
Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast Elie Mystal & Sen. Brian Schatz
Oct 18, 2025
Elie Mystal, Justice correspondent at The Nation, shares insights on the Supreme Court's chaotic decisions, emphasizing how recent rulings threaten voting rights and racial equity. He critiques the Court's reasoning on anti-racism and highlights dangers to LGBTQ+ protections. Sen. Brian Schatz, Hawaii's Senior U.S. Senator, discusses how Democrats are strategizing to counteract Republican maneuvers, focusing on concrete legislative wins and the importance of clear messaging. Together, they explore the future of the Senate and why expanding the Court could be crucial.
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Kavanaugh Normalizes Racial Profiling
- Kavanaugh's opinion endorses racial profiling in immigration enforcement as "common sense."
- Mystal says that rationalizes stops that harm citizens and noncitizens alike and echoes past racist enforcement.
Court's Term Targets LGBTQ Rights
- The Court aims to erase legal protections for LGBTQ and especially trans people this term.
- Mystal argues the rulings seek to dismantle recognition of trans existence and rights.
Conversion Therapy Rulings Threaten State Regulation
- Conversion-therapy bans are at risk as the Court treats licensed therapy as protected speech.
- Mystal argues states must be able to regulate licensed professionals for patient safety.




