Traficant: The Congressman of Crimetown (2015)

  • NR
  • 11/01/2015 (US)
  • Documentary
  • 1h 28m

Is ex-Congressman Jim Traficant a fearless prophet targeted by a vengeful government or a mobbed-up political pariah that violated his people's trust?

Overview

Jim Traficant was a legendary quarterback turned mob busting Walking Tall Sheriff who rose to power on a platform of “honesty in politics”. He quickly ascended to the hallowed halls of Congress, becoming its most outspoken member. "Jimbo" as his die-hard supporters called him, was known for his polyester thrift store suits, shock top wigs, vulgar humor and profanity laced rhetoric against the FBI, IRS, and every president since Reagan. His one minute speeches made C-SPAN must see programming, as he signed off with his patented “Beam Me Up!” In his post-industrial hometown of Youngstown, Ohio -- dubbed Crimetown, USA for being the most mobbed up city in America -- "Jimbo" was a living legend, once garnering more than 90% of the vote. However, the eccentric maverick also had a dark side, becoming only the second Member of Congress expelled since the Civil War, eventually spending over seven years in federal prison on bribery and tax evasion charges.

Eric Murphy

Director

Cast

Ed O'Neill's headshot

Ed O'Neill

Self
Jon Stewart's headshot

Jon Stewart

Self (archive footage)
Dan Rather's headshot

Dan Rather

Self (archive footage)
Bill Clinton's headshot

Bill Clinton

Self (archive footage)
Phil Donahue's headshot

Phil Donahue

Self
Connie Chung's headshot

Connie Chung

Self (archive footage)
Ray Mancini's headshot

Ray Mancini

Sean Hannity's headshot

Sean Hannity

Self (archive footage)

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