Elections have consequences. Often they are profound consequences stretching years or decades into the future from their inception point. Trumpism is civic poison. There is a temptation to think that this is another reverse coming after Trump’s election, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, the reversal of DACA protections and more. I don’t see it that way. These jolts are really only absorbing, fully recognizing the consequences of what happened in November 2016. Once we ingested it into the body politic all sorts of outcomes became either inevitable or possible. This is just one more of them, though perhaps the most consequential yet.
Jeffrey Toobin says Roe v Wade will be overturned and abortion in 20+ states within 18 months. This is far from the only change we are likely to see in short order. The most visible, high-profile Court issues tend to be those centering on questions like abortion rights, LGBT equality, religious liberty. Far less visible, though no less consequential, are the issues I expect a new Court to focus on most: using the scaffolding of the law to block legislatures from addressing key economic questions facing our society, much as the Court did in the late 19th and early decades of the 20th century. They are all important; they’re all down by six runs in the 9th inning. Read More
We’re collecting statements and official positions from every Democratic Senator on whether they believe a SCOTUS vote should happen before the 2018 midterm election. We’re collecting now. Here’s what we have so far. If you find other statements or stated positions, let us know.
Justice Kennedy announces his retirement. President Trump will get a second Supreme Court pick, likely solidifying a far-right court majority for years to come.
There are plenty of others who can give you smarter and more knowledgable takes on the Janus decision. It’s terrible. As Justice Kagan says, it’s weaponizing the First Amendment, a new interstate commerce clause, only for power rather than rights. The only very mild saving grace in the Janus decision is that labor saw this coming a mile away and they’ve had time to prepare as much as possible. There’s not a lot they can do but there are steps to mitigate the damage. The decision itself is the purest form of right wing judicial activism and illegitimate because it relies on the corrupt appointment of Justice Gorsuch.
Remember: the last time President Trump met with Vladimir Putin he held secret (from the US government) conversations and likely used the secrecy to prep a false cover story to explain Don Jr’s meeting with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton courtesy of the Russian government.
Could a Democratic Congress subpoena Trump’s taxes (yes)? And what are the big cases of corruption and dereliction of duty that are ripe for real congressional oversight? We discuss it all in the new episode of The Josh Marshall Podcast. Listen here or listen on iTunes. Whatever you do, please take a moment to subscribe to my Podcast on iTunes. It’s a great listen and by subscribing you help us introduce the show to more listeners. Thanks.
Roger Ailes Crony and former Fox Exec to take over White House Communications top post.
Trump in high school break up mode with Harley.
There are countless stories to tell about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s big upset win tonight in New York’s 14th congressional district, based in adjoining (across the river) parts of Queens and the Bronx. But the most important one is that it really should not surprise us. New York is a dramatically different city than it was even ten years ago. The differences are vast compared to two or three decades ago when representatives like Joe Crowley and other challenged incumbents began their careers. It makes perfect sense that a young person of color with social democratic politics would be a winner in this district.
Here are some basic demographic facts about the 14th district. Read More