The Adams Case: A Detailed Summary of The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Commentary Magazine Podcast
• Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
• Episode: The Adams Case
• Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction and Episode Overview

In the February 14, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts John Podhoretz and Abe Greenwald delve into the intricate details of "The Adams Case." This episode centers around the resignation of Danielle Sassoon, the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and the broader implications of her departure. The discussion is enriched by contributions from senior editor Seth Mandel and Eli Lake, Commentary's expert on lawfare and weaponization.

Background on the Adams Case

Danielle Sassoon's Resignation

The episode opens with John Podhoretz announcing the resignation of Danielle Sassoon, the interim U.S. Attorney, citing an eight-page letter in which she refuses to comply with the Trump administration's directive to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon's resignation is portrayed as a principled stand against political interference in the judicial process.

John Podhoretz (03:30): "Yesterday, the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned because she claims in an absolutely jaw-dropping eight-page letter that the new Trump administration... wants me to drop the charges... I can't do that."

Trump's Role and Administration Pressure

Podhoretz criticizes the Trump administration for attempting to exert undue influence over the Justice Department, aiming to use legal proceedings as political leverage. He highlights the administration's expectation that Sassoon would comply without proper legal justification, undermining the independence of the U.S. Attorney's office.

John Podhoretz (05:34): "...we are going to move this case to Washington under my supervision to the Public Integrity section... This is inappropriate. It's essentially a political deal."

Eric Adams' Indictment

The core of the discussion revolves around the indictment of Eric Adams on charges related to check kiting and bribe cases. Podhoretz and his co-hosts examine the allegations and the administration's motives for seeking Sassoon's resignation to potentially manipulate the legal outcome in Adams' favor.

John Podhoretz (12:37): "The indictment alleges that he got upgrades on Turkish Airlines... He wasn't really serving the interest of Right... and in a weird way, he's doing himself a terrible injustice."

Analysis of the Situation

Commentary Hosts' Perspectives

John Podhoretz and Abe Greenwald express deep concern over the Trump administration's actions, viewing them as a blatant attempt to politicize the Justice Department. They argue that Sassoon's resignation exemplifies a constitutional crisis where legal proceedings are manipulated for political gain.

Abe Greenwald (14:59): "This completely undermines our system. It undermines our rule of law."

Implications for the Justice Department and Rule of Law

The hosts contend that the resignation and subsequent actions by the Trump administration erode public trust in the judicial system. By pressuring Sassoon to drop charges without legitimate legal grounds, they believe the administration is setting a dangerous precedent for future political interference.

John Podhoretz (16:36): "This is called an outrage. And guess what? Danielle Sassoon is a hero."

Broader Implications

Comparison with Previous Administration's Actions

Podhoretz draws parallels between the current administration's attempts to influence legal outcomes and previous instances, such as the Biden administration's handling of Presidential pardons and the Michael Flynn case. He asserts that both administrations have engaged in questionable practices that undermine the integrity of governmental institutions.

Abe Greenwald (15:03): "That's apples and oranges here so soon. Said there's no new information on what grounds am I going to dismiss? It's outrageous."

Political Weaponization of Institutions

The discussion emphasizes a recurring theme of institutions being weaponized by those in power to achieve political objectives. The hosts argue that this trend threatens the foundational principles of American democracy, where checks and balances are supposed to prevent any single branch from gaining excessive control.

Abe Greenwald (16:36): "It's exactly that. This is an outrage."

Reactions and Support for Danielle Sassoon

Defense of Sassoon's Integrity

Danielle Sassoon is lauded as a figure of integrity who prioritizes the rule of law over political pressures. The hosts commend her for refusing to engage in what they describe as a politically motivated dismissal of charges without proper legal justification.

John Podhoretz (31:48): "...She is a political ideological conservative, Federalist Society person. And like many believing Orthodox Jews, I think was an enthusiastic... Trump voter. And for an enthusiastic Trump voter to say, I can't in good conscience do this... That took real guts."

Critique of Trump Administration's Maneuvering

The hosts vehemently criticize Emil Bove, the Trump lawyer involved, describing his actions as attempts to turn Sassoon into a puppet for political purposes. They argue that Bove's response to Sassoon's resignation—an eight-page letter attacking her professional integrity—is indicative of the administration's disregard for ethical standards.

John Podhoretz (30:34): "You cannot use your political power to force another political player to do your bidding."

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Upholding Democratic Principles

Podhoretz and Greenwald conclude by stressing the importance of maintaining the independence of the Justice Department and other governmental institutions. They warn against the dangers of allowing political considerations to override legal obligations, which they fear could lead to further erosions of democratic norms.

Abe Greenwald (30:33): "It's outrageous."

Call for Accountability

The episode closes with a call for accountability, encouraging listeners to support individuals like Sassoon who stand up against political manipulation. The hosts underscore the necessity of preserving the integrity of legal institutions to ensure that justice remains impartial and free from partisan influence.

John Podhoretz (36:35): "It's outrageous. Okay, so we're all in agreement on this."

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• John Podhoretz (03:30): "Yesterday, the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned because she claims in an absolutely jaw-dropping eight-page letter that the new Trump administration... wants me to drop the charges... I can't do that."

• Abe Greenwald (14:59): "This completely undermines our system. It undermines our rule of law."

• John Podhoretz (16:36): "This is called an outrage. And guess what? Danielle Sassoon is a hero."

• Abe Greenwald (30:33): "It's outrageous."

• John Podhoretz (31:48): "...She is a political ideological conservative, Federalist Society person. And like many believing Orthodox Jews, I think was an enthusiastic... Trump voter. And for an enthusiastic Trump voter to say, I can't in good conscience do this... That took real guts."

• Abe Greenwald (30:33): "It's outrageous."

Conclusion

"The Adams Case" episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a thorough analysis of the resignation of Danielle Sassoon and the Trump administration's attempt to influence legal proceedings against Eric Adams. Through incisive discussion and pointed critiques, the hosts underscore the perilous implications of politicizing judicial processes and advocate for the unwavering independence of legal institutions. This episode serves as a compelling commentary on the state of American politics and the enduring importance of upholding democratic principles.