Investigating American Presidents Season 1 Episode 5 Rise and Fall of the Independent Counsel

Investigating American Presidents Season 1 Episode 5: Rise and Fall of the Independent Counsel

In this episode of Investigating American Presidents, we delve into the history of the Independent Counsel and its impact on the presidency. The Office of Independent Counsel was created in the wake of Watergate, as a response to concerns about the executive branch investigating itself. The office was tasked with investigating high-level officials, including the president, and had the power to prosecute if necessary.

The episode explores key moments in the history of the Independent Counsel, including its first major investigation into the Reagan administration's handling of the Iran-Contra affair. We also look at the controversies and criticisms that eventually led to the office's demise in 1999, including concerns about its unlimited scope, the cost of investigations, and accusations of politicization.

The episode features interviews with legal experts and former Independent Counsel themselves, who offer their insights and perspectives on the office and its legacy. We also hear from individuals who were affected by the investigations, including former Attorney General Janet Reno, who oversaw the investigation into President Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Through this episode, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the role of the Independent Counsel and how it influenced presidential investigations and politics more broadly. We see how the office was both praised for its important work and criticized for its potential to become a partisan tool. Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look at a key aspect of America's political history and how it continues to shape politics today.