DeepSummary
The transcript is a discussion about the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants broad immunity to presidents for official acts while in office. Ben Wittes, a legal expert from Lawfare, explains that the ruling essentially means a president cannot be prosecuted for criminal activity taken within their core constitutional responsibilities. He discusses the ambiguity around what qualifies as an official act and the uncertainties surrounding the limits of this immunity.
Tim Miller, the host, expresses outrage at the ruling and its apparent contradiction with the Constitution's provisions for impeaching presidents for high crimes and misdemeanors. They debate the potential for future presidents to pardon themselves or avoid prosecution entirely if re-elected. The ruling's implications for ongoing cases against Trump, such as those in New York and Georgia, are also examined.
The latter part covers the hypothetical scenario of Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race. Steve Shepard from Politico explains the mechanics of how delegates could select a new nominee at the Democratic convention, including the role of superdelegates on subsequent ballots. They discuss whether the nominee could freely choose their running mate or if delegates would have a say.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- A recent Supreme Court ruling grants broad immunity to presidents for official acts while in office, potentially shielding criminal conduct from prosecution.
- The ruling appears to contradict the Constitution's provisions for impeaching and prosecuting presidents for high crimes and misdemeanors.
- There is significant ambiguity around what qualifies as an 'official act' covered by this immunity.
- The ruling raises concerns about potential self-pardons by Trump and avoidance of prosecution if re-elected.
- Joe Biden's performance in the first debate prompted doubts about his viability as the Democratic nominee.
- If Biden withdraws, the Democratic convention could potentially select a new nominee through a virtual roll call vote.
- Delegates may have some influence in selecting a new vice presidential nominee in such a scenario.
- Time is of the essence due to legal deadlines for finalizing the ticket and getting on state ballots.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I became convinced during that debate that he should not be the candidate.“ by Ben Wittes
- “The fundamental duty is to win, because the capacity of the other side for evil is so magnificent.“ by Ben Wittes
- “He said in the speech, I will respect the limits of the presidency. Some of us don't think that should be a voluntary thing.“ by Ben Wittes
- “The consequence of a self pardon, it would be hard to review as a general matter. The only party withstanding to challenge it would be the Justice Department in the next administration could try to bring a case.“ by Ben Wittes
- “We're talking about three, four weeks tops from now. And it would happen all virtually, which would kind of for some Democrats worried about the like shades of 68 or, you know, convention floor chaos, either on the floor or outside the convention hall, to use the 1968 example.“ by Steven Shepard
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Episode Information
The Bulwark Podcast
The Bulwark Podcast
7/2/24