Lobbying as Portrayed in Hollywood

I recently came across this movie trailer, which promotes the 2010 movie Casino Jack. It is based on the true events surrounding the imprisonment of lobbyist Jack Abramoff who, along with Representative Bob Ney and 20 other associates, have been convicted in a "wide ranging corruption scandal."

The scandal presented to the public focused on the fraudulent purchase of multiple casino cruise ships and the solicitation of $66 million from indian tribes seeking to influence Washington. Abramoff also pleaded guilty to "tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials by showering them with gifts and inducing them to take official action on behalf of his lobbying group. The largesse included the use of luxury suites at Washington-area sports venues, free meals at an upscale restaurant Abramoff owned and an all-expenses-paid golf outing to Scotland." (LA Times)

It is important to note that this story is not indicative of the way lobbying traditionally works. While Hollywood has captured this story in a semi-glamourus manner, the end result of such actions is anything but.