Watch Traficant: The Congressman of Crimetown

Traficant: The Congressman of Crimetown is a 2015 documentary film directed by Eric Murphy. The film is a thorough exploration of the life and career of James Traficant, Jr., a former United States Representative from Ohio who was known for his populist appeal, eccentric personality, and ultimately, his downfall due to his involvement in a series of criminal activities. The film features interviews with various people who knew Traficant during his career as a politician, reporters who covered his story, and Traficant himself through interviews done years prior to his death.

The film begins by laying out the basic facts of Traficant's early life in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was born in 1941. He grew up in a working-class family and attended the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Army in the 1960s. After serving in Korea, Traficant returned to Youngstown and eventually got involved in local politics. He was first elected to public office in 1980 as a sheriff, then as a member of Congress in 1984, where he served until his expulsion in 2002.

Throughout the film, Traficant's flamboyant personality is on full display, as he delivers memorable speeches, performs Elvis Presley impersonations, and takes on the FBI, IRS, and other government agencies. However, the film also delves into the darker side of Traficant's time in office, including his association with organized crime and his conviction on charges of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way it depicts Traficant's relationship with his constituents. Despite being mired in scandal and facing a variety of legal challenges, Traficant remained popular in Youngstown, which had suffered from deindustrialization and economic decline. Many people saw Traficant as a champion of the working class who was unafraid to take on the powers that be in Washington, and his brash style and unabashed self-promotion only added to his appeal.

The film also highlights Traficant's strange political alliances, including his controversial support of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and his willingness to work with white supremacist groups in order to secure funding for his district. These alliances, along with his penchant for conspiracy theories (he famously accused the government of assassinating President Kennedy), make for a complex and often contradictory portrait of Traficant.

Throughout the film, the interviewees offer both praise and criticism for Traficant, reflecting the complicated legacy he left behind. Among those interviewed are journalist Connie Chung, who covered Traficant's trial, former President Bill Clinton, who reflects on Traficant's years in Congress, and talk show host Phil Donahue, who recounts his own interactions with Traficant.

Overall, Traficant: The Congressman of Crimetown is a fascinating portrait of a politician whose career was marked by both achievement and scandal. Through expertly crafted interviews and archival footage, the film offers a comprehensive look at Traficant's life and career, while also exploring the broader socio-political climate of the time in which he served. Whether or not viewers are familiar with Traficant's story, they will find much to ponder in this compelling documentary.