Podcast Summary: Matter of Opinion – "What Biden Should Do in His Final Days in Office"

Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Ross Douthat, Michelle Goldberg, David French, David Firestone, Benjamin Applebaum, Nick Kristof
Podcast: Matter of Opinion by New York Times Opinion

Introduction

In the December 13, 2024 episode of Matter of Opinion, host Ross Douthat introduces the discussion by highlighting the pressing challenges and crises facing the United States and the global community. The episode focuses on actionable recommendations for President Joe Biden during his final weeks in office, emphasizing opportunities for impactful decisions amid ongoing turmoil. The conversation features insights from esteemed New York Times Opinion writers, each presenting their perspectives on critical issues ranging from presidential pardons to foreign policy.

1. Utilizing Presidential Pardons to Protect Rights (Michelle Goldberg)

Timestamp: 01:19

Michelle Goldberg, an opinion columnist at The New York Times, addresses the unique power of presidential pardons and commutations. She emphasizes the importance of Biden exercising this authority to safeguard individuals who might be prosecuted under the outdated Comstock Act. Goldberg explains:

“Joe Biden should pardon everyone who could be prosecuted under the Comstock Act by the Trump administration... This would not only protect individuals from potential prosecutions but also highlight the unpopularity of enforcing such archaic laws.”
(01:19)

Goldberg suggests that pardoning those at risk under the Comstock Act would serve as a protective measure against conservative efforts to revive the law, which historically banned the mailing of contraceptives and abortion tools. Additionally, she advocates for commuting the sentence of Charles Littlejohn, who leaked significant tax documents revealing financial misconduct by prominent billionaires. By doing so, Biden could underscore the importance of journalistic integrity and support the Democratic coalition.

2. Enhancing US Support for Ukraine (David French)

Timestamp: 06:38

David French, a columnist based in Kiev, discusses the critical situation in Ukraine amidst Russian aggression. He underscores the opportunity for Biden to strengthen support for Ukraine by seizing and reallocating frozen Russian assets to aid the Ukrainian war effort:

“President Biden has an opportunity to exert some real leadership... seizing that money for the use of the Ukrainian war effort... it would be a tangible way of saying to the Ukrainian people that the American people are still with you.”
(06:38)

French argues that reallocating over $200 billion in frozen Russian assets could significantly bolster Ukraine's economy and military capabilities while simultaneously weakening Russia. This strategic move would not only support Ukraine during a pivotal moment in the conflict but also reinforce global security alliances by deterring future aggressions from authoritarian regimes.

3. Securing Judicial Appointments to Counter Future Policies (David Firestone)

Timestamp: 10:17

David Firestone, deputy editor of the editorial board, highlights the urgency for Biden and the Senate to finalize as many federal judicial appointments as possible before the end of Biden's term:

“The most important thing that Biden and the Senate can do from now till January 3 is to appoint as many federal judges as possible... Leaving vacancies open allows Donald Trump to appoint even more extreme judges.”
(10:17)

Firestone warns that unfilled judicial positions risk being occupied by Trump's preferred nominees, who may hold more extreme conservative views. This shift could have long-lasting implications for American jurisprudence, affecting decisions on critical issues such as abortion and executive power. He calls for swift and decisive action to ensure a balanced judiciary that reflects democratic values and resists partisan extremism.

4. Reforming Foreign Policy and Addressing Humanitarian Crises (Benjamin Applebaum)

Timestamp: 13:18

Benjamin Applebaum, an opinion writer, critiques President Biden's foreign policy, particularly regarding humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza:

“President Biden has been publicly silent about the role of our partner, the United Arab Emirates, in providing weapons to militias in Sudan... In the case of Gaza, he has continued to ship weapons, which have been used in ways that have killed more than 40,000 people.”
(13:18)

Applebaum urges Biden to use his remaining influence to hold the United Arab Emirates accountable for their involvement in Sudan and to halt the shipment of offensive weapons to Gaza. He contends that these actions perpetuate violence and humanitarian suffering. By enforcing American laws that restrict weapons transfers when humanitarian aid is blocked, Biden could realign US foreign policy with its professed values and reduce the negative impact of ongoing conflicts.

5. Designating National Monuments for Lasting Legacy (Nick Kristof)

Timestamp: 17:09

Nick Kristof advocates for President Biden to utilize his authority to designate new national monuments, thereby preserving significant stretches of federal land from commercial exploitation:

“President Biden has the power to take federal lands and place them in a protected status... I would particularly like to see President Biden designate three areas of land in California... These are kind of easy ones. These are the slam dunks.”
(17:09)

Kristof outlines a proposal to protect approximately 1.2 million acres across California's diverse landscapes, including volcanic regions, the Chuckwalla Mountains near Joshua Tree National Park, and desert areas near the Mexican border. Supported unanimously by the California state legislature and Native American tribes, these designations would ensure long-term environmental conservation and recreational use. Kristof emphasizes the enduring legacy of such actions, noting that protected lands are seldom regretted and often celebrated by future generations.

Conclusion

In "What Biden Should Do in His Final Days in Office," Matter of Opinion presents a comprehensive array of strategies for President Biden to maximize his remaining time in office. From leveraging presidential pardons to protect civil liberties, reinforcing support for Ukraine, securing the judiciary against future political shifts, reforming foreign policy to address humanitarian crises, and designating national monuments for environmental preservation, the contributors offer pragmatic and impactful recommendations. These actions not only address immediate concerns but also aim to leave a lasting positive legacy for the nation.

Notable Quotes:

• Michelle Goldberg on pardoning under the Comstock Act:
  “Joe Biden should pardon everyone who could be prosecuted under the Comstock Act by the Trump administration...”
  (01:19)

• David French on seizing Russian assets:
  “...it would be a tangible way of saying to the Ukrainian people that the American people are still with you.”
  (06:38)

• David Firestone on judicial appointments:
  “Leaving vacancies open allows Donald Trump to appoint even more extreme judges.”
  (10:17)

• Benjamin Applebaum on foreign policy and Gaza:
  “President Biden has continued to ship weapons... which have been used in ways that have killed more than 40,000 people.”
  (13:18)

• Nick Kristof on national monument designations:
  “These are kind of easy ones. These are the slam dunks.”
  (17:09)

This summary encapsulates the core discussions and recommendations presented in the episode, providing a clear and thorough overview for listeners and stakeholders interested in the strategic decisions facing President Biden in his final days in office.