for corruption, particularly in real estate development:
For projects to move forward, the city council and mayor must often grant exceptions to environmental regulations and other restrictions.
This has led to a pay-to-play system where contractors essentially bribe the city government for project approvals.
Behested Payments: A Legal Loophole
Garcetti has taken full advantage of a California political financing loophole called "behested payments":
A politician sets up a nonprofit organization.
The politician can then personally ask for donations to this nonprofit from companies or individuals.
This often results in preferential treatment for those willing to make large donations.
In just eight years in office, Garcetti took in $31.9 million in behested payments.
This system allows Garcetti to benefit from large corporate donations while maintaining the appearance of being against "big money in politics."
The Samuel Leung Case
A prime example of how this corrupt system works is the case of developer Samuel Leung:
Leung wanted to construct a residential property in an industrial area of Los Angeles.
In 2013, he donated $60,000 to a pro-Garcetti organization.
In February 2015, Garcetti and another local politician received multiple checks from individuals like a gardener, a chef, and a handyman. However, all the checks appeared to be written in Leung's handwriting.
Leung's project was ultimately approved.
Leung has since been indicted on bribery and money-laundering charges, which he denies.
This case illustrates how developers can use financial contributions to influence political decisions, often through elaborate schemes to disguise the true source of the money.
Conclusion: The Price of Corruption
Peter Schweizer's "Profiles in Corruption" paints a troubling picture of some of the most prominent progressive politicians in the United States. While these figures often present themselves as champions of the working class and crusaders against corruption, Schweizer's detailed investigations reveal a very different reality.
Key Patterns of Corruption
Throughout the profiles, several common themes emerge:
Nepotism: Many of these politicians have used their positions to benefit family members, whether through lucrative business deals or protection from legal consequences.
Pay-to-Play Politics: There's a consistent pattern of politicians providing favors or preferential treatment to individuals or companies that have made significant donations to their campaigns or associated organizations.
Selective Law Enforcement: Several of the profiled politicians have shown a willingness to aggressively pursue certain individuals or groups while turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of political allies or donors.
Image vs. Reality: Many of these politicians have carefully crafted public images that often contradict their private actions and decisions.
Financial Impropriety: From questionable consulting arrangements to mysterious real estate purchases, many of these politicians have engaged in financial activities that raise serious ethical questions.
The Cost to Democracy
The corruption detailed in this book comes at a significant cost to American democracy:
Erosion of Trust: When politicians consistently act in ways that contradict their public statements and purported values, it erodes public trust in the entire political system.
Policy Distortion: When political decisions are influenced by donations and personal connections rather than the public interest, it leads to policies that may benefit the few at the expense of the many.
Unequal Justice: The willingness of some politicians to protect allies from legal consequences while aggressively pursuing others undermines the principle of equal justice under the law.
Reduced Accountability: The various schemes used to hide financial dealings and conflicts of interest make it harder for voters to hold their representatives accountable.
The Need for Vigilance
Schweizer's work underscores the importance of looking beyond the carefully crafted images and inspiring rhetoric of politicians. It's crucial for citizens to:
Stay Informed: Pay attention to investigative journalism and look beyond mainstream narratives.
Follow the Money: Be aware of who is funding politicians and how that might influence their decisions.
Demand Transparency: Support efforts to increase financial disclosure requirements for politicians and close loopholes that allow for hidden influence.
Hold Leaders Accountable: Use your voice and your vote to hold politicians accountable for their actions, not just their words.
While "Profiles in Corruption" focuses on progressive politicians, it's important to remember that corruption can exist across the political spectrum. The book serves as a reminder that power can corrupt regardless of ideology, and that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
By shining a light on these hidden practices, Schweizer's work contributes to the ongoing effort to create a more transparent, accountable, and truly representative democracy. It's up to informed and engaged citizens to take this information and use it to push for the changes needed to ensure that our political system serves the interests of all Americans, not just the powerful and well-connected.