Scroll Left Scroll Right

60 Minutes Overtime MJ's "manifesto," penned in 1979 1 of 9
Feature Backstage at Cirque du Soleil show "Immortal" 2 of 9
60 Minutes Overtime Angelina Jolie: I would love to live a long life 3 of 9
60 Minutes Overtime Bill Gates on Steve Jobs: We grew up together 4 of 9
60 Minutes Overtime How Bill Gates' school launched his life's work 5 of 9
Feature Jessica Buchanan's long journey home 6 of 9
60 Minutes Overtime Bill Clinton tried to get Led Zeppelin back together 7 of 9
60 Minutes Overtime From soldier to mad scientist: Kit Parker's lab 8 of 9
Gallery Soldiers' Art: What traumatic brain injury feels like 9 of 9

July 8, 2012 3:21 PM

Print
Text

Jack Abramoff: Inside Capitol corruption

By: Overtime Staff
Topics: Correspondent Candids

"I'm mad at you." That's what 60 Minutes' Lesley Stahl says to Jack Abramoff, one of the most notorious lobbyists of our time, on 60 Minutes this week.

On 60 Minutes Overtime, Lesley explains her reaction and how stomach-turning it was to hear the nuts and bolts of how a lobbyist corrupts our political leaders. Abramoff described how he lavished congressmen and senators with gifts, access to private jets, and junkets to the world's great golf destinations like St. Andrews in Scotland. He treated them to free meals at his own upscale Washington restaurant and the best tickets to all the area's sporting events, including sky boxes at Washington Redskins games.

"I think the public's going to be furious watching this," she said of her Abramoff report. "The story just shows you that our system really, really is in trouble."

Abramoff served more than three years in prison for his crimes, and when he was released, 60 Minutes producer Ira Rosen was eager to get him on camera to explain his secrets of the lobbying game and how he worked to undermine our democracy.

"This is a guy who was a player in Washington and can describe how politics in Washington works," Ira told Overtime, "and what the interfacing is between a lobbyist and a politician and how they work together-- not necessarily for the public good."

26 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 26 Comments


by valentinezombie July 24, 2012 2:56 PM EDT: Are we really supposed to believe this "outrage" that a media veteran is expressing about a simplistic lobbyist interview? Honestly, the most disgusting part of this entire piece is the feigned ignorance the Beltway media is expressing at a Washington truth they've known for decades.; Reply to this comment


by dal44 July 8, 2012 9:00 PM EDT: Most of you may not know it and 60 Minutes and CBS news didn't raise hell about it, but there was a presidential candidate who had finance reform as his #1 issue. The "establishment" went to great lengths to see that you didn't know. He is Buddy Roemer, former Governor of Louisiana, former Congressman and a guy who has actual business experience in the private sector. He is more qualified than ANY of the other candidates but was not in a single one of the debates because, get this, his fund-raising was inadequate! Think the fix isn't in? I'm a lifelong republican who is now a free agent because of stunts like this from the republican party. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, I didn't leave the republican party, the republican party left me. Google his name and learn about him, then put together an email and send it to 10 people you know who are concerned about where this country is headed, and have them do the same. Concerned people have to find out about this guy. What a breath of fresh air. And, oh, btw CBS, you might want to shed some light on him too.; Reply to this comment


by Cathy_LA November 20, 2011 6:35 AM EST: Why are people mad at Abramoff? It's the Congressmen and their aids who insert favors into bills; the officials we elected to look out for our interests. It's no wonder the system is broken.

You have to wonder whether our country is being deliberately driven into bankruptcy to eventually benefit those with the money to scoop up assets on the cheap. Or when the Fed eventually monetizes our debt, make fortunes from the inflated assets, while the poor won't be able to afford food.; Reply to this comment


by Bandm96 November 20, 2011 3:02 AM EST: The Answer to the question of who's the most immoral, in my honest opinion it is those who were elected to office, those who ignore the problems of the majority & sell there services to the highest bidder, this peace should be broadcasted for every American to hear & then demand actions!!!; Reply to this comment


by Bandm96 November 20, 2011 2:55 AM EST: THis is so heartbreaking, this only prove how our nation is failing, it's not only on the Federal Level but also on the state level also, once again it proves that those with wealth will use it to crush the backs of those who do not have the financial capabilities...; Reply to this comment


