Commonwealth Club of California Podcast Joyce Vance: Giving Up is Unforgivable
Nov 4, 2025
Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney and current legal analyst, dives into the challenges facing American democracy. She explores the importance of citizen engagement and the historical context of current political crises. Vance discusses the erosion of democratic norms and emphasizes resilience in activism without burnout. She addresses the dangers of disengagement and the need for a renewed civic culture, urging listeners to take small actions to preserve democracy. Her insights offer hope and a clear call to action in these tumultuous times.
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Refuse To Give Up On Democracy
- Vance fears giving up after elections enables authoritarian agendas like Project 2025 to advance unchecked.
- She argues persistent civic engagement is essential because resignation hands victory to anti-democratic forces.
Chaos Is A Tactical Distraction
- Overwhelming media and chaos is a deliberate tactic to numb the public and induce disengagement.
- Recognizing that tactic helps people resist tuning out and stay politically active.
Court's Self‑Interest May Save Review
- Vance doubts the Supreme Court should be seen as the last best hope but expects it to guard its own institutional power.
- The Court's willingness to perform judicial review determines its relevance amid executive overreach.
