Jane Mayer and Noah Bookbinder discuss threats to democracy including dark money, tax transparency, and dysfunctional institutions. They explore corruption, government inefficiencies, and combating big money influence. Topics include the impact of inequality, promoting transparency in government spending, and reforming systems for accountability.

Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, dives into the ethical landscape surrounding Donald Trump’s potential second term. The conversation reveals how Trump's business interests may profit from presidential actions. They discuss the lack of transparency in Trump's financial dealings, potential conflicts of interest, and the challenges of holding a sitting president accountable. Bookbinder emphasizes the importance of ethical standards in governance and the intertwining of personal wealth and political power.

Noah Bookbinder, the Executive Director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, discusses the alarming trend of billionaires filling key positions in the Trump administration. He highlights the potential conflicts of interest, especially in defense roles, and critiques the weakening of ethical standards in governance. The conversation delves into the rise of oligarchy in political campaigning and the inadequacies of post-Watergate anti-corruption measures. Bookbinder raises urgent concerns about democracy's integrity amidst the growing influence of wealthy elites.

Lawyers and legal experts discuss the ongoing legal developments surrounding the efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, including newly unsealed grand jury report recommending criminal charges against 21 additional individuals. They also analyze the implications of the 14th Amendment argument for Trump's eligibility and explore the standard of proof required in the case against him for insurrection. The podcast also addresses how Trump and his associates may have violated the Hatch Act and highlights the denial of Mark Meadows' motion to remove his case to federal court.

Former federal judge, Harvard Law professor, Palestinian spokesperson, and other guests discuss the Colorado ruling on Trump's eligibility, the Supreme Court's new code of ethics, the dire situation in Gaza, concerns about the code's limitations, Trump's mistakes and dangerous rhetoric, and the importance of supporting public libraries.