Tangle Podcast Episode Summary: "PREVIEW - The Sunday Podcast: Issac and Ari talk about Mahmoud Khalil, a (potential) government shutdown, and interview River Page from the Free Press"

Release Date: March 16, 2025
Host: Isaac Saul
Managing Editor: Ari Weitzman

Introduction

In this episode of the Tangle podcast, hosts Isaac Saul and Ari Weitzman delve into pressing political issues, including the controversial deportation case of Mahmoud Khalil, the looming threat of a government shutdown, and a discussion on the political dynamics within Kentucky. The episode also features an upcoming interview with River Page from the Free Press.

Mahmoud Khalil's Deportation Case

Overview: The episode centers around the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University. Khalil's case has ignited significant debate regarding free speech, national security, and immigration law.

Key Points:

• Isaac Saul's Perspective:

  • Khalil was arrested with allegedly limited access to legal counsel, raising concerns about his uncertain future. [Transcript Timestamp: 02:15]
  • Saul highlights Khalil's status as a legal permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen with an American child on the way, arguing that these personal ties should afford him certain protections and due process. [Transcript Timestamp: 04:50]

• Marco Rubio's Stance:

  • A clip from former Senator and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio is played, where Rubio defends the deportation of Khalil by emphasizing national security concerns and denying entry to individuals with extremist views. [Transcript Timestamp: 05:00]

    Marco Rubio (Clip):
    "If you told us that you are in favor of a group like this... we would never let you in. And if you do it once you get in, we're going to revoke it and kick you out."
    [06:47]

• Ari Weitzman's Analysis:

  • Weitzman dissects Rubio's arguments, separating the issues of free speech, support for terrorism, and the rights of green card holders. She contemplates the constitutional implications of using national security as a basis for deportation without concrete legal violations by Khalil. [Transcript Timestamp: 08:50]

    Ari Weitzman:
    "Hamas is a terrorist organization... but I think when it comes to supporting a terrorist organization, demonstrating and saying things isn't the same as actually materially supporting them."
    [13:19]

• Legal Proceedings and Potential Challenges:

  • Saul discusses the legal pathways Khalil can pursue, including removal hearings, asylum applications, and the possibility of escalating the case to the Supreme Court if constitutional issues are raised regarding the deportation law used. [Transcript Timestamp: 25:39]

    Isaac Saul:
    "Khalil doesn't lose his status immediately, so the government has to put him through a formal removal hearing... he could apply for asylum... It's pretty interesting."
    [25:39]

• Constitutional Concerns:

  • Weitzman raises questions about the constitutional validity of the law used for Khalil's deportation, suggesting it may be an overreach reminiscent of Cold War-era policies targeting accused communists. [Transcript Timestamp: 21:17]

    Ari Weitzman:
    "That sounds very Russian to me. Sounds very Russian State."
    [20:15]

Potential Government Shutdown

Overview: Isaac Saul and Ari Weitzman also address the imminent possibility of a U.S. government shutdown, debating whether Democrats should hold the line or make concessions to prevent such an event.

Key Points:

• Arguments For and Against:

  • The hosts explore the political ramifications of a shutdown, considering both the short-term impacts on federal operations and the long-term political consequences for the Democratic Party.

• Isaac Saul's Take:

  • Saul contemplates the strategic positioning of Democrats, weighing the benefits of steadfastness against the practical necessities of government funding.

• Ari Weitzman's Insights:

  • Weitzman provides a nuanced view on the negotiation tactics that might be employed to avert a shutdown, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation.

(Note: Specific quotes regarding the shutdown discussion were not provided in the transcript excerpt.)

Kentucky's Political Landscape

Overview: The conversation shifts to Kentucky's unique political scene, highlighting key figures and upcoming electoral events that could influence national politics.

Key Points:

• Prominent Figures:

  • Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Rand Paul are noted for their significant influence and current political maneuvers within the state.

    Isaac Saul:
    "Representative Thomas Massie, Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul. All are cantankerous Kentuckians making winnings right now."
    [26:23]

• Upcoming Elections:

  • The open Senate seat following McConnell's departure presents an opportunity for shifting political allegiances in Kentucky, with potential candidates bringing diverse platforms to the table.

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Saul shares his experiences in Kentucky, including interactions with local academics and insights into the state's electoral behaviors. [Transcript Timestamp: 27:13]

Interview with River Page from the Free Press

While the full interview with River Page is slated for the end of the podcast, the hosts provide a preview of the discussion topics, which include media perspectives on Khalil's case and broader issues in political journalism.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Isaac Saul emphasizes the ongoing nature of Khalil's case and its potential to set significant legal precedents regarding free speech and immigration law. Both hosts express anticipation for future developments and invite listeners to engage with their premium content for more in-depth analysis.

Notable Quotes

1. Marco Rubio on Deportation:

   "This is not about free speech. This is about people that don't have a right to be in the United States to begin with."
   [06:47]

2. Isaac Saul on Legal Proceedings:

   "Khalil can appeal that decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. And if he loses there, he can appeal to a federal circuit court and then even to the Supreme Court."
   [25:39]

3. Ari Weitzman on Constitutional Issues:

   "That sounds very Russian to me. Sounds very Russian State."
   [20:15]

4. Isaac Saul on Kentucky's Political Influence:

   "Representative Thomas Massie, Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul. All are cantankerous Kentuckians making winnings right now."
   [26:23]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Tangle provides a comprehensive exploration of Mahmoud Khalil's deportation case, intertwining it with broader discussions on government operations and state politics. Isaac Saul and Ari Weitzman offer balanced perspectives, encouraging listeners to consider the complexities of immigration law and political strategy in a pluralistic society.

For more detailed discussions and upcoming interviews, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Tangle Premium Podcast and newsletter at ReadTangle.com.