The NPR Politics Podcast Weekly Roundup: May 13th
May 13, 2022
Senator Mitch McConnell discusses the far-reaching implications of a leaked Supreme Court draft that could overturn Roe v. Wade. The conversation dives into the strategic political maneuvers that influenced the Court's current makeup and the long-term effects of Trump-era judicial appointments. The podcast also explores the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in Congress, especially regarding abortion and critical funding issues. Lighthearted moments include a critique of luxury items and a heroic story of a passenger landing a plane.
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McConnell's View on Public Opinion
- Mitch McConnell takes pride in reshaping the judiciary, even if it clashes with public opinion on abortion access.
- He compares this to the 1989 flag-burning ruling, where the Supreme Court protected rights despite opposing public opinion.
Implications for Other Rulings
- McConnell avoids discussing the potential overturning of other rulings based on privacy, like same-sex marriage.
- Legal scholars suggest the leaked opinion's logic could impact future rulings on privacy-related issues.
Trump's Role in Judicial Appointments
- McConnell downplays Trump's involvement in judicial selections, attributing it to White House counsels and the Federalist Society.
- He claims Trump had limited familiarity with the issue before his election.