Trump Is So Immune
Digest
This episode of Slate's Political Gap Fest dives into the Supreme Court's landmark decision on presidential immunity, which grants broad protections to presidents, potentially shielding them from criminal charges even for actions related to overturning an election. The episode also explores the growing pressure on President Biden to withdraw from the race due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of a Biden withdrawal, including the possibility of a chaotic Democratic primary. Finally, the episode examines the Supreme Court's rulings against the administrative state, specifically the overturning of the Chevron deference doctrine, which has significant implications for the power of federal agencies to regulate corporations. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of these rulings, including a weakening of government services and a further erosion of public trust in government.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode of Slate's Political Gap Fest, discussing the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity, the potential for Biden to withdraw from the race, and the court's rulings against the administrative state.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Presidential Immunity
This Chapter delves into the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity, highlighting the broad protections granted to presidents, potentially shielding them from criminal charges even for actions related to overturning an election. The hosts discuss the implications of this decision for the upcoming election and the potential for future presidents to exploit these protections.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Biden's Withdrawal
This Chapter explores the growing pressure on President Biden to withdraw from the race due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of a Biden withdrawal, including the possibility of a chaotic Democratic primary and the potential for a Republican victory in the election.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Administrative State
This Chapter examines the Supreme Court's rulings against the administrative state, specifically the overturning of the Chevron deference doctrine, which has significant implications for the power of federal agencies to regulate corporations. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of these rulings, including a weakening of government services and a further erosion of public trust in government.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Summer Solace
This Chapter offers advice on how to find joy and solace in the summer, despite the anxieties and challenges of the current political climate and the ongoing climate crisis.
Keywords
Presidential Immunity
The legal doctrine that protects a president from being sued or prosecuted for actions taken while in office. The Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential immunity has expanded the scope of these protections, potentially shielding presidents from criminal charges even for actions related to overturning an election.
Chevron Deference
A legal doctrine that requires courts to defer to an agency's interpretation of a statute if the statute is ambiguous. The Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Chevron deference has significantly weakened the power of federal agencies to regulate corporations.
Administrative State
The term used to describe the vast network of federal agencies that implement and enforce laws. The Supreme Court's recent rulings against the administrative state have been seen as a major victory for corporations and a setback for government regulation.
Joe Biden
The current president of the United States. Biden is facing increasing pressure to withdraw from the race for re-election due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities.
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States. Trump is a major figure in the current political landscape and is a potential candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election. The Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity is seen as a major victory for Trump, potentially shielding him from criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States. The Supreme Court's recent decisions on presidential immunity and the administrative state have been highly controversial and have significant implications for the future of American law and politics.
2024 Presidential Election
The upcoming presidential election in the United States. The election is expected to be highly contested, with a number of key issues at stake, including the economy, climate change, and abortion rights.
Climate Change
The long-term shift in global weather patterns, primarily caused by human activity. Climate change is a major issue in the current political landscape and is a key concern for many voters.
Gaslighting
A form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a victim's mind, making them question their own sanity. The term has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the context of political discourse.
Q&A
What are the key implications of the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity?
The Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity grants broad protections to presidents, potentially shielding them from criminal charges even for actions related to overturning an election. This decision could have significant implications for the upcoming election and the potential for future presidents to exploit these protections.
What are the potential consequences of President Biden withdrawing from the race?
A Biden withdrawal could lead to a chaotic Democratic primary, as various candidates vie for the nomination. It could also create a sense of uncertainty and instability within the Democratic Party, potentially weakening their chances of winning the election.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's rulings against the administrative state?
The Supreme Court's rulings against the administrative state, particularly the overturning of Chevron deference, have significantly weakened the power of federal agencies to regulate corporations. This could lead to a weakening of government services, a further erosion of public trust in government, and a shift in power towards corporations and wealthy individuals.
How can people find joy and solace in the summer, despite the anxieties and challenges of the current political climate and the ongoing climate crisis?
Spending time in nature, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can help people find solace and comfort during challenging times. It's important to prioritize self-care and find ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Show Notes
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Supreme Court decisions on presidential immunity in Trump v. United States and the administrative state in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo as well as the future of Joe Biden’s nomination to be re-elected president.
Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:
Supreme Court of the United States: Opinions of the Court – 2023, including Trump v. United States, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors, and SEC v. Jarkesy
Matt Gluck, Hyemin Han, and Katherine Pompilio for Lawfare: The Supreme Court’s Presidential Immunity Decision
Perry Stein for The Washington Post: Justice Sotomayor dissent: ‘The President is now a king above the law’
Gary J. Schmitt and Joseph M. Bessette for the American Enterprise Institute: The Hamilton-Madison Split over Executive Power
Dan Pfeiffer for The Message Box: Why the Dem Panic over the Debate is Getting Worse
‘Will Rogers Today’: Will Rogers on Politics
Tim Miller for The Bulwark: Dear Dems: The Gaslighting Isn’t Helping Matters
Amy Howe for SCOTUSblog: Supreme Court strikes down Chevron, curtailing power of federal agencies and Mark Walsh: Consider the wild gray squirrel, Kagan rebukes her colleagues as court overrules Chevron
Mark Sherman for AP: The Supreme Court rules for a North Dakota truck stop in a new blow to federal regulators
How to Save a Country from The New Republic: The Administrative State Is Under Attack
Congressional Research Service: The Major Questions Doctrine
Eric Berger for Dorf on Law: Is Loper Bright a Big Deal? and Michael C. Dorf: Could Congress Reinstate Chevron?
Tierney Sneed, Jeanne Sahadi, Tami Luhby, Brian Fung, Ella Nilsen, Jen Christensen, and Katie Lobosco for CNN: How the Supreme Court’s blockbuster ‘Chevron’ ruling puts countless regulations in jeopardy
Here are this week’s chatters:
Emily: Paul Sabin of Yale University and City of New Haven: East Rock park
John: Dave McMenamin for ESPN: Lakers pick Bronny James in NBA draft; LeBron ‘emotional’
David: City Cast DC and Ross Andersen for The Atlantic: The Search for America’s Atlantis
Listener chatter from Jen in Denver, Colorado: Brandy Zadrozny and Jon Schuppe for NBC News: Who tried to steal Graceland?
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Emily talk about the joys of summer. See Merry Maids: 15 Fun Things to Make the Most of Summer 2024; NBC: Olympics Paris 2024; and epicurious: Summer. See also Produce bluebook: Nectarine Market Summary and Lemonada Media: Julia Gets Wise with Patti Smith.
In the latest Gabfest Reads, David talks with Sierra Greer about her new book, Annie Bot: A Novel. And Gabfest Reads now has its own site!
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Cheyna Roth
Research by Julie Huygen
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