by Whynotmorereportingonthis November 19, 2011 1:02 PM EST: Why, why, why can't the media stay on this every day!!! This IS the most important story about corruption in our government. Leslie's comment on the Tea Party and Occupy movements is correct - this is what it is all about - special access to the lawmakers.; Reply to this comment


by starharp November 16, 2011 1:19 PM EST: Thank goodness 60 Minutes is FINALLY covering these kinds of news stories - stories that other news stations will not cover (besides Keith Oberman, Amy Goodman). I have been watching your show for 25 years. When Bush was in office, it was awful to see this fine show keep covering celebrity news! Yuk! Now you know why people are outraged about this kind of behavior in politians. I urge you to follow up with the corruption in the Supreme Court! This is what real reporting is. 60 Minutes can be on the cutting edge of helping us change our society and get rid of these parasites in office! Thanks; Reply to this comment

by piewackett1 November 13, 2011 7:44 PM EST

60 MINUTES is starting to be worth watching again! Thank you.
More TRUTH and less fluff please.
Great job.

Reply to this comment


by marymarch November 13, 2011 9:13 PM EST: I agree 60 minutes is worth watching again, its hard to get any information on the news anymore just what "they" want you to know. Sad this is supposed to be a free country not a corrupt one


by tjsroch November 13, 2011 4:29 PM EST: Now look into the courts. Untold corruption (judges) followed a policy of "alternative defenses" that lets attorneys present not one cogent defense, but from 2 to 20 or more. "Judge, if you don't like defense one, here is two, three, four, five, six and seven. Never mind that they contradict each other (I'm a lawyer so it is OK)." Of course pro se litigants don't get the luxury of openly lieing.

This policy is the vehicle for massive fraud that complicates cases exponentially (costing all parties in attorney fees) but gives judges multiple lies to choose from so he can make a ruling by his will, not law. Judges are openly "selling" rulings like a business.

One city judge says "it's not about truth or justice, it's a game to see who can get away with the biggest lie"

Think of every local judge that is part of this fraud...there are thousands and thousands and the DOJ will not stop it becuse it's so profitable for both judges and attorneys, costing usually...only the victim, while perpetrators get off.; Reply to this comment

by ed_c_in_ok November 11, 2011 6:15 PM EST

Abramoff was only the tip of the iceberg. He should still be in prison alongside Bernie... From there both should be working together to expose and rectify defects within our system as a way to redeem themselves. Should they decide to stop this corrective ritual move them to the cell block for street thugs...

We need a constitutional amendment to that corrects the damage that has been done by Washington. It must restrict corporate America from any political contributions and specifically define them as NOT enjoying the same rights of citizens. When the Supreme Court ruled on corporate political contributions, "We the People" lost our country.... An amendment can't be changed by any Congress.

Although I have never believed in term limits it is time to consider implementing this sort of change for Congress. But such a change could simply manifest a more speedy faction of corruption if corporate lobbying is not also radically changed. Insider trading by Congressmen should also be addressed with consequences just like Bernie....
Term limits could also rid the taxpayer of the massive retirement plans that Congress members have awarded themselves.

Reply to this comment


by marymarch November 13, 2011 9:05 PM EST: i think term limits is a start, but we have to vote all the bums out

See all 26 Comments

Popular Now in 60 Minutes Overtime

recommended

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

Most Popular on CBS News

Stories More »

Videos More »

America's #1 News Program, Now on your iPad Download Now »

Recently on 60 Minutes

Michael Jackson's lucrative legacy
The Michael Jackson brand is alive and well-paid: the pop legend has made more money in death than he ever did alive. Lara Logan reports.
A Face in the Crowd: Say goodbye to anonymity
Even if your picture isn't on the Internet, computerized facial recognition makes it virtually impossible to keep your "faceprint" private. Lesley Stahl reports.
Afghan children on a long and perilous journey
Thousands of mostly teenage boys have fled their country to embark on a 10,000-mile trek to Europe in search of a better life. Anderson Cooper reports.
North Korean prisoner escaped after 23 brutal years
Born in a prison camp, Shin Dong-hyuk describes how three generations of a family are incarcerated if one family member is considered disloyal. Anderson Cooper reports.

60 Minutes on Facebook

Jack Abramoff: Inside Capitol corruption

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

48 Hours iPad App