Best Democracy Docket Podcasts (2024)

1
How the Right-Wing Suppresses the Will of Voters with Ari Berman 43:58

29m ago43:58

43:58

Voting rights journalist Ari Berman joins Defending Democracy to discuss his new book, right-wing extremism, gerrymandering, the U.S. Supreme Court and more.Buy Ari’s new book Minority Rule here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374600211/minorityrule🗳️Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.democracydocket.com/youtubesubscribe/🗳️Support our wo…

1
Episode 148: Uncovering the Truth About Discrimination in Jury Selection 55:45

2h ago55:45

55:45

Christopher Wright Durocher is joined by Professor Elisabeth Semel to talk about her recently released report, Guess Who’s Coming to Jury Duty? They discuss how too many courts don’t adequately track prospective jurors’ race and ethnicity and how the failure to take a race-conscious approach to jury selection and service results in the perpetuation…

1
Major Absentee Voting Case Headed to Wisconsin Supreme Court 17:46

38m ago17:46

17:46

On May 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a case arguing that drop boxes should be reinstated in the battleground state. Marc and Paige explain what’s going on in the lawsuit, what to look for in oral argument and the potential electoral impact of the court’s decision. 🗳️Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.democracydocket.com/youtubesu…

1
ELB 5:7: Rick Pildes: The Two Ricks Discuss the Trump Immunity and Hush Money Cases 43:29

3d ago43:29

43:29

How should we understand the Supreme Court’s questions in the Trump immunity case?Will the Court let Donald Trump go to trial for 2020 election interference based just on his acts as a candidate and not as President?Are the legal theories advanced in Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York legally sound?On Season 5, Episode 7 of the ELB Podcast,…

1
Episode 147: "Rightfully Complicit" 32:55

21d ago32:55

32:55

This week on Broken Law, we revisit two moving speeches from ACS's 2023 National Convention. Oren Nimni and Sherrilyn Ifill explore the complicity of lawyers in maintaining our unjust legal system and the special responsibility we bear in creating a more just future. Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.org Today's Host: Lindsay Langho…

1
Trump's Absolute Immunity Claims are Going to SCOTUS with Harry Litman 39:49

14d ago39:49

39:49

On April 25, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear former President Donald Trump’s claims that he has absolute presidential immunity and cannot be prosecuted for actions he took while in office. Former federal prosecutor and host of the Talking Feds Podcast Harry Litman joins to discuss the merit of Trump’s claims, what you should look out for during or…

1
Trump, Project 2025, the Supreme Court and the Election with Hillary Rodham Clinton 43:56

17d ago43:56

43:56

Hillary Rodham Clinton, former U.S. secretary of state and 2016 presidential nominee, joins Defending Democracy to talk with Marc Elias about the harm Donald Trump has done to our democracy and America’s global standing. Plus, Secretary Clinton talks about her thoughts on the GOP’s plans for 2024, Supreme Court justices and President Joe Biden. Sig…

1
Episode 146: Abortion, Courts, Elections, and You 31:54

21d ago31:54

31:54

Florida and Arizona state courts recently green lit restrictive abortion bans and the Supreme Court hears two cases that will have significant implications for how doctors and pregnant people navigate the post-Dobbs chaos. Elizabeth Binczik and Lindsay Langholz discuss the latest abortion news and how these developments are interacting with this ye…

1
Surviving Impeachment, Threats and Another Election with Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold 35:11

24d ago35:11

35:11

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joins Marc to discuss the rising threats against election workers, efforts to hold Donald Trump and John Eastman accountable and how secretaries of state are securing elections — plus the details of Colorado Republicans’ attempt to impeach her. Sign up for Democracy Docket's premium membership! Subscribe he…

1
The GOP's Pursuit of Gerrymandered Power with Attorney General Eric Holder 46:40

1M ago46:40

46:40

How maps are drawn determines electoral power in the United States. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder joins Marc Elias to discuss the fight for fair maps, attacks on voting rights and federal courts’ failure to protect democracy. Sign up for Democracy Docket's premium membership! Subscribe here: https://www.democracydocket.com/member/ Listen…

1
Episode 145: Insurrection on the Docket 36:53

1M ago36:53

36:53

The Supreme Court has taken up three cases that arise out of litigants seeking accountability for the violent events of January 6th. This month, the Court will hear arguments on former president Trump's presidential immunity claim and take a look at whether the law used to prosecute many January 6th participants was validly applied in one such pros…

1
Trump Is More Than a 4-Year Problem with Molly Jong-Fast 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

A second Trump presidency would last longer than 4 years. Writer and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast joins Defending Democracy to discuss how a second Trump term would be different, the myth of the "moderate" Republican and the media's role in all of this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sign up for Democracy Docket's new premium membership! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe here: htt…

