It is no small wonder why voter turnout in federal elections ranges from a mere 36 to 63 percent when politicians such as John Edwards find their sketchy deeds exposed in the spotlight. Public trust in politicians has plummeted over the years in America, and especially in North Carolina. With rampant corruption and hypocrisy, such as the Edwards scandal, public trust in elected officials will only continue to decline. 

According to a poll conducted by Elon University, 65 percent of North Carolinians think elected officials look out for their own interests more than the public’s, and 73 percent think corruption is common among elected officials. The responses reflect a disappointing and deteriorating trend of public distrust in elected officials, as well as a downward slide in the integrity of politicians. 

However, this response is unsurprising in the wake of lying politicians in the present and past. Take former U.S. senator John Edwards. Edwards was an N.C. State graduate. He was also a two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. But Edwards is now famous for his hypocritical, criminal and dishonest actions currently splashed on the front pages of major media outlets. 

On June 3, evidence against Edwards resulted in a grand jury indictment. He now faces six felony charges that could amount to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. Edwards pleaded not guilty to his charges; he did say that he would “take full responsibility for having done wrong,” but did not admit to breaking the law. 

Prosecutors say Edwards used illegal campaign contributions from two of his supporters to pay for his former mistress and his now 3-year-old-daughter, both of which were kept secret from the public. Edwards wanted to maintain his family-man image, but also needed to support his mistress and daughter to keep his secret quiet. 

For a man who claimed, “I never, ever thought that I was breaking the law,” Edwards is accused of creating quite an elaborate — and illegal — scheme. He not only allowed, but advocated the suppression of his extramarital affair, and consequential child. He also denied on national television that he ever used campaign money to cover his affair.

Edwards’ example is a clear indicator of declining integrity exhibited by elected officials, and a highly suggestible reason of decreasing public trust in politicians. However, Edwards is far from the only lying politician in history. 

During Richard Nixon’s presidential reign, Nixon engaged in his famous cover-up of the Watergate scandal. Former president Bill Clinton lied under oath about having sexual relations with his intern, Monica Lewinsky. These were the big scandals, but it is highly unlikely that even the clean presidents and prominent governmental figures were devoid of dishonesty. 

Elected officials are given a certain amount of freedom in declaring their actions. They can often keep secrets as a matter of national security, but many officials withhold information as a matter of personal protection, like Edwards. Edwards is just another disappointing politician continuing a longstanding trend of dishonesty and abuse of power in our government. 

If public trust is ever to be reestablished, elected officials must stop this sanctimonious trend and uphold the values and principles they impose among their citizens. As privileged members in society, these individuals often escape the sanctions that should meet their despicable actions.

It is likely that John Edwards will never set foot in jail. After committing such a significant offense, the only appropriate response is to apologize and ask for forgiveness. The political liars commit two offenses – the action itself, and its denial. 

Public trust in politicians will only further decline with individuals such as Edwards. We can only hope that our future N.C. State graduates will set a better example. For those rising political figures, bear in mind the examples of our disappointing past politicians. Hopefully our future graduates will hold themselves to a higher standard and work to reestablish public trust and a standard of integrity.