Merrick Garland, former Attorney General known for handling high-profile federal cases, shares insights on his controversial tenure. He discusses the scrutiny surrounding his prosecutions of former President Trump and January 6 defendants. Garland highlights the legal complexities of Trump's indictments and the implications of ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice norms in a politically charged atmosphere, addressing concerns about immunity and its effects on the legal process.

Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, dives into the pressing issue of mail-in ballot delivery as elections approach. He shares insights from election officials grappling with concerns about the U.S. Postal Service's ability to meet deadlines. Personal anecdotes illustrate the anxieties voters face in ensuring their ballots arrive on time. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and implications for democracy, making it a must-listen for anyone invested in the electoral process.

In this discussion, politics reporter Sam Gringlas, known for his focus on election issues, delves into the Georgia State Election Board's surprising decision to mandate hand counting of ballots. He highlights the intense debate around this rule—supporters claim it will bolster election integrity, while critics warn it could disrupt timely results. Gringlas also sheds light on the broader implications of these last-minute rule changes, as the state faces mounting scrutiny over its electoral processes ahead of crucial elections.

Mary Louise Kelly chats with Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, about pivotal changes in election law. He expresses concerns over new certification rules, calling them misguided. Raffensperger highlights the challenges of ballot handling modifications, stressing the importance of election integrity. As preparations ramp up amidst chaos, he talks about training poll workers and managing absentee ballots. The discussion also touches on unexpected political endorsements that may impact voter engagement in battleground states.

Dan Reed, director of the documentary 'Stopping the Steal,' offers a unique perspective on Republican officials in Arizona and Georgia who refused to compromise their integrity during the 2020 election turmoil. He discusses their stand against illegal pressures from Trump and his allies, highlighting the courage it took to uphold democratic principles. The conversation also reflects on the threats to democracy during events like January 6, while emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope for the future of American politics.

Hansi Lo Wang, a voting rights correspondent for NPR, delves into the dubious return of pro-Trump electors as the 2024 election looms. He highlights how these individuals are tied to the controversial attempts to overturn the 2020 results and examines the potential legal pitfalls they face. Wang further explores the evolving legal landscape and the impact of disinformation on election integrity. The conversation raises pressing questions about what these electors might do if Trump loses again, making for a fascinating and timely discussion.

Ximena Bustillo, a seasoned politics reporter for NPR, dives into the latest developments in Donald Trump's hush money case. Juan Merchan, the New York judge overseeing the sentencing, discusses the legal intricacies behind delaying the case until after the presidential election. Stormy Daniels, the adult film star at the center of the controversy, adds her unique perspective on the situation. Together, they explore the broader political ramifications of these legal challenges and what it means for Trump and his allies.

For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro speaks with NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson.The Justice Department is looking to salvage the federal election interference case against Trump following the Supreme Court's ruling that he has considerable immunity from criminal prosecution for acts carried out while he was president.Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday.Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials.Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered Host Ailsa Chang speaks with Voting Correspondent Miles Parks. Georgia recently changed a voting rule that could allow some local election boards the ability to refuse to certify results. NPR's Miles Parks breaks down the concerns over this rule change and why some experts believe the courts are a strong backstop to possible certification challenges. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday.Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials.Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Domenico Montanaro, an insightful NPR political analyst, breaks down the summer's whirlwind in U.S. politics. He discusses Donald Trump's unexpected resurgence amid legal trials and a dramatic assassination attempt at a rally that paradoxically boosts his standing. The conversation shifts to President Biden's struggle with re-election viability and his surprising withdrawal, paving the way for Kamala Harris's rising influence. With campaigns heating up, they analyze the critical issues driving voter sentiment as the election nears.