Stay Tuned with Preet

Dan Senor, a political advisor and host of the Call Me Back podcast, discusses the recent ceasefire in Israel after a brutal conflict with Hamas. He elaborates on Hamas's weakened position, the negotiations that led to the agreement, and the significance of the hostage exchange. Senor also highlights the role of U.S. diplomats and the potential for normalization in the region, while considering the challenging dynamics surrounding U.S. public opinion and Israel's military actions. Tune in for insights into the complex landscape of Middle East diplomacy.

Justin Driver, a Yale Law professor and constitutional scholar, dives into the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on affirmative action in higher education. He explores the historical evolution of race-conscious admissions, discussing the shift from remediation to diversity as a legal justification. Justin also critiques the potential consequences of the ruling, including fears of reduced Black representation and its impact on privilege in college admissions. He offers insights on alternatives for maintaining diversity, all while reflecting on his father's sacrifices in the pursuit of opportunity.

Discussing the legality and implications of a proposed 'perp walk' for Jim Comey, the hosts explore its potential impact on prosecution credibility. They also dive into a ruling regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlighting signs of vindictive prosecution by the government. Furthermore, the podcast addresses a federal judge's decision that prevented the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, raising questions about government authority and judicial oversight.

Antony Blinken, the former U.S. Secretary of State, shares insights on Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, rooted in his team's earlier ideas. He discusses the challenges of securing a ceasefire and the complexities of Netanyahu's messaging. Blinken highlights the role of intermediaries in dealing with Hamas and examines shifting U.S. and Israeli public opinion on the war. With concerns about civilian harm and radicalization, he advocates for a time-bound approach to Palestinian recognition tied to key reforms. Blinken also reflects on U.S. strategies regarding Ukraine and the role of the U.N.

The discussion dives into the potential flaws in the indictment against Jim Comey. Preet and Joyce dissect the vagueness of the charges and examine the impact of Senator Cruz's questioning. They debate whether the government can prove Comey’s intent and consider the implications of legal strategies used during testimonies. The hosts also explore the significance of media leaks suggesting internal doubts within the DOJ and question the motivations behind criticism of Comey. It's a thought-provoking look at a complicated legal landscape.

Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney and legal commentator, joins the discussion to unravel the indictment of James Comey for allegedly making false statements to Congress. They explore the implications of politicizing law enforcement, framing it as a perilous moment for democracy. Vance discusses the defense strategies available to Comey, potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and the broader risks of targeting political opponents. Their conversation delves into legal intricacies, including the role of exculpatory evidence and presidential interference, making for a riveting legal breakdown.

Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and Harvard professor, delves into his book on common knowledge and its impact on social norms. He explains how shared awareness shapes collective behavior and why clear academic writing is essential. Pinker connects common knowledge to everything from traffic norms to market speculation, highlighting how misinformation can undermine trust. The conversation also touches on how political dynamics have shifted under Trump's influence, showing the fragility of established norms.

The discussion highlights a troubling social media post by Trump aimed at AG Pam Bondi, warning of its implications for the rule of law. The hosts argue that such demands for prosecuting political foes echo oppressive tactics from history. They also delve into the investigation surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the ensuing political fallout. The conversation touches on First Amendment issues and the ethical dilemmas facing prosecutors in light of Trump's vindictive approach.

Elie Honig, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, shares insights from his book, *When You Come at the King*. He reveals the intricacies of special counsel investigations and discusses historical cases, from Watergate to Trump's presidency. Elie explains why independent probes are crucial for accountability and outlines the unique challenges these investigations face. Expect anecdotes, including a wild story about the mob's attempt to take down Curtis Sliwa, making for a fascinating and informative conversation.

Dahlia Lithwick, a Senior Editor at Slate and host of the Amicus podcast, dives into the Supreme Court's impact on presidential power and democracy. She discusses the 'appeasement theory' regarding Trump and the Court, while highlighting significant upcoming cases. The conversation also touches on the differences between the regular and shadow dockets, stressing the importance of scrutiny in the Court’s actions. Lithwick provides insights into how the political climate influences judicial decisions and the implications of the shadow docket's rise.