Impolitic with John Heilemann Floyd Abrams: Comey, Kimmel, & Trump’s Limitless Enemies List
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Sep 29, 2025 Floyd Abrams, a veteran First Amendment lawyer with a rich history of Supreme Court cases, joins to discuss the ongoing threats to free expression under Trump. He highlights the alarming implications of Jim Comey’s indictment and the dangers of weaponizing the legal system against political opponents. They explore the significance of Jimmy Kimmel's return as a symbol of free speech and the chilling effects of FCC threats on broadcasters. Abrams warns against politicization in media regulation and explains the motivations behind right-wing criticisms of these actions.
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Presidential Calls For Indictment Are Unprecedented
- A president publicly demanding indictments of political opponents is unprecedented in American history.
- Floyd Abrams warns this behavior threatens the foundation of the rule of law and democratic norms.
Comey Indictment Signals DOJ Erosion
- The Comey indictment shows how a politicized DOJ can manufacture charges via inexperienced appointees.
- Abrams calls the indictment dangerous and a sign the department's integrity is eroding.
Rely On Courts To Check Politicized Prosecutions
- Expect judges, including Republican ones, to be pivotal defenders against politically motivated prosecutions.
- Use the courts to challenge weak or tainted indictments promptly and force judicial review.