The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews with leading figures from across the ideological spectrum. Past guests include Representatives Jim Jordan, Thomas Massie, and Rob Wittman; Jeffrey Sachs; Tyler Cowen; Bryan Caplan; Dan Carlin; Larry Sabato; and Lawrence Lessig.
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The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews with leading figures from across the ideological spectrum. Past guests include Representatives Jim Jordan, Thomas Massie, and Rob Wittman; Jeffrey Sachs; Tyler Cowen; Bryan Caplan; Dan Carlin; Larry Sabato; and Lawrence Lessig.
Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Test & Trump’s DOJ Power PlaySupreme Court’s Voting Rights Test & Trump’s DOJ Power Play
The Politics Guys
19 minutes
3 weeks ago
Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Test & Trump’s DOJ Power PlaySupreme Court’s Voting Rights Test & Trump’s DOJ Power Play
Mike and Joey open with the Supreme Court’s unusual re-argument in Louisiana v. Calais, a case that could reshape Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Joey outlines the tangled history of Louisiana’s redistricting and argues that race-based districts may themselves violate equal-protection principles. Mike predicts Justice Kavanaugh will be the key vote to end broad race-based redistricting, though he worries about dismantling long-standing anti-discrimination tools.
Next, the guys turn to what Mike calls the “weaponization” of Trump’s Department of Justice. Mike sees politically motivated prosecutions of Trump critics like John Bolton and Letitia James as evidence that Trump’s promised deweaponization of DOJ has been just the opposite. Joey counters that the prosecutions reflect needed accountability for past abuses, not revenge, though he agrees that unchecked prosecutorial discretion is dangerous.
After that, they debate whether the Attorney General should be independently elected and if the traditional wall between the White House and DOJ still makes sense. Mike argues separation preserves public trust; Joey insists a vigorous, unified executive better ensures accountability and national security.
After answering several listener questions, the guys close with their revived “Rants & Recommendations” segment. Mike vents about mowing his Ohio lawn in October, while Joey rails against the avalanche of Amazon boxes modern “convenience” creates. Mike turns the gripe into a win by praising the joys of “processing cardboard” with his ever-growing pocket-knife collection.
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The Politics Guys
The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews with leading figures from across the ideological spectrum. Past guests include Representatives Jim Jordan, Thomas Massie, and Rob Wittman; Jeffrey Sachs; Tyler Cowen; Bryan Caplan; Dan Carlin; Larry Sabato; and Lawrence Lessig.
