Is honesty fundamental in politics? How can the vetting process, which scrutinises the personal and professional lives of political candidates in detail, guarantee that they remain in office? Could it be a way of restoring credibility to the profession?
Alyssa Mastromonaco, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the White House during Barack Obama's administration, answers these questions in another «It's Not That Simple» interview.
In this episode, Mastromonaco describes the vetting process, focusing on the US. She discusses the purpose of this scrutiny, as well as its standards. She looks at how political polarization and the current media landscape are weakening the public force of the vetting process. Furthermore, she addresses the obstacles to conducting an effective investigation.
The expert talks about the lack of vetting processes in countries like Portugal and how adopting them could result in more qualified candidates in government and public service positions.
Finally, she explains why lying is the worst thing you can do if you are being investigated for public office.
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, Alyssa Mastromonaco (with Lauren Oyler), 2017
So Here's the Thing: Notes on Growing Up, Getting Older and Not Giving a Shit, Alyssa Mastromonaco (with Lauren Oyler), 2019
Hysteria, Alyssa Mastromonaco’s podcast
Alyssa Mastromonaco on her book «Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?»
Alyssa Mastromonaco on her experience in government
Another conversation with Alyssa Mastromonaco about her work in government
Podcast It’s Not That Simple, «Corruption», with Donatella della Porta
Big issues, big names in a new programme dedicated to interviews with international personalities from the world of politics, economics and society. These conversations with special guests, conducted by journalist Pedro Pinto, aim to simplify and help demystify some of today's most important issues. Every month, on the Foundation's website.