Lobbying: A Misunderstood, Necessary, and Flawed Institution | Politics with Paul #93

Lobbying has a lot of issues…but you probably don't hate it as much as you think you do. The term "lobbyist" often conjures up depictions of shadowy figures making corrupt deals with elected officials to manipulate public policy for the powerful few. It is true that more than a few are corrupt, unethical, or self-interested - and even lobbyists that don't fit this bill sometimes whitewash the profession. At the same time, however, the public often misunderstands what lobbying entails. Today's episode of Politics with Paul pulls back some of the curtain surrounding lobbying, explaining more about the actual role of the lobbyist and discussing how lobbyists, politicians, and the public all can do better in more accurately portraying the industry.

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(0:00) Intro to Lobbying (1:49) Is There a Difference Between Lobbying and Advocacy? (8:11) Legal vs. Practical Definitions of Lobbying and Advocacy (13:16) The Role and Duties of the Lobbyist (19:05) Public Perceptions of Lobbying (22:49) Lobbyists Do Sometimes Sanitize Their Profession (27:54) Why You Don't Hate Lobbying as Much as You Think (36:34) Lobbyists are an Important (but Flawed) Part of Democracy (39:57) Closing and Links