
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

Aug 9, 2024 • 9min
Note from Elie 8/09: Kamala Harris and Those “Lock Him Up” Chants
Discover the rising concerns of vaping and its addiction issues, alongside a deep dive into the legal complexities surrounding Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's case from the 9/11 attacks. Delve into the political implications of the 'lock him up' chants directed at Donald Trump, exploring how these calls for justice intertwine with political strategy. The podcast also critiques the legal ramifications for Trump, particularly concerning hush money, and emphasizes the need for ethical discourse among legal professionals in turbulent political times.

Aug 7, 2024 • 10min
Note from Asha 8/07: Trump Knows Exactly What He’s Doing
Asha Rangappa is a Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Before that, she served as a Special Agent in the New York Division of the FBI, specializing in counterintelligence investigations. She is also a legal and national security analyst at CNN and an editor of Just Security. For a transcript of Asha’s note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 2024 • 12min
Note from Elie 8/02: Joe Biden’s Last Stand: Supreme Court Reform
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's plea deal related to 9/11 raises important questions about the differences between civilian courts and military tribunals. The discussion shifts to President Biden's attempts at Supreme Court reform, scrutinizing his proposals for a constitutional amendment on presidential immunity. The challenges of implementing term limits for justices and the potential impact of a new code of ethics are explored. The complexities of accountability in the Court's future also take center stage.

Jul 31, 2024 • 9min
Note From Joyce 7/31: The Bankruptcy Abuse Must Stop
Dive into the misuse of bankruptcy as a legal loophole, spotlighting Rudy Giuliani's controversial tactics to dodge accountability after a defamation ruling. The discussion highlights how this strategy obstructs justice for victims like Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss. The conversation also touches on similar maneuvers by The Gateway Pundit, raising broader concerns about the integrity of the legal system. It's a thought-provoking look at the consequences of legal abuses and their impact on justice.

Jul 26, 2024 • 9min
Note from Elie 7/26: Let’s Knock Off the 25th Amendment Talk
The discussion navigates the current political upheaval, drawing chilling comparisons to historical crises like Watergate. It emphasizes the need for a serious dialogue about the law's role in politics. Additionally, the misuse of the 25th Amendment by both parties is critically examined, urging a return to its original purpose of addressing true presidential incapacitation. A call for respect and seriousness in political discourse resonates throughout.

Jul 24, 2024 • 8min
Note From Barb 7/24: The Mission of Justice
Barb McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, dives into the intricate world of justice in today's politically charged environment. She discusses the implications of Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of Donald Trump's indictment and questions the integrity of justice when politics and law collide. McQuade highlights the challenges faced by Special Counsels and how their roles might be redefined amidst these legal storms, sparking a thought-provoking conversation about our justice system's future.

Jul 19, 2024 • 10min
Note from Elie 7/19: The Secret Biden Tape That We Shouldn’t Hear
Delve into the political storm surrounding a secret tape of President Biden's interview. The conversation intensifies with Republican officials demanding its release, while Attorney General Merrick Garland insists on its confidentiality. Explore the delicate balance of executive privilege in this heated debate. Join the discussion as it uncovers the implications for the Biden administration and the legal battles on the horizon.

Jul 17, 2024 • 7min
Note From Joyce 7/17: Don’t Stop Political Debates
Joyce Vance, co-host of the CAFE Insider podcast, is a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, a University of Alabama Law School professor, and an MSNBC legal analyst. For a transcript of Joyce’s note head to CAFE.com. To access the full archive of Contributor Notes and other exclusive content, become a CAFE Insider today at CAFE.com/insider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 16, 2024 • 7min
Note from Elie 7/16: Judge Cannon’s Ruling: Probably Wrong, But Not Crazy
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney and CNN legal analyst Elie Honig discusses the controversial dismissal of indictment against Trump by Judge Cannon, emphasizing constitutional implications over evidence. They explore the debate on special counsel appointments and discuss potential outcomes for the appellate process.

Jul 12, 2024 • 9min
Note from Elie 7/12: After the Supreme Court’s Immunity Ruling, All Four Trump Cases are in Trouble
A recent Supreme Court ruling has thrown a wrench into Donald Trump's legal strategies, impacting cases stemming from the 2020 election and January 6th. The discussion dives into the potential repercussions for his reelection efforts. Legal expert insights unpack the various ongoing challenges Trump faces, including decisions made by Judge Tanya Chutkin and the implications of significant indictments. The conversation highlights how Trump's conduct and legal precedents might affect evidence admissibility in court, showcasing a complicated legal landscape.