#SistersInLaw Episode 223: Gobsmackinly Corrupt
Released on February 15, 2025
Hosted by Politicon's Joyce Vance, Jill Wine-Banks, Barb McQuade, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr

Overview

In Episode 223 of #SistersInLaw, titled "Gobsmackinly Corrupt", the brilliant hosts Joyce Vance, Jill Wine-Banks, Barb McQuade, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr delve deep into the alarming corruption within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). They examine the recent turmoil surrounding the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, scrutinize the actions of the newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, and explore the erosion of First Amendment protections in the face of presidential overreach. The episode skillfully weaves historical parallels with Watergate, highlights significant resignations within the DOJ, and addresses critical questions from their audience regarding judicial powers and legislative acts.

1. The DOJ's Corrupt Maneuvers and Eric Adams Case

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the recent indictment and subsequent attempted dismissal of charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Indicted in September for bribery, wire fraud, and campaign finance violations, Adams' case has become a focal point for alleged corruption within the DOJ.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr introduces the controversy:
"We have a lot to talk about on this show this week. The drama over the Thursday into Friday massacre over the prosecution or ending thereof of New York City Mayor Eric Adams..." [00:00]

Barb McQuaid elaborates on the situation:
"Emile Beauvais had sent a letter to the Acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, directing her to dismiss the indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams." [08:06]

The team discusses the series of correspondences between Danielle Sassoon, Emile Beauvais, and Pam Bondi, leading to what they term the "Valentine's Massacre" due to its timing around Valentine's Day.

2. Danielle Sassoon: A Beacon of Integrity

Barb McQuaid provides an in-depth profile of Danielle Sassoon, the interim U.S. Attorney who resisted pressure to dismiss Adams' indictment:
"She is a lifelong conservative, a lifelong Federalist Society member... She clerked for Justice Scalia... She has always been a principled person." [12:16]

The hosts draw parallels between Sassoon's stand and historical figures like Sally Yates, highlighting the recurring theme of principled individuals standing up against political pressure.

Joyce Vance reflects on Sassoon's actions:
"She's just doing this as payback for being free." [34:07]

3. Resignations Within the DOJ: Echoes of Watergate

The episode draws historical comparisons to the Watergate scandal, emphasizing the gravity of the current situation within the DOJ.

Jill Wine-Banks reads a resignation letter from Hagan Scotten, a line prosecutor who resigned in protest:
"Consider this my resignation." [18:00]

Barb McQuaid comments on the significance:
"This is like a really amazing human being, a man of great integrity." [21:09]

The hosts lament the loss of moral compasses within the DOJ, noting eight resignations as a direct response to attempts to close prosecutions improperly.

4. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Under Siege

A critical part of the discussion focuses on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and recent attempts to undermine its enforcement.

Jill Wine-Banks explains the FCPA's importance:
"The FCPA prohibits bribing foreign officials to gain business advantages. DOJ has routinely prosecuted Americans for violating this act." [47:51]

Barb McQuaid discusses the implications of weakening the FCPA:
"This erodes the rule of law worldwide. It encourages bribery and corruption all over the globe." [50:35]

Kimberly Atkins Stohr emphasizes the necessity of the FCPA in maintaining America's ethical standards in international business:
"It's incredibly important to have this law in place. Without it, bribery becomes the new normal." [52:19]

5. Pam Bondi's Controversial Actions as Attorney General

The hosts scrutinize the actions of Attorney General Pam Bondi, highlighting her aggressive stance against states like New York and Illinois.

Barb McQuaid points out the civil nature of Bondi's charges:
"Pam Bondi was trying to indict New York State in a 16-page indictment, but it's actually a civil matter, not a criminal case." [40:25]

Joyce Vance analyzes the constitutional arguments:
"The 10th Amendment states that powers not delegated to the United States are reserved to the states or the people. Bondi's interpretation misrepresents the Supremacy Clause." [40:45]

The discussion reveals Bondi's targeted approach against states not aligning with federal immigration efforts, suggesting a politicized agenda at play.

6. Assault on the Free Press: The Assault on the Associated Press

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Trump administration's attempts to suppress the press, specifically targeting the Associated Press (AP).

Barb McQuaid explains the incident:
"Donald Trump changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and barred the AP from White House events for not complying." [62:37]

Joyce Vance underscores the First Amendment implications:
"The First Amendment prohibits the government from telling people what they can't say. This is a blatant violation." [66:18]

The hosts argue that these actions represent a slippery slope towards authoritarianism, warning of the long-term dangers to democratic institutions.

7. Audience Questions: Judicial Powers and Legislative Acts

The episode incorporates an engaging segment where the hosts address questions from their audience, providing expert insights into complex legal matters.

Question 1: Can judges block an executive order on their own?
Joyce Vance responds:
"Courts must wait for a case to be brought against an executive order. They can't initiate lawsuits themselves." [70:34]

Question 2: Are illegal and unconstitutional the same thing?
Barb McQuaid clarifies:
"Illegal means violating a statute, while unconstitutional means violating the Constitution. The Supreme Court's grant of presidential immunity applies to constitutional violations." [72:10]

Question 3: Is DOGE the same as the Office of Digital Services?
Jill Wine-Banks answers:
"Doge, established by an executive order, appears to be a rebranding of the U.S. Digital Service, but litigation will determine its scope and legitimacy." [75:21]

These responses provide clarity on judicial discretion, constitutional law, and the implications of presidential directives on governmental agencies.

Conclusion: A Dire Warning for the Future

The hosts conclude the episode with a somber reflection on the current state of American governance and institutions. They emphasize the critical need for vigilance, integrity, and resistance against corrupt practices to preserve the rule of law and democratic freedoms.

Joyce Vance remarks:
"We are in a very, very dangerous place." [25:12]

Kimberly Atkins Stohr adds:
"The cavalry isn't coming. It’s up to us, the voters, to push back." [32:05]

The episode serves as a clarion call for accountability and the preservation of foundational American principles in the face of institutional corruption and executive overreach.

Notable Quotes

• Barb McQuaid on DOJ corruption:
  "Which is gobsmackingly wrong, autocratic. It is all the bad things that lead to the kind of government that our founders never intended." [19:53]

• Joyce Vance on prosecutorial independence:
  "The Department of Justice is unique among all of the cabinet agencies in its independence from partisan politics." [20:05]

• Jill Wine-Banks on resignees' integrity:
  "His letter was so good that we should read it... It was never going to be me." [19:08]

• Kimberly Atkins Stohr on First Amendment protections:
  "You need a free press for a strong democracy to thrive." [66:31]

• Barb McQuaid on Pam Bondi's indictments:
  "It's disgusting. This is a takedown of all of our rules of government." [56:04]

Final Thoughts

Episode 223 of #SistersInLaw offers a compelling and thorough examination of pressing political and legal issues in 2025. Through informed discussions, historical context, and expert analysis, the hosts shed light on the corruption threatening the DOJ, the challenges to the First Amendment, and the broader implications for American democracy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics shaping the nation's governance and the ongoing battle to uphold justice and constitutional integrity.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, personal banter unrelated to content, and non-essential segments to focus on delivering a comprehensive overview of the episode's key discussions and insights.