Stuart Stevens discusses his book 'The Conspiracy to End America'. McKay Coppins talks about his biography of Mitt Romney. Andy Kroll exposes Leonard Leo's corruption of the Supreme Court.
Leonard Leo is a behind-the-scenes strategist who received a record-breaking donation and aims to expand his influence in media, education, religion, and electoral politics.
Leonard Leo's close relationships with conservative Supreme Court justices highlight his power in shaping the Court and building a vast network.
Growing backlash against Leonard Leo's influence is evident in recent efforts to protect reproductive rights and opposition within the Republican Party towards Tom Emmer's bid for Speaker of the House.
Deep dives
The Rise and Influence of Leonard Leo
Leonard Leo, the behind-the-scenes strategist of the Trump administration's judicial appointments, received a record-breaking $1.6 billion donation from businessman Barry Syed. Leo's influence extends beyond the Supreme Court as he aims to expand his impact in media, education, religion, and electoral politics through the Tenao Network.
The Power and Machinations of Leonard Leo
Leonard Leo's close relationships with conservative Supreme Court justices, including the organization of exclusive dinners, highlight his influence in shaping the Court. Leo has built a vast network, recruiting and placing judges and attorneys general, while expanding his reach into various sectors of society.
The Grand Plan of Leonard Leo
Leonard Leo's grand plan involves using his substantial resources to replicate the success of the Federalist Society in other areas, such as media, education, religion, and electoral politics. He aims to create a network of like-minded individuals to advance conservative and libertarian causes.
The Backlash and Resistance to Leo's Influence
There is a growing backlash to the influence of Leonard Leo, as seen in the recent wave of ballot measures protecting or expanding reproductive rights in various states. This resistance demonstrates that the power of one man and his money is not unchallenged in American democracy.
The Speaker Race and the Collapse of Tom Emmer
Tom Emmer's bid for Speaker of the House has faced significant opposition within the Republican Party, with nearly 26 members voting against him in a closed-door vote. Even former President Trump has publicly attacked Emmer, leading to his eventual withdrawal from the race.
The Lincoln Project's Stuart Stevens details his new book, 'The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy.'The Atlantic's McKay Coppins spills the tea on his new biography of Mitt Romney, entitled 'Romney: A Reckoning.' ProPublica's Andy Kroll delves into the never-ending details of Leonard Leo's corruption of our Supreme Court.