1. Martin L. Gross argues that criminal behavior is rife in American politics, while Anthony Lewis contends that innocent people are victimized by scandal investigations and the media. What specific examples does each author provide in support of their general thesis? Which do you find more convincing?
2. Richard N. Goodwin and Martin L. Gross both make the argument that that campaign contributions to politicians are equivalent to bribes, while Michael Barone argues that they are examples of people exercising their First Amendment right to free speech. In your opinion, in what circumstances does a political contribution qualify as a legitimate form of speech, and in what contexts might it be considered a bribe?
3. Anthony Lewis and Richard N. Goodwin both cite James Madison, America’s fourth president and one of the principal creators of the U.S. constitution, in making their arguments. Do you believe the...