Opening Arguments

The podcast dives into the chaos of controversial political appointments and the questionable backgrounds of nominees, raising alarms about their fitness for office. It explores the potential use of recess appointments as a tactic to bypass Senate confirmation hurdles. The discussion also highlights a troubling resignation marred by misconduct allegations, shedding light on ethical disparities in governance. Finally, it critiques a bizarre government proposal to cut the federal budget, questioning the motives behind it and the influence of wealthy individuals on policy decisions.

OA1086 - We're modifying the schedule a little! Introducing fash-watch with Lydia. We're going to keep a very watchful eye on Trump's incoming government. We're starting this week with the EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and UN Ambassador Elise Stefanik. But don't worry! After that, we're still on with Heather and the regularly scheduled bar exam failure! Make sure to find openargs on Bluesky and play T3BE there! Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!  

The discussion dives into how President Biden can navigate his lame duck period with impactful actions. The speakers reflect on his history with the death penalty and advocate for crucial pardons. A humorous take emerges when considering the absurd idea of Biden pardoning Trump. They explore pressing immigration and foreign policy challenges, including the urgency for climate action. The blend of political commentary and cultural references keeps the conversation engaging while emphasizing the need for public accountability in governance.

The discussion dives into the complexities of legal defense, revealing the emotional hurdles defendants face. A candid look at political burnout and misinformation contrasts sensational media portrayals with reality in a notable murder case. The speakers emphasize resilience amid today's political climate, touching on abortion legislation and shifting voter sentiments. They analyze presidential powers and immigration risks under future administrations, and the intricacies of Supreme Court appointments during a lame duck period add further depth to the conversation.

The podcast dives into the myth that Kamala lost millions of Democratic votes, debunking misconceptions about voter turnout. It discusses the speaker's personal struggle with anxiety and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. The dynamics of recent electoral politics are explored, highlighting challenges facing the Democratic Party amid economic struggles and shifting voter sentiments. There’s a call for effective communication strategies and grassroots mobilization to support marginalized communities, especially trans individuals.

The hosts discuss the anxiety and disillusionment surrounding today's political landscape, drawing parallels to the 2016 election. They reflect on the emotional toll of potential future elections and the nostalgia for the past. The conversation explores complex voter behaviors, including the paradox of supporting both abortion rights and Trump. Concerns about the educational decline and its impact on politics are raised, along with the implications of a Trump administration on asylum and democracy. They also navigate the current political echo chamber, emphasizing dialogue and the younger generation's potential for change.

In this insightful discussion, the hosts dissect the key policy differences between Trump and Harris, emphasizing the unique choices voters face. They analyze contrasting views on immigration, environmental protection, and judicial appointments, while humorously critiquing the simplicity of the Republican platform. The conversation also highlights the implications of past executive decisions and union policies, urging listeners to consider the future impacts of their choices at the ballot box.

Donald Trump hints at a secret strategy for winning upcoming elections, prompting discussions on election vulnerabilities. Elon Musk's surprising history of immigration law violations raises eyebrows, sparking debates on hypocrisy among powerful figures. The conversation takes a light turn with a quirky story about the Librarian of Congress fixing McDonald's ice cream machines. Amid the humor, insights into electoral challenges, judicial bias, and the implications of significant court rulings weave through the dialogue, creating a blend of serious and entertaining commentary.

It's OA Bar Prep with Heather! First we get the answer to last week's Mario Kart easement question, and then we get question 46 - The Fraudulent Flight to Florida Right now, the best place to play (if you aren't a patron...) is at reddit.com/r/openargs! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!

OA1081. We're taking a broad survey of the 2024 elections, starting with the many, many 2020 election deniers who are still in--and seeking--public office. How many of these people are still around, and how many are up for re-election? What kinds of threats to democracy are still built into the system and how could we do better? What would real reform look like, and what is it going to take to get there?  “The Story of Election Denial in America," ElectionDeniers. org SCOTUS decision in FEC v. Cruz for Senate (2022) “Interactive U.S. House Election Map,” 270towin. Com “At least 30 election deniers and 2020 fake electors serving as Trump electors this year,” CNN (10/17/2024) Fifth Circuit’s decision in Lamb v Wetzel (10/25/24) “A Comprehensive Look at the Freedom to Vote Act,” Jonathan Diaz, Campaign Legal Center (9/17/21) Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do! If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!