Podcast Summary: The PoliticsGirl Podcast – "What Now? A Conversation with Marc Elias"

Episode Information:

• Title: What Now? A Conversation with Marc Elias
• Host: Lee McGowan, Meidas Media Network
• Guest: Marc Elias, American Lawyer and Founder of the Elias Law Group
• Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The PoliticsGirl Podcast, host Lee McGowan engages in a profound conversation with Marc Elias, a prominent American lawyer renowned for his steadfast defense of democracy and voting rights. The discussion delves deep into the current state of American democracy, the ramifications of Donald Trump's presidency, and the urgent need for a robust opposition movement to preserve democratic institutions.

Election Integrity and the 2020 Election Outcome

Fairness of the 2020 Election: Marc Elias addresses the contentious topic of the 2020 election results, asserting the legitimacy of Donald Trump's victory.

Marc Elias [04:32]: "There was no fraud in the outcome of the election. The ballots were accurately tabulated."

He emphasizes that while Trump may have won "fair and square," the broader implications of misinformation and billionaire influence distort the true meaning of a free and fair election.

Constitutional Implications: The conversation shifts to the Constitution, specifically the 14th Amendment, and its potential application to disqualify Trump from holding office again.

Marc Elias [05:35]: "I was very critical of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision... I think the Supreme Court got it wrong in a very cynical way."

Elias critiques the Supreme Court's reluctance to invoke the 14th Amendment's Section 3, which could have invalidated Trump's electoral votes based on his attempts to overturn the election.

The Collapse of Democratic Institutions

1. Business Community's Retreat: Elias laments the erosion of corporate support for democratic values, highlighting how business leaders now prioritize personal gain over societal good.

Marc Elias [08:36]: "We have seen the utter collapse of the business community... they are the first ones to bow down."

2. Legacy Media's Failure: He criticizes the legacy media for abandoning its role as a democratic watchdog, now serving the interests of billionaire owners rather than the public.

Marc Elias [09:27]: "The legacy media has retreated from being entities that view themselves as pro-democracy."

3. Transformation of the Republican Party: Elias portrays the Republican Party as having dissolved into a personalist party centered around Donald Trump, devoid of traditional bipartisan checks.

Marc Elias [14:46]: "The Republican Party doesn't wish to go back to Mitt Romney... Donald Trump's influence has reshaped the party entirely."

Building a Resilient Opposition Movement

1. Winning More Elections: Elias underscores the necessity of prioritizing electoral victories to effect meaningful change, advocating for a focus on outcomes over ideological purity.

Marc Elias [26:41]: "We need to prioritize winning elections. It means not having purity tests."

2. Expanding Intellectual Horizons: He urges the Democratic Party to embrace a diversity of ideas and foster an environment where new policies can be debated and refined without internal strife.

Marc Elias [28:35]: "We should be willing to think and entertain new ways of acting and people who are coming to that debate."

3. Adapting Institutions and Policies: Elias emphasizes the importance of evolving institutional frameworks and policy ideas to address contemporary challenges effectively.

Marc Elias [36:15]: "Change doesn't always mean adding new things. Sometimes change means taking away old things that no longer work."

The Role of Independent Media and Legal Strategies

Supporting Independent Voices: Elias champions the growth of independent media outlets like his own Democracy Docket, which provide unbiased information and foster democratic engagement.

Marc Elias [40:40]: "Promote these independent voices because honestly, that's how Joe Rogan and others got powerful."

Leveraging the Judiciary: He advocates for aggressive use of the courts to combat Republican strategies that undermine democracy, emphasizing that the judiciary remains a vital battleground.

Marc Elias [44:16]: "We cannot give up on the federal courts... Republicans are going to control the executive branch, they control both houses of Congress."

Conclusion: Embracing a New Democratic Paradigm

In closing, Marc Elias and Lee McGowan stress the imperative for Democrats and progressives to adopt a proactive opposition strategy. This involves building a united front, supporting independent media, winning elections, and harnessing the judicial system to safeguard democratic principles. Elias imparts a powerful message: "We are on our own, but we cannot back down."

Marc Elias [50:20]: "We can't wait for a savior to ride in and tell us what to do. Surviving this and building something better is going to take all of us."

The episode serves as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry for listeners to engage actively in the fight to preserve and enhance American democracy.

Notable Quotes

• Marc Elias [04:32]: "There was no fraud in the outcome of the election. The ballots were accurately tabulated."

• Marc Elias [05:35]: "I think the Supreme Court got it wrong in a very cynical way."

• Marc Elias [08:36]: "We have seen the utter collapse of the business community... they are the first ones to bow down."

• Marc Elias [14:46]: "The Republican Party doesn't wish to go back to Mitt Romney... Donald Trump's influence has reshaped the party entirely."

• Marc Elias [26:41]: "We need to prioritize winning elections. It means not having purity tests."

• Marc Elias [28:35]: "We should be willing to think and entertain new ways of acting and people who are coming to that debate."

• Marc Elias [36:15]: "Change doesn't always mean adding new things. Sometimes change means taking away old things that no longer work."

• Marc Elias [40:40]: "Promote these independent voices because honestly, that's how Joe Rogan and others got powerful."

• Marc Elias [44:16]: "We cannot give up on the federal courts... Republicans are going to control the executive branch, they control both houses of Congress."

• Marc Elias [50:20]: "We can't wait for a savior to ride in and tell us what to do. Surviving this and building something better is going to take all of us."

Final Thoughts

Marc Elias's insights in this episode highlight the multifaceted challenges facing American democracy today. From institutional collapses to the urgent need for a dynamic opposition movement, the conversation underscores that saving democracy requires collective effort, strategic action, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. Listeners are left with a sense of urgency and empowerment, equipped with the knowledge that their participation is crucial in shaping the future of American democracy.