Podcast Summary: Design Matters with Debbie Millman – "Best of Design Matters: David Cay Johnston"

Introduction and Background

In the episode titled "Best of Design Matters: David Cay Johnston," hosted by Debbie Millman, renowned investigative journalist David Cay Johnston shares his extensive experience in uncovering political and corporate corruption. Originally aired in 2018 during Donald Trump's first term, the discussions remain pertinent, shedding light on systemic issues that continue to impact American society.

Early Career and Breaking into Journalism

David Cay Johnston's journey into journalism began unexpectedly. As a young enthusiast, he won numerous speech contests, which caught the attention of local newspapers. At 18, despite minimal experience, his determination led him to secure a position at the San Jose Mercury.

"I went over to the San Jose Mercury. The man I was to see had gone to dinner early... They brought over a graduate student who was a copy boy and used him to, you know. So what are you doing, Jonesy?" ([12:03])

His persistence paid off after nine months of consistent efforts, landing him a front-page feature shortly after his hiring.

Investigative Reporting on the LAPD

Johnston's investigative prowess was first prominently displayed during his tenure at the Los Angeles Times, where he exposed significant malpractices within the LAPD. Over three years, he uncovered instances of corruption, including the manipulation of crime statistics and unethical assignments by police officials.

"I spent three years at the LA Times... I was the first reporter to do this, way before anybody else." ([14:23])

One notable case involved a wrongful conviction where Johnston's meticulous reporting led to the exoneration of an innocent individual, although the real perpetrator remained free.

"The real killer, of course, went scot free because five times the eyewitness had gotten up on the stand and said, that's the guy who did it." ([16:54])

Tax Policy Reporting and Pulitzer Prize

Johnston's expertise in tax policy earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 for his incisive reporting on how corporations exploited loopholes to minimize tax liabilities. His work not only highlighted the inequities within the tax system but also spurred significant policy reforms under Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush.

"But if you own your own business like Donald Trump, you tell the government what you say were your profits. And unless they audit you, and we do very few audits, the government accepts what you said. That's nutty." ([29:22])

Through his relentless investigations, Johnston illuminated the stark contrasts between how ordinary Americans and the wealthy navigate the tax landscape, advocating for a more equitable system.

Deep Dive into Donald Trump's Business and Political Practices

A significant portion of the episode delves into Johnston's investigative work on Donald Trump. From their first encounter in 1988 to his latest revelations, Johnston meticulously documents Trump's business dealings and political maneuvers.

"Donald was used to just saying things and getting implanted in the newspaper... The only reporter before me who had done this was Wayne Barrett, to whom my new book is dedicated." ([33:41])

Johnston discusses Trump's attempts to undermine his credibility, including phone threats and personal confrontations, which Johnston has consistently deflected without legal repercussions.

"If Donald Trump had the guts to sit down with me in front of a television camera where he can't walk away for one hour, I promise you, at the end of that hour, every American would understand who he is." ([38:31])

He also highlights the discrepancies in Trump's tax returns, revealing how policies were tailored to benefit the wealthy disproportionately.

"Donald's income was almost 3 million a week. So he wanted to be taxed less lightly. He called for eliminating the AMT. So his policy was, I want to be taxed more lightly than the poorest half of Americans." ([42:53])

Challenges in Modern Journalism

Johnston emphasizes the evolving landscape of journalism, particularly the rise of "fake news" and the deliberate discrediting of honest reporting. He criticizes media outlets for often being swayed by powerful figures and failing to hold them accountable.

"American journalists. Did not." ([46:02])

He advocates for a return to fundamental journalistic principles, urging reporters to deeply understand the subjects they cover to uncover the truth hidden in plain sight.

The Role of the Public and Future Outlook

Concluding the conversation, Johnston expresses a cautious optimism for America's future. He underscores the importance of informed citizenry and active participation in the democratic process to counteract entrenched corruption and ensure accountability.

"At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is who turns out to vote." ([56:26])

He stresses that the public's engagement is crucial in shaping a government that truly serves its people rather than entrenched interests.

Notable Quotes

• "You have to say I was dumb. I got taken to yourself." – Debbie Millman ([00:17])

• "We have individuals in prisons who just went on to do horrible things because they wouldn't admit that they got taken." – Debbie Millman ([49:28])

• "If you're going to write about police, well, where do we get police? They don't exist in the ethers." – Debbie Millman ([24:10])

Conclusion

This episode of "Design Matters with Debbie Millman" offers a comprehensive look into David Cay Johnston's impactful career in investigative journalism. His unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, particularly regarding political figures like Donald Trump, underscores the vital role of journalism in a functioning democracy. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of reporting, the challenges posed by modern media dynamics, and the enduring importance of informed civic participation.