1
Fighting for Democracy in North Carolina with State Rep. Robert Reives 46:56

1M ago46:56

46:56

A bonus podcast episode! Between blatant gerrymanders, power-grab laws and hard-line positions threatening the future of the state’s educational and business institutions, North Carolina Republicans have shown that they’re committed to anti-democracy. Democratic Leader of the North Carolina House Rep. Robert Reives is here to discuss. ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sign up…

1
Why Republicans Want Your Voter Info 30:17

1M ago30:17

30:17

Republican and conservative groups are filing lawsuits targeting states' voter info under the guise of "cleaning the rolls." But the real motivations behind the lawsuits are to purge voters and facilitate mass voter challenges. Marc and Paige break down what's happening in the latest episode of Defending Democracy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sign up for Democracy Docke…

1
Episode 144: Protecting Performers in a New Age of AI 44:45

2M ago44:45

44:45

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to affect how work is performed across industries and, in particular, within media and entertainment. Elizabeth Binczik speaks with Sarah Fowler of SAG-AFTRA to get her thoughts on how AI could impact performers’ work, the current state of the law, and how we might protect performers and people in general f…

1
The Republican War on Mail-In Voting 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

In 2023, the Republican Party launched the “Bank Your Vote” program to encourage people to vote early and by mail. Despite this, the RNC is involved in multiple lawsuits to restrict mail-in voting — some filed after this program was announced. Marc and Paige break down the GOP’s hypocrisy and go over the details of the cases. ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sign up for Demo…

1
Republicans Attack Fair Election Rules in Arizona 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

The Republican Party and affiliates have filed almost a dozen anti-voting lawsuits so far in 2024. A majority of those lawsuits were filed in Arizona alone. The GOP’s lawsuits are targeting Arizona election rules that restrict voter intimidation, ballot challenges, regulate voter registration cancellation and more. Marc and Paige break it down. ⭐️⭐…

1
Episode 143: Misogyny and the Law 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

International Women's Day will be celebrated on March 8th. It is a day to celebrate while also taking stock of women's rights here in the United States and abroad. This year, we see a number of countries making significant strides toward reproductive freedom for women while the United States slides backwards. Lindsay Langholz speaks with Julie Suk,…

1
Abortion is More Popular Than Your Favorite Politician with Renee Bracey Sherman 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

Abortion rights activist and founder of We Testify Renee Bracey Sherman joins the podcast to discuss how gerrymandering is an issue for both voting rights and abortion rights. Bracey Sherman talks with Marc about how we can’t secure reproductive rights for all until fair ballot access is secured for all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️Sign up for Democracy Docket's new pre…

1
Michigan Republicans Are Not Okay with State Sen. Jeremy Moss 44:00

3M ago44:00

44:00

While Republicans have focused on voter suppression laws, Michigan Democrats are using their trifecta to pass legislation focused on expanding ballot access, updating old election laws and ensuring that voters are fairly represented. Michigan Senator Jeremy Moss (D), President Pro Tempore of the state Senate, joins Marc Elias to talk about the stat…

1
Episode 142: Radical Reparations 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

Under the banner of "40 acres and a mule," the movement for reparations for slavery and Jim Crow has gained momentum in recent years, with diverse efforts underway from big states like California and New York to smaller communities like Evanston, Illinois and Asheville, North Carolina. Marcus Hunter, author of the recently published "Radical Repara…

1
ELB Podcast 5:6: Rick Hasen and Erwin Chemerinsky: A Real Right to Vote 1:13:57

3M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Why doesn’t the U.S. Constitution contain an affirmative right to vote?Can constitutional reform promote political equality, defuse the voting wars, and thwart election subversion?How can we get a constitutional right to vote, if we can’t even get normal voting rights legislation passed in Congress?On Season 5, Episode 6 of the ELB Podcast, I am in…

1
The Threat of a Second Trump Presidency with Rep. Jamie Raskin 34:12

3M ago34:12

34:12

Democracy champion Congressman Jamie Raskin joins the podcast to discuss the threat a second Trump presidency could pose to the U.S. Constitution, democracy and voting rights. Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.democracydocket.com/defendingdemocracy/ For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democrac…

1
Why You'll See Trump on the Ballot 29:36

3M ago29:36

29:36

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral argument in the Colorado lawsuit seeking to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Marc and Paige explain the top takeaways from the proceedings:1. Donald Trump won’t be disqualified from the ballot 2. Trump’s lawyer focused on questions of procedure…

1
Episode 141: The Electoral College's Past, Present, and Future (Part II of Episode 137 - Is the ECA Prepared for 2024?) 34:56

3M ago34:56

34:56

The Electoral College has shown significant flaws since its inception. Twice in the 21st Century, the national popular vote winner has not ultimately been elected President. The undemocratic nature of the institution has many asking why our system is built the way it is and what can be done to fix it. In this follow-up to Episode 137 ("Is the ECA P…

