Episode
The Life and Lies of George Santos
28:39
Published: Thu Jan 05 2023
Description
George Santos, the Republican representative-elect from New York, ran for office and won his seat in part on an inspiring personal story.But when Times reporters started looking into his background, they made some astonishing revelations: Almost all of Mr. Santos’s story was fake.Guests: Michael Gold, a reporter covering New York for The New York Times. Grace Ashford, a reporter covering New York politics for The Times.Background reading: Mr. Santos said that he was the “embodiment of the American dream.” But his résumé was largely fiction.On the first day of the 118th Congress, the Santos saga arrived on Capitol Hill.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
Michael Gold and Grace Ashford reveal the story of George Santos, a man who presented himself as the son of Brazilian immigrants and was elected to Congress on Long Island, but was later discovered to be a fraud and serial fabricator.
00:01 - 06:38 (06:37)
Summary
Michael Gold and Grace Ashford reveal the story of George Santos, a man who presented himself as the son of Brazilian immigrants and was elected to Congress on Long Island, but was later discovered to be a fraud and serial fabricator.
EpisodeThe Life and Lies of George Santos
PodcastThe Daily
A journalist's investigation counters a political candidate's claims about his work history and personal life by reaching out to former colleagues and fact-checking public records.
06:38 - 12:04 (05:25)
Summary
A journalist's investigation counters a political candidate's claims about his work history and personal life by reaching out to former colleagues and fact-checking public records.
EpisodeThe Life and Lies of George Santos
PodcastThe Daily
The article delves into the financial and legal issues surrounding a congressional candidate named Alex Santos, who stole a checkbook when he was younger and reportedly failed to disclose all of his clients in his financial disclosure form, potentially violating the law.
12:04 - 23:40 (11:36)
Summary
The article delves into the financial and legal issues surrounding a congressional candidate named Alex Santos, who stole a checkbook when he was younger and reportedly failed to disclose all of his clients in his financial disclosure form, potentially violating the law. It's hard to prevent fraudulent individuals from getting elected to Congress, despite the harm it can do to their future career prospects.
EpisodeThe Life and Lies of George Santos
PodcastThe Daily
The lack of focus on local news coverage by major news organizations may contribute to a delay in red flags being noticed, as seen in the case of George Santos.
23:40 - 27:54 (04:14)
Summary
The lack of focus on local news coverage by major news organizations may contribute to a delay in red flags being noticed, as seen in the case of George Santos. His unique approach to politics tested the system in a way most politicians don't.