Rational Security: The “Million Dollar Babydog” Edition
Jul 18, 2024
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Lawfare's Executive Editor, Natalie Orpett, discusses recent national security events, including an assassination attempt on Trump and a dismissed criminal case. They also analyze Trump's VP pick, JD Vance, and the impact on the 2024 election. Legal decisions, political violence, and rhetoric are highlighted in this captivating episode.
The assassination attempt on Trump highlights rising concerns of political violence and its impact on national unity.
Judge Cannon's dismissal of Trump's case raises legal debates on special counsel's authority and constitutional interpretations.
Vance's selection as VP nominee showcases a shift towards Trumpism's values and a reorientation of US foreign policy priorities.
Deep dives
Investigation into the Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
The assassination attempt on former President Trump during a campaign speech in Pennsylvania raised bipartisan concern over political violence. While the motive of the assailant remains unclear, the event highlighted the increasing trend of political violence in American politics. High-profile Republicans and Democrats momentarily unified in denouncing the act, but partisan blame resurfaced quickly. The incident sparked discussions on the implications for national unity and the need to address escalating political violence.
Dismissal of Special Counsel Case Against Former President Trump
Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the criminal case against former President Trump and his co-conspirators based on concerns regarding the special counsel's appointment under the appointments clause. The decision cast focus on the legality of the special counsel's mandate under existing statutes. Legal scholars, including amicus Edwin Meese and Steve Calabresi, raised arguments challenging the special counsel's authority. The opinion delved into constitutional interpretations and longstanding practices, questioning the remedies and potential implications of the ruling.
Judicial Approach and Scholarly Analysis in Judge Cannon's Opinion
Judge Cannon's detailed opinion explored legal questions surrounding the special counsel's appointment with rigorous textual analysis and scholarly engagement. The focus on constitutional integrity and statutory interpretations prompted discussions on judicial propriety and the application of neutral principles in legal decision-making. The opinion sparked debates on the role of district court judges in handling complex legal issues within the framework of longstanding legal practices and constitutional constraints.
Remedies and Implications of Judge Cannon's Decision
The differing perspectives on the remedies following Judge Cannon's decision raised questions about the appropriate legal response to the special counsel's appointment issues. While examining the remedies entailed by the ruling, considerations included the potential consequences of nullifying the special counsel's actions and the feasibility of alternative approaches to address the appointment concerns. The decision underscored the intricate balance between constitutional interpretation, legal precedent, and the practical implications of judicial rulings in high-profile cases.
Trump's Confident VP Pick: JD Vance's Loyalty and Policy Stance
Donald Trump's selection of JD Vance as his vice president nominee signifies confidence in his campaign's chances. Vance's loyalty and combative persona contrast traditional VP roles of softening the presidential candidate. Vance's alignment with right-wing economic policies and isolationist foreign policy emphasizes a commitment to Trumpism's core values.
Foreign Policy Implications: JD Vance's Views on Ukraine and US Involvement
JD Vance's stance on foreign policy leans towards a China-focused strategy, indicating an evolving shift in US global engagement. While not a strict isolationist, Vance emphasizes recalibrating US-China relations over commitments in Europe, potentially alienating traditional internationalist Republican factions. His views on reallocating aid to Ukraine for immigration priorities underscore a departure from conventional foreign policy approaches within the Republican Party.
This week Alan, Quinta, and Scott were joined by Lawfare Executive Editor Natalie Orpett to talk through one of the most eventful weeks in national security news in recent history, including:
“Too Close for Comfort.” Former President Trump narrowly avoided an assassination attempt this past weekend that ultimately left one rally-goer dead and two others critically wounded. While Trump and President Biden both made calls for national unity, several of Trump’s close allies were quick to blame the Biden administration’s rhetoric painting Trump as a threat to democracy. What will this historic event mean for the 2024 election—and for the rise in political violence and related rhetoric that’s preceded it?
“Cannon Fodder.” After months of glacial judicial proceedings, federal District Court Judge Aileen Cannon finally did what many of her critics had long expected and dismissed the special counsel’s criminal case against former President Trump, based in large part on an aggressive reading of the Appointments Clause and narrow reading of the legislation allowing for the special counsel’s appointment. How credible is her holding? And what will it mean for the future of the trial?
“Hillbilly Pedigree.” Former President Trump opened the Republican Party’s national convention this week by announcing his new pick for Vice President: J.D. Vance, the first-term senator from Ohio, author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” and a one-time critic of Trump who has since become one of his most aggressive ideological allies, going even further than Trump on issues ranging from economic populism to opposition to U.S. support for Ukraine. What does his nomination mean for the race, for the Republican Party, and for the future of national security policy?
