That was the message of Southern Utah University political science professor Stephen Roberds, who delivered the Grace A. Tanner Distinguished Faculty Lecture on Thursday at the Cedar City campus.
Roberds, selected by students and faculty as Professor of the Year, faces scrutiny himself after uttering the f-word in a classroom debate with a student.
The popular professor isn't saying much about the controversy as he awaits word on his quest for tenure.
"I just go to work every day, and if my key still fits the lock on my [office] door, then I know I'm OK for another day," said Roberds after his speech on the "Politics of Self-Destruction" to an audience of about 200 in the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
"The impression we get is that politicians are morally challenged," Roberds said in his lecture.
But as salacious and corrupt as politicians may seem, conditions have improved. "You don't see envelopes of cash being passed in legislatures anymore," he said.
One reason for the improvement: Today's candidates are better educated and subjected to closer examination by a more objective news media.
Nevertheless, journalism always has been willing to feed the public's appetite for unsavory practices of politicians ever since George Washington was accused of infidelity - followed by presidents Jefferson, Cleveland, Harding, Eisenhower, Kennedy and, of course, Clinton.
Sex is not the only fodder for scandal - an affection for alcohol had some newspapers wondering if Franklin Pierce could carry out his presidential duties.
Roberds also brought up some well-known Utah scandals. In 1976, then-Congressman Alan Howe was accused of soliciting a prostitute; in 1996, the ex-husband of former Congresswoman Enid Greene stained her political career by mismanaging her campaign finances.
Campaigns have changed through the years. "They [elections] were like sports," Roberds said. "When the game was over, a winner was awarded."
Today, with special prosecutors, independent counsels, grand juries, 24-hour news and the Internet, Roberds said, the campaigns "never end."
mhavnes@sltrib.com
