Fresh Air A Manual For Keeping A Democracy
48 snips
Nov 25, 2025 
Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, discusses the challenges facing democracy today. She shares insights on recent court decisions impacting presidential power and expresses concern over threats to judges, drawing from personal experiences. Vance emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z in civic education, inspired by conversations with her son. She critiques the implications of presidential immunity and warns against conflicts at the DOJ while advocating for a resilient Constitution that endures through responsible voter engagement.
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Eroding Court Compliance Threatens Democracy
- Joyce Vance says Trump's rhetoric and actions erode the norm of complying with court rulings and challenge separation of powers.
- She warns abandoning judicial decisions undermines democracy's mechanism for resolving disputes.
Unitary Executive Risks A Power Reset
- Vance links the unitary executive theory to a growing presidential grasp for power and diminished congressional checks.
- She argues recent moves risk resetting the balance among the three branches long-term.
Family Trauma From A Mail Bomb
- Joyce Vance recounts a mail-bomb that killed her father-in-law, a judge, and nearly killed her mother-in-law.
- She contrasts that external threat with today's threats coming from inside the House and the presidency.
