Political Gabfest | The “Constitutional Crisis Is Here”
Mar 20, 2025
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Ruth Marcus, a legal columnist for The New Yorker and former writer for The Washington Post, joins the conversation to tackle pressing issues. They discuss the constitutional crisis linked to mass deportation and the tension between judicial authority and executive power. The dialogue shifts to the evolving political landscape, highlighting emerging voter demographics and Trump's strategies, including his TikTok engagement. Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Ukraine, and the historical context of leadership decisions are also explored, making for a compelling and insightful discussion.
The Trump administration's disregard for judicial orders during mass deportations highlights a troubling erosion of the rule of law in America.
Shifts in demographics, particularly among Hispanic and Black voters, pose significant challenges for the Democratic Party leading into the 2024 elections.
The impact of TikTok on young male voters indicates a cultural shift that may influence political allegiances towards more aggressive stances associated with Trump.
Deep dives
Constitutional Crisis Emergence
A significant constitutional crisis is unfolding due to the Trump administration's handling of a mass deportation of Venezuelan gang members. The administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to justify unilaterally declaring a state of war against a gang, leading to the deportation of individuals without adequate judicial oversight. This raised fundamental questions about the respect for judicial authority, particularly after a federal judge ordered deportation flights to be halted. The government's defiance of this order illustrates a serious erosion of the rule of law, signaling that constitutional norms may be at risk.
Judicial Authority and Government Actions
The conflict highlights tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly when the government ignored a court's order to turn deportation flights around. The argument posited by the administration—that a verbal order from a judge is less binding than a written one—was met with significant skepticism from legal experts. This incident not only strains the judiciary's authority but also undermines the principles of due process and checks and balances essential to governance. The ongoing challenge to judicial oversight raises alarm over the administration’s willingness to assert unchallenged executive power.
Electoral Shifts Among Minority Groups
Data scientist David Shore analyzed significant shifts in voter demographics that threaten the Democratic Party’s position ahead of the 2024 elections. Notably, there has been a movement of Hispanic and Black voters toward Republican candidates, highlighting the erosion of traditional support for Democrats. Additionally, lower participation rates in the electoral process correlate with increased support for Trump, suggesting that less engaged voters are more inclined toward radical change. Such demographic shifts illuminate the precarious nature of political landscapes and the potential for transformative electoral outcomes.
Trump-Putin Negotiations
The dynamics of negotiations between Trump and Putin reveal complex geopolitical implications, particularly regarding Ukraine. The discussions have been framed as a capitulation by Ukraine, potentially leading to significant territorial losses under the guise of negotiations. Trump's previous actions, such as freezing military aid, have directly impacted Ukraine's negotiating position and weakened its defenses. The looming question remains about how these negotiations will be perceived domestically, especially as Trump seeks to frame outcomes in a way that boosts his narrative of success while sidelining the actual consequences for Ukraine.
Cultural Impact of Social Media
The influence of platforms like TikTok on young male voters is emerging as a key factor in shifting political allegiances. This demographic appears to be drawn towards more aggressive and radical forms of expression, aligning with the rhetoric and persona that Trump embodies. The unique algorithm of TikTok fosters an environment where users are exposed to content that amplifies certain ideologies, contributing to a rightward shift among young men. Understanding this cultural trend is crucial for both parties as they adapt their messaging to engage with a generation increasingly shaped by social media.
This week, John Dickerson and David Plotz are joined by Ruth Marcus to discuss the showdown over mass deportation and the government’s defiant response to court orders; a deep data dive by Ezra Klein and David Shor about why Trump won the 2024 election; and this week’s so-called “negotiation” call between Trump and Putin.
Listener chatter from Kevin in Portland, Oregon: Orb (Netflix)
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, John and David are joined by Ruth Marcus to discuss the arrest and prosecution of a Houston midwife this week under Texas’s near-total abortion ban.
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Kevin Bendis And Cheyna Roth
Research by Emily Ditto
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