Challenges to democracy intensified over the summer. The National Guard deployed in California. The Supreme Court ruled on presidential power using the shadow docket. In Texas, an egregious gerrymander has set off a partisan war nationally.

Now the fall will mark the next phase of the fight for the Constitution. Will the rule of law hold? How will the 2026 election unfold?

Brennan Center experts discuss some of the biggest news stories of the past three months and explore what will come next in the struggle to uphold democratic values.

Speakers:

Kareem Crayton, Vice President for Washington, DC
Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Justice Program
Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program
Hernandez Stroud, Senior Fellow, Justice Program
Wendy Weiser, Vice President, Democracy Program
Daniel I. Weiner, Director, Elections and Government Program
Moderator: Michael Waldman, President and CEO

If you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking it, subscribing, and sharing it with your friends. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please give it a five-star rating.

Recorded on September 4, 2025.

Keep up with the Brennan Center's work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing, at https://go.brennancenter.org/briefing.