In 2019, I was tasked with writing about George Santos, a new congressional candidate. My editor assigned me this routine writeup for Newsday’s New York politics newsletter. At the time, I was churning out multiple pieces a day. Santos called right away, launching his campaign while in Florida for a work conference, talking vaguely about his policies and boldly sharing his first-generation American and private equity background.
This initial interaction was just the beginning. In the months that followed, Santos’s unusual behavior provided ample material for my pieces. From his vague living situation to fundraising for a lost campaign, Santos made headlines with his controversial statements about abortion. Despite negative coverage, he continued reaching out to me.
However, as his profile grew, Santos started avoiding me. Skipping interviews and avoiding interactions, it became clear that winning the election didn’t change his elusive behavior. The New York Times later published a revealing story exposing his lies and strange actions. This led me to delve deeper into the enigma that is George Santos.
I embarked on an effort to understand the man behind the headlines. Despite Santos’s reluctance to participate, I connected with over 100 individuals who knew him, gathering insights into his life, habits, and personality. This quest took me to various locations, including Brazil, where I learned about Santos’s formative years and his involvement in drag performances.
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Listening to his podcasts, reading his favorite political author’s books, and retracing his steps, I sought to unravel the complexities of Santos’s life. I also encountered resistance, facing accusations of trespassing and constant evasion. However, my persistence paid off, leading to numerous interesting encounters and discoveries.
Even after submitting the manuscript, my pursuit did not end. Engaging with Nassau GOP affiliates, I unraveled more tales about Santos, showcasing his intriguing and eccentric nature.
Amidst all the complexity and challenges, one thing remained certain: George Santos is a character like no other.
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