Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts Can The Senate Save Us?
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Nov 23, 2024 
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island, an expert on judicial ethics and dark money, discusses the chaotic political landscape following Trump’s latest transition. He highlights the crucial role of the Senate in moderating extreme judicial nominations and addresses the influence of wealthy benefactors on court appointments. Whitehouse emphasizes the unique challenges the Justice Department faces, especially when led by individuals with questionable ties. The conversation underscores the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance in preserving judicial integrity.
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The Crawl Test
- Senator Whitehouse recounts the story of a foreign potentate's low door, forcing supplicants to crawl.
- He compares this to Trump's nominations as a 'crawl test' for Republican senators' loyalty.
Recess Appointments Dilemma
- Senator Whitehouse discusses the tension between senatorial prerogative and the convenience of relinquishing it.
- He analyzes the potential consequences, including the precedent it sets for future Democratic presidents.
Corrupting the Process
- Senator Whitehouse compares the Kavanaugh and Gaetz situations, highlighting the withholding of information about sexual misconduct.
- He criticizes the corruption of the confirmation process to install desired nominees.