We the People

Jonathan Rauch, author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy," and Julian Zelizer, author of "In Defense of Partisanship," dive into the escalating partisanship in America. They discuss the vital connection between faith and civic participation, examining how religious values can enhance democratic engagement. The conversation touches on the impacts of Christian nationalism within Republican politics and the importance of reviving interfaith dialogue to bridge ideological divides, while also promoting optimism and foundational American ideals.

Jamelle Bouie, a political commentator for The New York Times, David French, a legal analyst at The Dispatch, Sarah Isgur, a legal and political expert, and Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor, delve into the Supreme Court's intricate relationship with the Trump administration. They discuss pressing issues like the unitary executive theory and the evolving role of executive power. The conversation also highlights the challenges of balancing authority and judicial oversight, exploring the implications for environmental policy and potential executive overreach.

In this engaging discussion, guests Yuval Levin, a political expert at the American Enterprise Institute, and Melody Barnes, former White House Domestic Policy Council Director, explore the evolving nature of presidential power. They examine the implications of recent executive actions and historical parallels of political violence, particularly in relation to the Civil War. Joined by Charles Cooke, a National Review writer, and Joanne Freeman, a Yale historian, the conversation emphasizes checks and balances essential for democracy amid rising concerns of authoritarianism.

In a rich discussion, Sherrilyn Ifill, a civil rights leader and educator, joins Pamela Brandwein, a legal scholar on Reconstruction, and Ilan Wurman, an expert on the 14th Amendment. They explore the historical context that birthed the 14th Amendment and its implications for modern civil rights. The guests debate the original versus modern interpretations of the amendment, the tensions in Reconstruction politics, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Their insights connect past injustices to contemporary challenges, highlighting the 14th Amendment's enduring impact.

Steve Vladeck, a law professor and CNN Supreme Court analyst, teams up with Gary Schmitt, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect President Trump's executive orders since January 2025. They delve into legal challenges surrounding appropriated funds and the tension between Congressional authority and executive power. The duo discusses controversial orders affecting gender definitions and military policy, as well as the implications of a new advisory board at USAID. Their insights reveal the ongoing constitutional battles shaping American governance.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, and Melvin Rogers, a political science professor at Brown University, dive deep into the Black intellectual tradition's influence on American democracy. They discuss key figures like David Walker and W.E.B. Du Bois, exploring their calls for equal citizenship and the moral imperatives of civic engagement. The conversation also touches on emotional appeals from activists like Ida B. Wells and James Baldwin, emphasizing the role of culture and law in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Michael Gerhardt, a constitutional law expert, Kate Masur, a distinguished historian of Reconstruction, and Ted Widmer, author and contributor, engage in a lively discussion about presidential inaugural addresses. They analyze Trump’s second address alongside historical speeches by iconic leaders such as Lincoln and FDR. The conversation delves into the evolution of presidential rhetoric, contrasting themes of unity and division, and the speeches' roles in shaping political discourse. These insights reveal how inaugural addresses serve as pivotal reflections of American values and ideals.

Join Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and law professor, and Adam Candeub, a telecommunications and antitrust law expert, as they dissect the Supreme Court case on Texas's age verification law for adult websites. They explore the clash between free speech rights and the need to protect minors online. The conversation dives into the implications of technology on privacy, the responsibilities of parents versus service providers, and the potential re-evaluation of established legal precedents in safeguarding constitutional rights.

Jameel Jaffer, Executive Director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, and Zephyr Teachout, a law professor at Fordham, engage in a riveting discussion about the Supreme Court's case TikTok v. Garland. They debate whether a potential ban infringes upon First Amendment rights, exploring comparisons to historical cases. The conversation emphasizes the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression, arguing against censorship while addressing concerns about foreign influence. Their insights call for transparency and careful scrutiny in regulating digital platforms.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Gienapp, a Stanford professor and author of "Against Constitutional Originalism," joins Stephen Sachs, a Harvard Law expert on constitutional law, to challenge the concept of originalism in legal interpretation. They explore the historical development of originalism and its influence on landmark Supreme Court cases, including the Second Amendment debates. The conversation also touches on the role of popular sovereignty at the nation's founding, prompting listeners to reconsider how the Constitution is understood today.