Jack Abramoff: Inside Capitol corruption

By: Overtime Staff
Topics: Correspondent Candids

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

This week on "Overtime" Lesley talks about how stomach-turning it was for her to hear the nitty gritty of how lobbyists corrupt our legislature. "I think the public's going to be furious watching this," Lesley told Overtime. "The story just shows you that our system really, really is in trouble."

Once one of the most powerful men in Washington, Abramoff pled guilty five years ago to buying off public officials, tax evasion and fraud, and he served more than three years in prison for his crimes. When Abramoff came out of jail, 60 Minutes producer Ira Rosen was eager to get him to tell our viewers how he did what he did - how he essentially undermined democracy.

"This is a guy, who was a player in Washington, and describes 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."

Watch Lesley Stahl's report "The Lobbyist's Playbook"

Also working on this story was Associate Producer Gabrielle Schonder. New to our staff, this was Gabrielle's first story for "60 Minutes." After spending considerable time with Abramoff, Gabrielle said she understood his MO. "He's a likeable guy," she said. "You could see where he just played an entire town."

23 Comments +

Add a Comment See all 23 Comments


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


by xxxMadam November 7, 2011 6:01 PM EST: Tom Delay, Jack Abramoff, CIA Kyle Foggo who is still in prison, DC Madam Palfrey now deceased, and numerous others were blackmailing (Sextorting) various officials around the world via hookers at my escort service, Playboy Escorts in Texas, and I am still kept on msm media blackout by CBS, etc.... James Clapper took the above PIMPS out of biz but not because of their political sextortions which continues today by others in the scheme which includes using military equipment for hacking, spying. Pentagon Pimps and Rupert Murdoch of Fox News are major players in this and is why the U.K. is trying hard to get rid of them which is another msm blacklisted story in the U.S. The Abramoff interview was obviously carefully scripted. ... so for what scheme this time?!!

Google CIA PIMPS or see one of my very brief web sites: http://www.whorunsgov.com/User:VegasMadam

XXXMAD-MADAM; Reply to this comment


by saynotocorporateamerica November 7, 2011 5:27 PM EST: "Rationalize" That is what they do.

END CORPORATE LOBBYING!

HELP WANTED: LOBBYIST TO LOBBY TO END LOBBYING:

Qualifications: Jack Abramhoff types need not apply! You must be as fed up with the corporate governmental system that lobbyist helped create. You must be ready to trade in your profession for one of honor - lobby one last time - lobby for the people. Shed the SHAME, SELF-LOATHING and DISHONOR for the work your profession has done on behalf of greedy corporate controllers. You must recognize the fact WE THE PEOPLE demand representation above non-living corporate pigs.

read more: http://saynotocorporateamerica.blogspot.com/2010/10/help-wanted-lobbyist-to-lobby-to-end.html; Reply to this comment

See all 23 Comments

Popular Now in 60 Minutes Overtime

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

Dropping out: Is college worth the cost?
Students with promising ideas are paid $100,000 to drop out of college and become entrepreneurs in a controversial program founded by billionaire Peter Thiel. Morley Safer reports.
Hard cases: Investigating rare & tough diseases
Dr. William Gahl is one of the last, best hopes for people suffering from rare, debilitating, and undiagnosed medical conditions. Lara Logan reports.
Roger Waters rebuilds Pink Floyd's "The Wall"
Roger Waters, the creative force behind Pink Floyd's legendary album "The Wall," is performing the rock opera to sold-out stadiums around the world. Steve Kroft reports.
Final resting place: Cemeteries lack oversight
At some cemeteries, graves were desecrated so more plots could be sold. Is enough being done to protect bereaved families? 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

CBS This Morning iPad App