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.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

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.
INSIGHT

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.
INSIGHT

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.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app