VP Walz, Trump Threat & Biden Legacy (with Mark Leibovich & Bob Bauer)
Aug 8, 2024
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Bob Bauer, a law professor and President Biden's personal attorney, shares insights on the perils of unchecked presidential power and explores judicial reform possibilities. He emphasizes the need for ethical leadership amidst a political crisis. Meanwhile, Mark Leibovich, a political analyst, discusses Kamala Harris’s choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, using humor to dissect the strategic selections impacting the Democratic ticket and the broader electoral landscape, particularly considering Trump’s rhetoric. It's a blend of serious analysis and light-hearted commentary.
Unchecked presidential power threatens democracy when Congress fails to act as a true check on executive authority.
Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris's running mate highlights strategies aimed at energizing the Democratic base and appealing to moderates.
Ethical lapses among political leaders undermine public trust, necessitating a commitment to ethical governance alongside legal reforms for democracy.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Unchecked Presidential Power
Unchecked presidential power poses significant risks to democracy, particularly when Congress becomes an enabler rather than a check on that authority. Bob Bauer emphasizes the importance of maintaining institutional obligations within Congress to prevent the erosion of democratic norms. When the governing party aligns too closely with the president, it can neglect its responsibilities, leading to a situation where authoritarian practices are ignored or facilitated. This separation of parties over powers threatens the balance intended by the founders of the U.S. government.
The Vice Presidential Pick and Its Implications
The selection of Tim Walz as Kamala Harris's running mate is indicative of a strategic approach to energize the Democratic base while also appealing to moderate voters. Political analyst Mark Leibovich highlights that Walz's communication skills and authenticity could resonate with voters and provide Democrats with a much-needed boost. However, questions concerning why Walz, despite his abilities, has not been more widely known in national politics have arisen, suggesting a need for greater visibility among capable Democratic figures. Ultimately, this choice reflects broader strategies concerning voter engagement and coalition building leading into the election.
Ethical Failures in Politics
A significant theme in the discussion is the role of ethics in politics and how individual decision-making by public figures affects democratic institutions. Bauer argues that ethical lapses lead to a broader corrosion of public trust and democratic norms, with leaders prioritizing personal gain or partisan goals over collective responsibility. The failure of politicians to hold themselves accountable and act ethically can create a political environment where the rule of law is disregarded. The discussion emphasizes that legal reforms alone cannot restore democratic integrity without a commitment to ethical governance.
The Role of Congress in Maintaining Democracy
The podcast highlights the critical function of Congress in preserving democratic integrity, especially in the face of executive overreach. Bauer references historical instances where Congress failed to act against presidential actions that undermined democratic processes, such as not impeaching Donald Trump following the January 6th events. This neglect raises concerns about Congress becoming a mere extension of executive power rather than a distinct branch of government meant to ensure checks and balances. An engaged and independent legislature is necessary to protect the integrity of democracy from internal threats.
Addressing the Challenges of Legal Norms
Bauer stresses the need for thoughtful legal reform to confront the evolving challenges within U.S. democracy, particularly in the context of an increasingly powerful executive branch. He discusses the importance of establishing clear boundaries and ethical standards for public officials to prevent any disregard for the law. This includes the potential for Congress to enact laws that address the presidential pardon power and other critical areas susceptible to abuse. Such reforms can help solidify the norms that support democratic governance and prevent future administrations from exploiting legal gray areas.
Bob Bauer is a professor at NYU Law School, President Biden’s personal attorney, and former White House Counsel to President Obama. He joins Preet to discuss the dangers of unchecked presidential power, the true potential of SCOTUS reforms, and his book, The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis.
And in lieu of the typical Q&A, Preet speaks with Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic and an expert on national politics, about Kamala Harris’s decision to name Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
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