The podcast discusses the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the growing calls among Democrats for a ceasefire or conditions on military aid to Israel. It also covers President Biden's birthday and polling, Trump's campaign stops, Fox News' meltdown over 'woke' Christmas, and a new Supreme Court ethics code. Reporter Andrea Bernstein joins to talk about right-wing judicial activist Leonard Leo. The podcast ends with a lighthearted game of pardoning political turkeys and discussions on protesters, pardons, and relationships.
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Quick takeaways
More Democrats in Congress are calling for a ceasefire or conditions on military aid to Israel.
Fox News sparked controversy by complaining about 'woke' Christmas items being sold at Target.
Reporter Andrea Bernstein discusses the Supreme Court ethics and the influence of right-wing judicial activist Leonard Leo.
Deep dives
Judge rules Trump incited insurrection, but dismisses 14th Amendment argument
A state court judge in Colorado ruled that Trump did incite an insurrection on January 6, but dismissed the argument that the 14th amendment prohibits Trump from appearing on the ballot.
Jesse Waters complains about 'woke' Christmas items at Target
Fox News host Jesse Waters dedicated a segment to complain about 'woke' Christmas items being sold at Target, including a gay Nutcracker and a black disabled Santa. The segment stirred up controversy and sparked discussions about the so-called war on Christmas.
Biden campaign faces criticism over age concerns
The Biden campaign is facing criticism and anxiety over President Biden's age and reelection chances. While some try to address these concerns by vouching for Biden's mental acuity and highlighting his active engagement, others argue that Trump's own age should be a point of focus as well.
The continued battle over the influence of the Federalist Society and Leonard Leo
Reporter Andrea Bernstein discusses the Supreme Court ethics and the influence that the Federalist Society and its members, such as Leonard Leo, have in shaping the US court system. The podcast delves into Leo's involvement in right-wing judicial activism and the potential ramifications it has on the judiciary.
New ethics guidelines for the Supreme Court discussed
The podcast episode delves into the recently rolled-out ethics guidelines for the Supreme Court. The rules have received criticism for being too lenient and conditional, particularly compared to the more strict federal judge rules. Despite the criticisms, the podcast sees the existence of these rules as a positive step towards accountability and a catalyst for discussions on the behavior and obligations of justices.
Investigation into Leonard Leo and his influence on the judiciary
The podcast explores the story of Leonard Leo, a major player in conservative judicial appointments. Leo's influence started with Clarence Thomas' confirmation, and he went on to help appoint and vet three U.S. Supreme Court justices under Trump. The episode sheds light on Leo's political ties and fundraising activities, including a record-breaking $1.6 billion dark money donation to the Marble Freedom Trust. It reveals how Leo built an entire system and network to push for conservative legal opinions and cases, ultimately shaping the direction of the judiciary.
The President says a deal is close that would free hostages in Gaza, while more Democrats in Congress call for a ceasefire or conditions on military aid to Israel. Meanwhile, Biden celebrates his 81st birthday with more bad polling and anxious Democrats. Trump continues his run of bonkers campaign stops in Iowa and Fox News kicks off the holiday season with a meltdown over “woke” Christmas. Then, ProPublica and NPR reporter Andrea Bernstein joins the show to talk about the newly announced Supreme Court ethics code and her podcast about right-wing judicial activist Leonard Leo, “We Don’t Talk About Leonard”. Finally, we kick off a new Thanksgiving tradition and pardon our favorite political turkeys of 2023.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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