Legal AF by MeidasTouch: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Election Win Sticks the Dagger in Trump & MAGA in Wisconsin
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Michael Popok, Karen Friedman Agnifilo

Overview

In this compelling episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, the hosts delve into a landmark decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that has significant implications for abortion rights and the broader political landscape. The discussion highlights the court's ruling, the influence of political figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump on judicial appointments, and the critical role of state elections in shaping the judiciary.

1. Wisconsin Supreme Court's Historic Ruling on Abortion [00:30 - 07:40]

The episode opens with an in-depth analysis of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's recent decision overturning a longstanding abortion ban. The hosts break down the court's reasoning and the legal intricacies involved.

• Background of the Ruling:

  The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a close 4-3 decision, declared that the state's abortion ban, which had been in place since 1849, was no longer valid. Instead, the court upheld a series of statutes enacted by the Wisconsin legislature that protect reproductive rights up to the point of fetal viability (~21 weeks).

• Key Elements of the Decision:

  The ruling emphasized that comprehensive legislation passed over the past 50 years effectively repealed the old 19th-century ban. As stated by the Legal Analyst at [00:30]:

  "The Wisconsin legislature superseded the earlier law by rewriting it and revising it. And that's the law that now comes back into effect now that the Supreme Court has taken away the federal constitutional right to choose."

  Justice Janet Prota Sewitz played a pivotal role in this decision, maintaining the liberal majority on the court and ensuring the protection of women's reproductive rights.

• Impact of Political Influence:

  The episode discusses the attempted influence by Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who invested substantial resources aiming to sway the court's composition in favor of anti-abortion stances. However, their efforts were thwarted as Susan Crawford, a pro-choice candidate, won the seat, reinforcing the court's liberal majority.

  "The Wisconsin voters rejected that [attempt by Musk and Trump]. And the good news is now with the addition of Susan Crawford, the 4 to 3 majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court."

2. The Interplay Between Elections and the Judiciary [07:40 - 11:40]

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of judicial elections and their impact on state and national politics.

• Judicial Elections and Voter Responsibility:

  The hosts emphasize the importance of state elections in determining the composition of supreme courts, which often have long-lasting effects on legal precedents. Michael Popok remarks at [07:40]:

  "Elections matter. Supreme courts are often in control and they're all, they're often quasi-political and often elected. So pay attention to who is on your Supreme Court."

• Long-Term Effects of Political Appointments:

  The discussion highlights how figures like Donald Trump have reshaped the federal judiciary by appointing numerous conservative judges, leading to a predominantly right-wing Supreme Court that may remain unchanged for decades. Popok notes:

  "The United States Supreme Court will continue to be a right-wing MAGA majority for at least the next two decades because of Donald Trump."

• Hope for Future Changes:

  Despite the current conservative dominance, there is cautious optimism about future shifts, particularly if Democratic candidates gain more influence in judicial appointments. The hosts express hope for more liberal justices like Ketanji Brown Jackson in higher judicial positions.

3. The Critical Role of State Judiciary in Reining in Extremism [10:03 - 11:40]

The episode underscores the significance of state-level judicial actions in counteracting federal-level shifts toward conservative extremism.

• State Courts as Buffers:

  State supreme courts and legislatures play a crucial role in safeguarding rights and counterbalancing federal judicial appointments. The Legal Analyst states:

  "It is going to be the states and has been the states, both the attorneys general and the governors, the state houses and the supreme courts that are going to help reign in Donald Trump through lawsuits, through legislation and through their supreme courts."

• Call to Action:

  Listeners are urged to remain vigilant and active in state elections, ensuring that elected judges uphold democratic values and protect individual rights.

Conclusion

This episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch provides a thorough examination of the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision on abortion, highlighting the interplay between state elections, judicial appointments, and broader political strategies. The hosts advocate for active participation in state elections to maintain a balanced and fair judiciary, emphasizing that local actions can have profound national implications.

Listeners are encouraged to engage further by subscribing to the Legal AF YouTube channel and the Legal AF Substack for more in-depth analyses and updates on legal and political developments.

Notable Quotes

• [00:30] Unknown Legal Analyst:

  "The Wisconsin legislature superseded the earlier law by rewriting it and revising it. And that's the law that now comes back into effect now that the Supreme Court has taken away the federal constitutional right to choose."

• [07:40] Unknown Legal Analyst:

  "Elections matter. Supreme courts are often in control and they're all, they're often quasi-political and often elected. So pay attention to who is on your Supreme Court."

• [10:03] Unknown Legal Analyst:

  "It is going to be the states and has been the states, both the attorneys general and the governors, the state houses and the supreme courts that are going to help reign in Donald Trump through lawsuits, through legislation and through their supreme courts."

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