A Deep, Lingering Shame: Larry Summers Reckons With His Epstein Past

There are some shadows, you know, that just linger. For Larry Summers, a man whose career has seen him at the pinnacle of economic and academic power—think Treasury Secretary, Harvard President—one such shadow has now fallen quite starkly into public view. He's openly admitted, in rather strong terms, to feeling "deeply ashamed"; and why? Because of his past communications with Jeffrey Epstein, a name that, frankly, sends shivers down the spine, a convicted sex offender whose grotesque depravity became tragically undeniable.

The news broke, as it so often does with these uncomfortable truths, via a Wall Street Journal exposé. Emails, dating from 2013 to 2014, surfaced, revealing exchanges between Summers and Epstein. We’re talking about invitations—one, for instance, to a dinner at Summers' home—and discussions around a Harvard event. It's an uncomfortable read, no doubt, prompting immediate and significant questions.

But Summers, to his credit, hasn't shied away from the discomfort. He's been quite vocal, stating, with firm conviction, that he "absolutely never knew" about Epstein's sexual misconduct involving underage girls beyond that initial 2008 plea deal. That agreement, you might recall, was for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Summers suggests his dealings were, for all intents and purposes, about philanthropy and seeking financial advice for Harvard—a seemingly benign connection on the surface. He contends that once more damning allegations against Epstein began to surface, he cut ties. A natural reaction, you could say, for anyone with a shred of decency.

Yet, the very idea of a figure as prominent as Summers engaging with Epstein after the 2008 conviction—even with explanations—raises eyebrows. It certainly fuels a persistent question: how could someone so attuned to the world's complexities seemingly miss, or perhaps underestimate, the gravity of Epstein's character? It’s a thorny issue, reflecting a broader societal unease with how power and influence sometimes shielded Epstein from closer scrutiny for far too long. Honestly, it makes you wonder about the bubble some of these high-flyers live in.

Epstein, for those who need reminding, died by suicide in 2019, awaiting trial on truly horrific sex trafficking charges. His network, alas, was vast, touching numerous influential individuals across various sectors. Summers, now, makes no bones about his feelings, denouncing Epstein's actions as "monstrous" and "evil." He’s clearly trying to express, genuinely, a profound regret—a regret that stems from being even peripherally linked to such a vile figure.

And so, the story unfolds, a difficult chapter for Larry Summers, one that undoubtedly adds a complex layer to his otherwise distinguished career. It serves, perhaps, as a rather stark reminder that even those at the highest echelons aren't immune to the long, insidious reach of unsavory associations. Sometimes, the past, even when deeply regretted, casts a shadow that no amount of light can entirely erase.