Podcast Summary: "We Were Never Protected" As The World Churns
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Hosts: Andy Levy and Danielle Moody

Overview

In the episode titled "We Were Never Protected," hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moody delve deep into the tumultuous landscape of American politics and judiciary actions. They dissect recent Supreme Court decisions, explore the ramifications of significant Medicaid cuts, and examine the broader implications of political rhetoric on societal structures. The episode features insightful commentary from legal expert Madiba Denny, author of The Originalism Trap, providing a nuanced analysis of the current state of the Supreme Court and its impact on American democracy.

Criticism of Supreme Court Decisions

The episode opens with Andy Levy addressing controversial remarks made by Chief Justice John Roberts. Roberts had recently urged the public to refrain from threatening judges, a plea that garnered significant attention:

Andy Levy [01:20]: "It's absolutely wild that he will sit there. And yes, he talked about how threats against the judges were not good."

Danielle Moody concurs, expressing skepticism about the source of these threats:

Danielle Moody [02:10]: "I haven't really seen any actual threats against judges or justices coming from the left or from liberals. I've seen a lot of them coming from the right."

This segment underscores the increasing tension and polarization surrounding the judiciary's role in American politics.

The Birthright Citizenship Ruling

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Supreme Court's recent ruling on birthright citizenship, a decision that has ignited fierce debate:

Andy Levy [05:06]: "Justice Sotomayor... she said, 'No right is safe in the new legal regime the Court creates.'"

Danielle Moody elaborates on the implications of this ruling, highlighting the inconsistency in the Supreme Court's application of constitutional principles:

Danielle Moody [06:08]: "Yeah, yeah, of course. Because that's how it works. It's only states' rights when it's a red state."

The hosts express concern that such rulings undermine the uniform application of the Constitution across all states, risking a return to divisive, state-centric legal interpretations reminiscent of the Civil War era.

Democratic Leadership and Islamophobia

The conversation shifts to internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding support for candidate Zor Mandani. Danielle Moody criticizes prominent Democrats for their Islamophobic rhetoric:

Danielle Moody [09:04]: "Kirsten Gillibrand... accused Mandani of favoring global jihad. It was rhetoric that we've gotten unfortunately used to from the right. But we are now hearing it from Democrats."

Highlighting a shift in the party's dynamics, Moody emphasizes the damaging effects of such rhetoric on marginalized communities and the party's integrity.

Medicaid Cuts and Political Repercussions

A critical issue discussed is the proposed bill aiming to cut $930 billion from Medicaid, affecting 80 million Americans:

Danielle Moody [12:10]: "This bill may be the tipping point moment for the American people."

Andy Levy underscores the disproportionate impact on low-income individuals and critiques the Republicans' stance on dismantling safety nets:

Andy Levy [14:14]: "...people are going to die because of this bill."

The hosts lament the prioritization of federal budget cuts over the welfare of vulnerable populations, highlighting Senator Thomas Tillis as a rare Republican dissenting voice against the bill's passage.

Guest Segment: Madiba Denny on Supreme Court's Impact

Madiba Denny, author of The Originalism Trap and deputy editor at Balls and Strikes, joins the conversation to provide an expert analysis of the Supreme Court's trajectory:

Madiba Denny [22:01]: "Unmitigated horror, deep sadness. ... the lengths to which they went were really quite astounding and was very upsetting."

Denny reflects on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissenting opinions, conveying a palpable sense of despair over the court's direction:

Madiba Denny [24:16]: "They are here with these guys who are going out of their way to roll back everything that they might have thought was secure."

Her insights highlight the erosion of foundational constitutional principles and the courts' role in perpetuating systemic injustices.

Denaturalization and Future Implications

The discussion extends to fears of denaturalization, referencing figures like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon:

Madiba Denny [34:44]: "I'm shook about that. I'm also a naturalized citizen."

She warns of the fragile status of naturalized citizens and the Supreme Court's rulings that could facilitate aggressive immigration enforcement actions, including deportations to dangerous foreign nations.

Healthcare System's Failures and Personal Accounts

Both hosts share personal narratives underscoring the systemic failures in America's healthcare:

Maris Kreisman [46:03]: "I have type 1 diabetes since I was 9 years old... People are dying because they don't have access to enough money to afford insulin."

These accounts emphasize the real-world consequences of policy decisions, particularly Medicaid cuts, and the broader inadequacies of the healthcare system.

Book Publishing and Disinformation

Maris Kreisman, author of I Want to Burn this Place Down, discusses the role of book publishers in perpetuating disinformation:

Maris Kreisman [53:42]: "Fact checking in the publishing world is optional... Nonfiction is just a marketing term."

She criticizes the lack of rigorous fact-checking in publishing, allowing misleading and harmful narratives to proliferate unchecked, thereby contributing to societal misinformation.

Backlash Against Republican Politicians

The episode concludes with a strong rebuke of Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama for his comments on sanctuary cities and federal funding:

Danielle Moody [61:05]: "Rick McCormick is today's fuck that guy."

The hosts vehemently oppose Tuberville's stance, which they argue undermines support for vulnerable populations and perpetuates divisive and harmful policies.

Conclusion

"We Were Never Protected" serves as a compelling critique of current political and judicial trends in the United States. Through incisive discussions and expert guest analysis, hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moody illuminate the profound challenges facing American democracy, healthcare, and societal cohesion. The episode underscores the urgent need for vigilance and proactive efforts to safeguard constitutional principles and protect vulnerable communities from systemic injustices.

Notable Quotes:

• Justice Sotomayor on the Supreme Court's New Legal Regime:

  "No right is safe in the new legal regime the Court creates." [05:06]

• Madiba Denny on the Supreme Court's Direction:

  "They are here with these guys who are going out of their way to roll back everything that they might have thought was secure." [24:16]

• Danielle Moody on Democratic Islamophobia:

  "Kirsten Gillibrand... accused Mandani of favoring global jihad." [09:04]

• Danielle Moody on Medicaid Cuts as a Tipping Point:

  "This bill may be the tipping point moment for the American people." [12:10]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in the episode, providing listeners and readers alike with a clear understanding of the key issues explored by Andy Levy and Danielle Moody.