Key Takeaways
- Strict Scrutiny hosts, intern Jordan Thomas, and Ellen Weintraub share annual 'favorite things' for 2025.
- Recommendations span categories: 'Want', 'Need', 'Wear', and 'Read', offering diverse product suggestions.
- The episode analyzes recent Supreme Court cases concerning independent agencies and campaign finance regulation.
- Critiques highlight the Court's perceived detachment from real-world impacts of agency power and money in politics.
- Former FEC Chair Weintraub recounts her 2020 firing by President Trump, detailing threats to agency independence.
Deep Dive
- Hosts Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray welcome intern Jordan Thomas to the annual 'favorite things' episode.
- The episode segments recommendations into 'Want', 'Need', 'Wear', and 'Read' categories.
- Ellen Weintraub, former Chair of the Federal Election Commission, is introduced as an upcoming guest.
- Leah Litman recommends Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle Blanket and Jones Road's Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer.
- Kate Shaw mentions needing tickets for Lily Allen's upcoming tour.
- Leah Litman confirms attending a Lily Allen show in Washington D.C.
- Limited edition 'Strict Scrutiny' t-shirts may be available at live shows.
- The 'Strict Scrutiny Live: The Bad Decisions Tour 2025' includes dates in San Francisco on March 6th and Los Angeles on March 7th.
- A host recommends the Forme Power Bra for posture improvement, endorsed by Taylor Swift.
- Argent clothing is praised for its vibrant workwear options, and TheRealReal for resale choices.
- Quince yak wool sweaters are recommended for their softness and affordability.
- Uniqlo white t-shirts, Clearly Collective collegiate scarves, and WaySoft cashmere beanies are also endorsed.
- Leah Litman recommends fiction titles including 'The Wedding People' by Alison Espach and the Pennyroyal Green series by Julianne Long.
- Further fiction suggestions include Lisa Klaypos's Wallflower Series and Sarah MacLean's 'These Summer Storms.'
- Liz Moore's 'The God of the Woods' and V.E. Schwab's 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil' are also mentioned.
- Book of the Month subscriptions are recommended for broader reading access.
- Intern Jordan Thomas praises Leah Litman's book, 'Lawless,' for its accessibility in explaining complex legal topics.
- Other recommendations include Chris Hayes's 'The Sirens' Call' on attention as an endangered resource.
- Elie Mystal's 'Bad Law' discusses ten popular laws impacting America.
- 'Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation' by Zaakir Tameez is also suggested reading.
- The hosts reflect on highlights including CrookedCon and VIP meet-and-greets at live shows.
- Memorable moments include Leah Litman being nicknamed 'Sugar Goblin' and an audience cheering for Chevron Deference.
- Backstage interactions and meeting family members of the hosts were noted as positive experiences.
- A DC live show, audience reaction to government workers, and a New York City mayoral election were also highlights.
- Goals for 2026 include surviving the current administration and concern for people of color and targeted groups.
- The discussion emphasizes making voices heard to counter demoralization.
- Institutional resistance is encouraged, with praise for lower courts upholding constitutionalism.
- Judge William Young's opinion upholding free speech rights is highlighted as an example of judicial resistance.
- Ellen Weintraub expresses disappointment with the Supreme Court's focus on big money and industry power in recent cases.
- Justice Sotomayor's assertion that the court's actions could 'destroy the structure of government' is highlighted.
- The hosts critique oral arguments for abstract discussions of democracy, overlooking FTC's role in preventing monopolies.
- The Court's perceived lack of understanding of campaign finance operations, post-Buckley v. Valeo, is discussed.
- The discussion examines the impact of presidential control on agency independence, referencing Ellen Weintraub's firing from the FEC by Donald Trump.
- Weintraub recounts her termination via a two-sentence email, emphasizing the impersonal and intimidating process.
- The 'death by decapitation' of federal agencies, like the FEC, occurs when a lack of quorum prevents law enforcement.
- This situation could lead to the decommissioning of other bodies such as the NLRB and CPSC.