About this episode
As the government continues its investigation into classified documents found at former President Donald Trump’s home, a tough question has emerged. On this week’s On the Media, hear how democracies around the world have grappled with whether to prosecute a former leader. Plus, why new leadership at CNN is reigniting the debate over the place of objectivity in journalism. 1. James D. Long [ @prof_jameslong ], associate professor of political science at the University of Washington, on the consequences of modern democracies across the globe prosecuting — or choosing not to prosecute — their former leaders. Listen . 2. Rachel Donadio [ @RachelDonadio ], a journalist and contributing writer for The Atlantic , discusses what we can learn from Italy’s experience with trying Silvio Berlusconi for crimes relating to his business and personal life . Listen . 3. Yael Freidson [ @YaelFreidson ], the Legal and Jerusalem affairs correspondent for Haaretz, on Israel's struggle around prosecuting a sitting prime minister. Listen . 4. Rick Perlstein [ @rickperlstein ], a journalist and author of T he Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan , explains the continuing impact of Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon for his crimes. Listen . 5. Jon Allsop [ @Jon_Allsop ], a freelance journalist and author of a daily newsletter for Columbia Journalism Review titled, The Media Today, on CNN's new leadership and the long-reigning debate over impartiality in political journalism . Listen . On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today ( https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm ). Follow our show on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.