Rudy Giuliani’s Conviction and Fall from Grace
In a recent development, Rudy Giuliani, once esteemed as “America’s Mayor” on 9/11, has faced a conviction and a $148-million penalty for defaming two Georgia election workers. Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing after being ordered to pay Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss marks a significant downfall for the former mayor. His lies brought upon the women vile threats, including racist messages and death threats. Giuliani’s tragic shift from renowned mob-buster to consigliere for Donald Trump has elicited no sympathy.
Fox News’ Defamation Penalty
In April, Fox News was penalized $787.5 million for allowing right-wing hosts to knowingly air false claims about Dominion Voting Systems rigging election machines against Trump in 2020. This media defamation settlement, believed to be the largest in U.S. history, highlighted Fox News’ arrogance in not settling earlier. The judge ruled that none of the statements relating to Dominion were true, exposing Fox News’ deceit to its viewers.
Firing of Tucker Carlson
In a surprising turn of events, Fox News fired its top-rated host, Tucker Carlson, in April. Carlson, known for his toxic anti-democratic, racist, and misogynistic rants, failed to recreate the platform he once had. Fox News decided he was not worth the legal costs and the loss of advertisers repelled by his poison, contradicting previous predictions.
Reaffirmation of Abortion Rights
Since the Supreme Court’s reversal of half a century of abortion rights in 2022, voters have consistently favored those rights in elections, rebuking the court’s supermajority and Republican-run state legislatures that rushed to impose abortion bans. This reaffirmation of abortion rights in November’s election results is a reassuring trend.
Expulsion of Rep. George Santos
Republican Rep. George Santos of New York was expelled from the House for falsely claiming achievements and facing multiple federal charges. Santos’ expulsion marked a historic moment as only the sixth House member to be expelled in its history.
Kevin McCarthy’s Dethroning
Rep. Kevin McCarthy became the first speaker in history to be dethroned after a House vote. McCarthy’s sacking was the result of the very MAGA extremists he had supported. However, his replacement, Rep. “MAGA Mike” Johnson of Louisiana, may be argued to be even worse.
Accountability for Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol
Leaders of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol faced accountability as more than 1,200 people were charged in the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history. Chiefs of extremist groups, such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, were among those convicted for seditious conspiracy. The longest sentences were given to Proud Boy Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.
Trump’s Criminal Charges
Former President Donald Trump made history this year as the first president to face criminal charges. Among his four indictments and 91 felony counts are cases in Washington and Georgia, alleging his illegal efforts to overturn his 2020 loss. Holding Trump accountable sends a crucial message about democracy based on the rule of law.
As 2023 comes to an end, these instances of accountability in politics provide a glass-half-full view of our parlous political landscape. While not exhaustive, they serve as reminders of the power of courts, prosecutors, and voters in affirming justice and breaking records.