The NPR Politics Podcast Weekly Roundup: May 8th, 2020
May 8, 2020
Ryan Lucas, NPR's justice correspondent, offers insightful analysis on the controversial dismissal of charges against Michael Flynn, unraveling the political and legal implications of the Attorney General's involvement. The discussion dives into the significant increase in unemployment rates due to the pandemic, contrasting current figures with historical downturns. Lucas also touches on how these economic challenges are impacting younger generations' social and political behavior, making for a thought-provoking and timely conversation.
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The Flynn Saga
- Michael Flynn, former national security advisor, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about Russian contacts.
- The Justice Department dropped the case, claiming the FBI's interview lacked justification.
DOJ's Justification
- The DOJ claims Flynn's interview was unjustified and his lies immaterial to the Russia investigation.
- This decision aligns with President Trump's narrative of FBI misconduct.
Political Implications
- Dropping the charges avoids political costs for Trump compared to a pardon.
- This move is a political win for Trump and supports his claims of FBI wrongdoing.