Impolitic with John Heilemann Preet Bharara: Canaries, Coal Mines & Batshit Crazies
Feb 21, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and noted legal analyst, delves into the current legal battles surrounding Donald Trump's executive actions. He highlights the unprecedented challenges these actions pose to the legal system and warns against viewing judicial rulings as a coup. Bharara advocates for calmness among Trump’s critics, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and accountability in a polarized political climate. His insights shed light on the critical intersection of politics, law, and democracy.
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Musk's Populist Rhetoric
- Elon Musk's rhetoric about restoring the will of the people through the president is strategically smart, framing the bureaucracy as opposing the people's will.
- It misses the mark by ignoring that the US isn't a direct democracy and by overlooking Musk's own unelected bureaucratic power.
Trump's Political Brilliance
- Trump offloads his lightning-rod status to Elon Musk, benefiting from Musk's popularity with his base while retaining control.
- This allows Trump to take credit for successes and shift blame to Musk when needed.
Cautious Government Reform
- Approach government waste reduction cautiously, avoiding the blanket demonization of public servants.
- Learn from past efforts like 'reinventing government,' which was bipartisan, careful, and avoided hasty firings.