The MeidasTouch Podcast: Judge Susan Crawford on Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Release Date: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race, featuring an in-depth conversation with Judge Susan Crawford, a Circuit Court Judge from Dane County and a candidate for the Supreme Court seat. The discussion centers around the high-stakes election, the influence of prominent figures like Elon Musk and MAGA supporters, and the potential ramifications for Wisconsin's judiciary and democracy at large.
Background of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
The Supreme Court race in Wisconsin has garnered national attention due to its potential to shift the court's balance. Currently, liberals hold a narrow 4-3 majority, which Judge Crawford describes as a "pro democracy" stance. However, significant financial interference from Elon Musk and MAGA-aligned supporters threatens to alter this balance.
Notable Quote:
"It's the race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat where currently Liberals maintain a 4 to 3 majority on the court. I like to refer to that more as pro democracy."
— Judge Susan Crawford [02:45]
Elon Musk and MAGA Influence
Elon Musk has invested millions into the race, supporting Brad Schimmel, the right-wing MAGA candidate. Judge Crawford criticizes Musk's tactics, accusing him of creating politically motivated action committees with deceptive names to undermine Democratic candidates. This strategy mirrors the manipulative advertising seen during the 2024 elections.
Notable Quote:
"They create these political action committees with kind of deceptive names that make it seem like they're supportive of a Democratic candidate... they're running the playbook that we saw during the 2024 election."
— Judge Susan Crawford [02:45]
Musk's involvement is not purely political; he has business interests in Wisconsin, such as Tesla's legal battles over dealership laws, which further incentivize him to influence the state's judiciary.
Notable Quote:
"Tesla just filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin to try to throw out a decision... So he thinks he can buy himself a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court."
— Judge Susan Crawford [05:46]
Brad Schimmel’s Position and Campaign
Brad Schimmel, backed by Musk and MAGA supporters, positions himself as a champion for the Trump agenda. He claims that the current Supreme Court has treated Donald Trump unfairly, particularly regarding the 2020 election results. Despite these claims, Schimmel's actions and affiliations suggest a broader partisan and special interests-driven approach.
Notable Quote:
"He doesn't care about Wisconsin... He's got a personal stake in Wisconsin courts, and I think he thinks he can buy himself a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court."
— Judge Susan Crawford [05:46]
Schimmel presents himself as a fair and impartial candidate focused on fact-based justice, however, Crawford disputes this portrayal, highlighting his extreme right-wing agenda and alignment with special interests.
Notable Quote:
"He's gonna bring a far right agenda, he'll lock in a very conservative majority on the Supreme Court."
— Brad Schimmel [07:13]
Judge Susan Crawford’s Vision and Concerns
Judge Crawford emphasizes the significance of this election beyond Wisconsin, underscoring the threat posed by partisanship and external influences on the judiciary. She warns that a Schimmel victory would result in a judiciary that prioritizes special interests over the public good, undermining essential rights and protections.
Notable Quote:
"If Brad Schimmel gets that seat... anything involving the rights of Wisconsinites, things like Reproductive healthcare, access to health insurance coverage, protection of the environment... I think those go by the wayside."
— Brad Schimmel [07:13]
Crawford also highlights the growing public dissatisfaction with Musk and similar influencers, noting invasive privacy concerns and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
Notable Quote:
"We're seeing... Republican politicians canceling the town halls. People are pissed that Doge and Elon Musk's crew... are invading their privacy."
— Judge Susan Crawford [08:38]
Implications for Wisconsin and National Democracy
The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race holds significant implications. A shift towards a conservative majority could embolden attempts to roll back progressive rulings and limit individual rights. Additionally, the election serves as a barometer for the influence of wealthy backers and partisan agendas on judicial independence.
Notable Quote:
"This is a really, really critical race with ramifications that far exceed Wisconsin really has. It's a case with some national implications."
— Brad Schimmel [12:16]
Judge Crawford warns that Musk and MAGA supporters aim to create a judiciary akin to the current U.S. Supreme Court, potentially undermining democratic norms and protections.
Notable Quote:
"Elon Musk just dropped another million dollars to buy off this guy, Brad Schimmel... they want the Wisconsin Supreme Court to look just like the U.S. Supreme Court."
— Judge Susan Crawford [02:45]
Conclusion
The MeidasTouch Podcast sheds light on the high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race, highlighting the battle between progressive and conservative forces influenced by prominent figures like Elon Musk. Judge Susan Crawford presents a compelling case for protecting judicial independence and democracy, while Brad Schimmel represents the entrenched partisan and special interests seeking to reshape the court's future. This election serves as a critical juncture for Wisconsin and the broader American judiciary, emphasizing the need for informed and engaged voters to safeguard democratic principles.
Notable Closing Quote:
"The election's right around the corner. April 1st... we will leave that for another conversation."
— Judge Susan Crawford [12:46]
Further Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the candidates through their campaign websites and social media platforms. Judge Crawford directs voters to crawford4wi.com and emphasizes the importance of participating in this landmark election.
Stay tuned to The MeidasTouch Podcast for more insightful discussions on critical political developments and their impact on democracy.