On this episode of The Enemies List, Rick is joined by Andrea Bernstein. Andrea is a journalist, author, and podcast host at WNYC. Together they discuss the untold story of Leonard Leo, his political beginnings, how he came to hold the power he does, his connection to Supreme Court justices, the insane $1.6 billion donation he just received, and more.
Today Rick details the chilling effect of ABC's capitulation in a lawsuit brought by Trump, examining its dangerous implications for press freedom and journalism in America. He warns that this decision sets a precedent, emboldening Trump and others to intimidate media outlets into silence through lawsuits, threats, and governmental pressure. He explores how corporate interests, fear of retaliation, and the erosion of trust in the media are undermining the free press—a cornerstone of democracy.
Legal experts Jen Taub and David Pepper explain how we can all take the fight to protect our freedoms to Trump. We are far from powerless! Jen and David break down how to use that power in our communities, states, and the courts.
The framers envisioned a judiciary whose role was to check the power of the executive and legislative branches and ensure constitutional integrity. But what happens if corruption creeps its way into the most powerful court in the land? On today's episode Rick interviews David Brock, a veteran in the political and media landscape, about his new book Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America. They dive into how Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has influenced major rulings like the Dobbs decision and presidential immunity, and explore the broader ethical concerns surrounding the court. Brock discusses the decades-long conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary, Thomas’s entanglement with wealthy donors, and the urgent need for judicial reform to address the court’s corruption and accountability issues.
David's book, Stench: The Making of the Thomas Court and the Unmaking of America, available now.
Andra Watkins boils it down: "Project 2025’s economic plan is 1. China evil; 2. oil, gas, and extraction good; 3. immigration bad; 4. incarcerated enslaved labor good; 5. taxing the rich bad; 6. tricking dumb nuts to vote for their own tax increases, no Social Security, no Medicare good."
Brian Daitzman writes: "By laundering unofficial acts through official channels, exploiting the presumption of immunity, using preemptive pardons, and retaliating against legal authorities, a president can evade prosecution and undermine democratic governance."
