Alabama Republicans pass the most extreme abortion ban in history, John Bolton tries to start a war with Iran, and Montana Governor Steve Bullock and New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio round out the 23-candidate field for the Democratic nomination. Then New York Attorney General Letitia James joins Tommy, Jon, Jon, Dan, and Akilah Hughes on stage at Kings Theater in Brooklyn.
Audio note: At 13:01, Jon Favreau's microphone temporarily cuts out in the discussion about the Alabama abortion law. For clarity, here is his question to Akilah: "What can people do in the meantime starting now to protect access to abortion and to fight back?"
Amanda Holmes reads William Carlos Williams’s poem, “To a Poor Old Woman.” Have a suggestion for a poem? Email us: podcast@theamericanscholar.org. If we select your entry, you’ll win a copy of a poetry collection edited by David Lehman.
This episode was produced by Stephanie Bastek and features the song “Canvasback” by Chad Crouch.
Today's episode breaks down everything you need to know about the pending Trump v. Deutsche Bank lawsuit over the pending Congressional subpoenas for Donald Trump's (and Don Jr.'s, and Eric's, and Ivanka's, and the Trump Organization's) financial records. Why is Trump suing Deutsche Bank, and what's going to happen? Find out why Andrew is still optimistic!
We begin, however, with the breaking news that Trump has pardoned Conrad Black. Who is he? Should this be a scandal? (Yes.) Will it be? (No.) And is Conrad Black a gigantic racist? (Guess.)
Then, it's time for the main segment about Trump v. Deutsche Bank. We talk about the unique legal standard in the Second Circuit that gives the Trump legal team a legitimate thread by which to argue for their injunction preventing Deutsche Bank from disclosing Trump's financial records to the House Committee.
Then, it's time to answer a listener question from Rob Bate about conspiracy, obstruction, and the Mueller Report.
After all that, it's time for a brand-new Thomas Takes The Bar Exam #126 involving whether shooting a would-be assailant who has broken off her attack is homicide, and if so, what kind.
Appearances
None! If you'd like to have either of us as a guest on your show, drop us an email at openarguments@gmail.com.
Show Notes & Links
Here’s a link to Conrad Black’s disgusting “Who Was Really At Fault In Charlottesville?” essay.
We cited Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. v. VCG Special Opportunities Master Fund Ltd., 598 F.3d 30 (2010) for the proposition that the 2nd Circuit recognizes an alternative test.
And, of course, credit for the fabulous “Deutsche Wanna Loan?” goes to our friends at Mueller, She Wrote
Andrew Torrez joins me to discuss the Democratic Primary -- Buttigieg, Warren, and whether or not we should be trying to determine who can best beat Trump. As Opening Arguments listeners well know, Andrew always brings insight, history, legal brilliance, and plain charm!
On The Gist, what correlates with anti-abortion views (and votes) more than being a man? Being a Republican.
In the interview, Jared Diamond brings new meaning to the old slogan that the personal is political. The author of Guns, Germs, and Steel argues that just as individuals go through crises to which they may either adapt or flounder, nation states face moments that define their strength domestically and on the world stage. Diamond’s latest book—Upheaval—takes Finland, Australia, and Chile (among other countries) as his case studies.
In the Spiel, whatever you think of Joe Biden, don’t let the dream of bipartisanship die just yet.
We are excited to introduce you to Bill Nye's new podcast Science Rules! Bill takes phone calls and answers peoples questions about anything science related. Science Rules! Is out NOW - find it in your favorite podcast app.
