
The Opinions
Five Opinion Writers on What Biden Should Do in His Final Days as President
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Biden's potential presidential pardons, particularly under the Comstock Act, could provide vital legal protection for abortion-related services.
- Designating national monuments in California presents Biden with a crucial opportunity to secure a lasting environmental legacy amid future authority restrictions.
Deep dives
Prioritizing Pardons: Addressing the Comstock Act
The discussion emphasizes the significant use of presidential pardons, particularly focusing on the potential impact of pardoning individuals targeted under the Comstock Act. This 1873 law, originally intended to regulate vice, is being pushed for enforcement following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, leading to fears of prosecution for those involved in abortion-related services. A recommendation is made for President Biden to pardon individuals who could face legal challenges based on this outdated legislation, which would help protect them from potential investigations and prosecutions. Additionally, commuting the sentence of Charles Littlejohn, who leaked tax documents showing the enormous wealth disparity, is advocated as a way to highlight the essential role of journalism in holding powerful figures accountable.