Political Gabfest Why Destroy Harvard?
27 snips
May 29, 2025 This week, the hosts dive into a controversial Supreme Court decision that expands presidential power, allowing firings without cause. They dissect Trump's confrontational stance towards Harvard, raising questions about higher education's future amidst political attacks. The conversation also humorously shifts to the challenges of male friendships today, exploring themes of vulnerability and emotional connection. Furthermore, an intriguing documentary about a quest for rare stamps adds a unique twist to the discussion.
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Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power
- The Supreme Court decision expands presidential power by allowing firing of independent agency officials without cause.
- This undermines a key check on executive power established since the New Deal era.
Growth of Executive Power Explained
- Presidential power has grown post-New Deal as presidents sought to control a complex bureaucracy.
- Congress often resisted this, but over time power has centralized in the executive, especially post-WWII and post-9/11.
Enemy Mindset Toward Harvard
- The Trump administration treats prestigious institutions like Harvard as enemies to be destroyed, not as fellow Americans.
- This approach ignores the broader damage to science, immigration, and national well-being.