
The Counsel
Join a team of experts — from former prosecutors to legal scholars — as they break down the complex legal issues shaping our country today. Twice a week, Elie Honig and other CAFE Contributors examine the intersecting worlds of law, politics, and current events. Twice a week, a CAFE contributor – Joyce Vance, Barbara McQuade, Asha Rangappa, Rachel Barkow, and Elie Honig – will examine the intersecting worlds of law, politics, and current events. New episodes out Wednesdays and Fridays. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Latest episodes

Dec 22, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The Danger of Weaponization – No Matter Who Does It
The podcast discusses the danger of weaponization in politics, focusing on cases of Donald Trump and Latisha James. They highlight the dangerous rhetoric used by Trump and question James' controversial actions, including inflammatory statements, fundraising, and political targeting. They also discuss the potential danger of weaponizing public office through James' actions against Trump.

Dec 15, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: The Supreme Court Puts Jack Smith in a Bind
The podcast explores the Supreme Court's decision to review the prosecution of a defendant involved in the Capitol riot, discussing its potential impact on other defendants and Jack Smith's case against Donald Trump. It also delves into the options and timing challenges Jack Smith faces in light of the Supreme Court's ruling on maximum penalties, analyzing the risks and benefits of proceeding with the trial, dropping obstruction charges, or waiting for the Fisher case ruling while proposing a solution.

Dec 8, 2023 • 10min
Note From Elie: The Joe Biden Impeachment Inquiry: Promise Everything, Deliver Nothing
The podcast discusses the weak evidence presented by House Republicans in the Joe Biden impeachment inquiry, the lack of evidence connecting President Biden to any criminality or misconduct by his son, the unsuccessful attempt to subpoena Hunter Biden, and the political consequences of a failed impeachment inquiry.

Dec 1, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: My Carroll Hardy Moment
In this podcast, the hosts discuss Cafe Insider and share the story of Carol Hardy. They talk about Justice Clarence Thomas's lifestyle and the appropriateness of remarks made by the Attorney General. They also explore fantasy football and the role of luck and skill in its success.

Nov 17, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: Take Donald Trump at His Word
Discussion about Thanksgiving plans, Trump's controversial comments, and the power and fear of prosecutors. Exploring the dangers of a potential second term for Trump and the need to take his promises seriously.

Nov 10, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: What Do We Do With Congressional Scoundrels?
The podcast discusses the dilemma of Congressional scoundrels. It explores the indictments of Representative George Santos and Senator Robert Menendez, highlighting the constitutional dilemma of expulsion and the presumption of innocence. The discussion also focuses on the motion to expel Representative George Santos and the opposition to the measure, emphasizing the importance of not abandoning constitutional principles.

Nov 3, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: Why Halfway Cooperation Doesn’t Work
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 27, 2023 • 8min
Note from Elie: Watergate, Trump, and How History Speaks to Us
Reflections on John Dean's opinion on Gerald Ford's pardon of Nixon and the impact on future presidents, including the concept of deterrence and the boundaries of the law in light of Trump's ultimate fate.

Oct 20, 2023 • 11min
Note from Elie: My Name
The podcast discusses reporters in overwhelming news situations, the Jewish ceremony of consecration, the speaker's personal experience with their Hebrew school teacher, their name change from Elliot to Ellie and back, and the enduring nature of a name and its ties to family history and community.

Oct 13, 2023 • 12min
Note from Elie: The Known Unknowns of Trump’s Immunity Defense
This podcast explores the scope of immunity defense for federal officials, including the president, and whether Trump's conduct falls within the boundaries of his job. It also discusses the president's authority in regulating elections and the impact of his potential crimes on his immunity.