1
Republicans Want Your Ballot Rejected for Minor Mistakes 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

Every election, tens of thousands of ballots are rejected. Many of these rejections are due to minor mistakes made by voters or officials that cause otherwise valid ballots to be tossed. The Republican Party has been involved in efforts to expand what types of errors cause a ballot to be rejected and limit voters’ opportunities to correct errors in…

1
The Supreme Court Will Determine Trump's Future 25:09

4M ago25:09

25:09

On Feb. 8, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral argument in a case that will likely determine if Donald Trump is eligible for office following the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to disqualify him from the state’s ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Marc and Paige break down the central questions in this case and give an update o…

1
Episode 140: The Relentless Attack on Government as We Know It 54:51

4M ago54:51

54:51

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Loper Bright Enterprises and Relentless, Inc., two cases that could see the Court overrule the Chevron doctrine, a 40-year-old precedent. Overruling Chevron could empower courts to redesign federal governance as we know it. Elizabeth Binczik speaks with Professor Andrew Mergen about what happened a…

1
Episode 139: Will SCOTUS Close the Courthouse Door to Immigrants? 33:28

4M ago33:28

33:28

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral argument in the second of two big immigration cases this term. On this episode, Jeanne Hruska speaks with Taonga Leslie about the Supreme Court's track record on immigration, takeaways from the oral arguments in the relevant cases this term, and the potential impact on access to justice depending on how th…

1
Episode 138: Two Big Ticket Items for 2024 42:49

4M ago42:49

42:49

Welcome to 2024! We are covering two topics poised to shape the new year. First, Jeanne Hruska catches up with Lindsay Langholz for the latest developments in efforts to keep Donald Trump off the ballot in various states and whether SCOTUS will finally step in. Jeanne then speaks with ACS President Russ Feingold to discuss where President Biden is …

1
ELB Podcast 5:5: Steve Vladeck: Trump, the Supreme Court and the Shadow Docket 43:59

4M ago43:59

43:59

What are the costs for democracy when the Supreme Court decides cases on the “shadow docket?”Is the Purcell Principle a license for states to act illegally in running elections?What is going to happen with the Trump disqualification case at the Supreme Court?On Season 5, Episode 5 of the ELB Podcast, we speak with Steve Vladeck, author of the book,…

1
Episode 137: Is the ECA Prepared for 2024? Part I 39:54

5M ago39:54

39:54

The Electoral Count Act (ECA) played a prominent role in the legal fictions clung to by those who orchestrated the January 6th Insurrection. With another presidential election before us, Lindsay Langholz joins Jeanne Hruska to discuss the updates made to the ECA since 2021 and whether we should have faith in the ECA this election cycle. They also r…

1
Episode 136: 2023 Wrap Up 44:58

5M ago44:58

44:58

With 2023 nearly over, Craig Mastantuono and Neal Sarkar join Jeanne Hruska to discuss the good, the bad, and the terrifying from the past year and to look ahead to the mammoth year that is 2024. Craig and Neal also share the biggest 2023 takeaways from their respective states: Wisconsin and Texas. Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.…

1
Episode 135: What a Year for Labor! 56:23

5M ago56:23

56:23

After a hot labor summer, we've continued to see positive developments on the labor front. On this episode, Elizabeth Binczik speaks with Professor Catherine Fisk about the combination of labor wins this year and what 2023 could mean for labor moving forward. They review the deals struck to end the Hollywood strikes and the ingenuity of the United …

1
Could Trump Be Kicked off the Ballot? 32:50

5M ago32:50

32:50

Over 20 lawsuits are using the 14th Amendment to challenge former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to serve a second term in office due to his involvement in the January 6th Insurrection. Marc and Paige explain what these lawsuits are doing, the issues they face and when a decision might come on the issue. For a transcript of this episode, plea…

1
Episode 134: Red Courts, Blue Courts, and AI 30:06

5M ago30:06

30:06

Two topics for the price of one episode. Jeanne Hruska is joined by Professor Mark Lemley for a discussion on his recent article, “Red Courts, Blue Courts,” which explains how administrations are increasingly prioritizing district court vacancies in states that align with their party and the resulting consequences. In the second half of the episode…

1
The GOP is Full of Cowards and Liars with Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett 35:35

5M ago35:35

35:35

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins Marc to discuss voter suppression in Texas, the cowardice of Republicans to stand up for democracy and what gives her hope. Plus, her thoughts on George Santos’ expulsion from Congress. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democracydocket.com. Follow Democracy Docket! -⁠X/Twitter⁠ -⁠P…

1
ELB Podcast 5:4: Ian Bassin & Jess Marsden: Protecting Democracy in 2024…and 2025 33:31

5M ago33:31

33:31

Has the United States done enough to minimize the risk of election subversion in 2024?How might problems in Congress affect a fair tallying of electoral college votes on January 6, 2025?How much danger of authoritarian rule does the U.S. face going forward?On Season 5, Episode 4 of the ELB Podcast, we speak with Ian Bassin and Jess Marsden of Prote…

