Mike & Jay are joined by Trey on this episode of the podcast, which starts off with an extended discussion of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The guys get into likely outcomes, Putin’s strategic savvy, the ineffectiveness of sanctions, democratic vs authoritarian regimes, prospects for energy policy in Europe, the GOP split in reactions to Putin and Russia, how Russia’s actions might affect China’s view of a Taiwan, and a lot more.
Then it’s a look at Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden’s nominee to fill the Supreme Court seat of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Nobody is surprised by Biden’s choice, and the guys expect Jackson to be confirmed on a narrow, mostly party line vote. Jay suggests that a more consensus-building nominee might have been shortlisted candidate J. Michelle Childs, though Mike argues that we’re in an age where almost no conceivable Supreme Court nominee would be confirmed with any significant bipartisan support.
After that is a discussion of the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will be hearing 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which a Christian website designer argues that Colorado’s LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination law violates her 1st amendment free expression and free exercise of religion rights. The Court declined to consider the religious freedom implications, but Jay, Mike, and Trey all agree that a majority of the Justices are likely to see that law as unconstitutionally compelling speech.
Next, they talk about why a Democratic House member would want to deliver a response to Democrat Joe Biden’s upcoming State of the Union Address, as Michigan Representative and “Squad” member Rashida Tlaib plans to do for the progressive group Working Families Party. Following that, they discuss the launch of Donald Trump’s Truth Social app, as well as a federal court ruling that pits deference to administrative regulations against the Court’s role in determining the meaning of major legal questions.
Mike’s Recommendations
The Hitman’s Bodyguard & The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Trey’s Recommendations
The Constitution, An Introduction. Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen
The Least of Us, Part II (video game)
Jay’s Recommendations
The NRPLUS Facebook Group
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal. Ben Macintyre
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Why Flying is Miserable – And How to Fix It
Is Biden Toast?, Tlaib Censure, Gun Rights, Saving Journalism?
Manchin Out, No Labels, OH KY VA Elections, GOP Debate
Disqualifying Trump, Social Media Blocking, Tuberville’s Fight, The ACA at 10
Israel and Hamas, Biden’s A.I. Order, Election Integrity
UAW and Ford, Ellis Plea, Trump Gag Orders, States Sue Meta, Lewiston
Speaker Mike Johnson, Israel and Hamas
Georgia Election Case, Menendez Charges, Presidential Race, Biden and the Media
Israel and Hamas, House Speaker Fight
Jay Talks with Rep. Jim Jordan (2017)
The Constitution: The Bill of Rights
The Gaza Strip, House Speaker
Steve Inskeep on Lincoln’s Leadership in Turbulent Times
Unconstitutional Agencies, Credit Card Competition, In Praise of Idleness
McCarthy Out, California’s New Senator, Supreme Court Back, Trump Civil Case
Lainey Newman on Rust Belt Union Blues
The Constitution: Article VII
Feinstein, GOP Debate, House Shutdown, NY Fraud Case, Alabama
Heather Cox Richardson on the State of American Democracy
Paxton Acquittal, NCAA Legislation, Senate Dress Code, Masterson Rape Conviction
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