1
Episode 133: Taking Up Section 3 of the 14th Amendment 36:54

6M ago36:54

36:54

There's been much conversation about Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and whether it can be used to keep people who engaged in the January 6th insurrection off the ballot. Lindsay Langholz speaks with Donald Sherman and Nikhel Sus from CREW about their lawsuit aimed at keeping Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado. They discuss the ruling of the t…

1
The 8th Circuit’s Attack on the Voting Rights Act 23:47

6M ago23:47

23:47

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was having a good year — until the 8th Circuit ruled that there’s no private right of action under the statute. Marc and Paige break down that the 8th Circuit’s decision means, new threats facing the Voting Rights Act and a group of new lawsuits seeking to protect ballot access using lesser-known parts of the land…

1
Episode 132: Optional Ethics 33:35

6M ago33:35

33:35

The U.S. Supreme Court recently published a "Code of Conduct," signed by all nine justices. Jeanne Hruska catches up with Russ Feingold, ACS President, to discuss how much weight, if any, to give this new Code. They also discuss the latest on judicial confirmations and look ahead to how voters can engage on the courts come election time. Join the P…

1
Episode 131: How to Advance Workplace DEI Post SFFA 31:35

6M ago31:35

31:35

Since the U.S. Supreme Court largely outlawed affirmative action in higher education earlier this year, there's been discussion about what the decision could mean for the future of DEI practices in employment. Taonga Leslie speaks with Marcus Childress about the chilling effect that SFFA v. Harvard has had and how employers can continue to advance …

1
What Election Day 2023 Says About Election Day 2024 28:12

6M ago28:12

28:12

Democracy was on the ballot this past Election Day — and it won. Marc and Paige discuss major takeaways from this year’s election and what it means for 2024. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democracydocket.com. Follow Democracy Docket! -⁠Twitter⁠ -⁠Facebook⁠ -Instagram⁠ -⁠TikTok⁠ -Subscribe to our free newsletters⁠ Resour…

1
Episode 130: SCOTUS Confronts a Mess of Its Own Making 31:59

6M ago31:59

31:59

The U.S. Supreme Court has an opportunity to rein in its disastrous 2nd Amendment decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen this term, or make it that much harder for states to prevent gun violence. Christopher Wright Durocher speaks with Esther Sanchez-Gomez (Giffords Law Center) about takeaways from the Court's oral argument in U.S. v. Rahimi and how the Court…

1
Q+A with Marc Elias 25:42

6M ago25:42

25:42

Marc Elias answers the top questions from Defending Democracy listeners about democracy, voting rights, and litigation. Plus, Marc shares what gives him hope for the 2024 election. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democracydocket.com. Follow Democracy Docket across the web! ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠Post⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ …

1
Episode 129: One Year Out from Election Day 2024 49:26

6M ago49:26

49:26

One year out from the 2024 election, Lindsay Langholz checks in with Jessica Huseman from VoteBeat about the election issues that are consuming her attention and could shape the 2024 election space, including the growing obsession with hand counting ballots and the odd steps certain states are taking to "update" their voter registration lists. Join…

1
Labor, Democracy and Building Power for All 36:08

7M ago36:08

36:08

Recently, labor unions have exercised power in ways not seen in decades. Former political director of the AFL-CIO Mike Podhorzer joins the podcast to discuss the surge of activity in the labor movement, how the fight for democracy and labor rights are connected and what you should look out for as we get closer to the 2024 election. For a transcript…

1
Episode 128: How Campaign Funding Affects Judicial Decision Making 50:00

7M ago50:00

50:00

As state judicial elections become more and more expensive, it's worth asking whether campaign funding impacts judicial decision making. On this episode, Jeanne Hruska speaks with Michael Kang and Joanna Shepherd about their new book, "Free to Judge: The Power of Campaign Money in Judicial Elections." According to Kang and Shepherd, “campaign money…

1
ELB Podcast 5:3: The Trump Prosecutions, the First Amendment, and Election Interference 49:34

6M ago49:34

49:34

Do gag orders against presidential candidate Donald Trump in his civil or criminal trials violate the First Amendment?What should we make of Trump’s claims that his actions to overturn the results of the 2020 elections are protected free speech?How should we assess the dangers of government “jawboning” of social media platforms to remove objectiona…

1
A Looming Threat to the 2024 Elections 29:36

7M ago29:36

29:36

Across the country, there are growing reports of small groups and individuals harassing voters, challenging people’s rights to vote and spreading election disinformation. This movement of election vigilantism is poised to become one of the biggest threats to the 2024 elections. Marc and Paige break down exactly what these groups are doing, the new …

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