We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary – "Finally Democracy Fighting Back! | Jessica Yellin on Hope from SCOTUS & Harvard"

Release Date: April 24, 2025

In this compelling episode of "We Can Do Hard Things," hosts Amanda Doyle and Glennon Doyle join Jessica Yellin to delve into the recent struggles and victories within American democracy. The conversation navigates through critical issues such as governmental overreach, judicial resilience, and the defense of academic freedom, offering listeners a beacon of hope amidst tumultuous times.

1. The Abrego Garcia Case and Judicial Resistance

Amanda Doyle (03:27):
Amanda introduces the discussion by highlighting the significance of regrouping with Jessica Yellin to address pressing national issues without being overwhelmed by constant news cycles.

Jessica Yellin (04:35):
Jessica emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from incessant news consumption to maintain mental well-being and stay informed without being consumed by chaos.

Amanda Doyle (06:38):
She recounts the alarming case of Mr. Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran with protected status in the U.S., who was deported without due process. Upon her return from a brief hiatus, Amanda was shocked to learn about the administration's attempt to deport Garcia back to El Salvador without legal justification.

Jessica Yellin (09:05):
Jessica outlines the judicial pushback against the Trump administration's actions. She explains how the Supreme Court mandated the government to "facilitate his return" (09:33), ensuring Garcia receives due process. This decision was lauded as a "beautiful decision" by Judge Harvey Wilkinson, who underscored its importance in preserving American democracy (11:40).

Amanda Doyle (12:38):
Amanda remarks on the unexpected support from a conservative judge who previously aligned with the administration's harsh policies at Guantanamo Bay, highlighting the judiciary's critical role in upholding constitutional rights.

2. The Role of the ACLU and Legal Advocacy

Glennon Doyle (25:41):
Glennon expresses profound appreciation for the ACLU, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to protecting liberties and supporting vital democratic work.

Jessica Yellin (29:50):
Jessica shares a personal connection with Ben Wisner of the ACLU, praising his intelligence and compassion. She underscores the ACLU's crucial role in fighting for constitutional protections, regardless of political disagreements (29:33).

Amanda Doyle (28:33):
Amanda emphasizes the importance of defending free expression, even when disagreeing with certain viewpoints, and highlights the ACLU's efforts to safeguard democratic ideals against authoritarian threats.

3. Assault on Academic Freedom: The Harvard Confrontation

Jessica Yellin (31:01):
Jessica shifts the focus to the Trump administration's targeted attacks on American universities, specifically Harvard, under the guise of combating anti-Semitism and enforcing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.

Amanda Doyle (32:31):
Amanda connects these actions to historical authoritarian tactics aimed at controlling thought and suppressing free discourse by targeting educational institutions.

Jessica Yellin (33:35):
She details the administration's demands for Harvard to submit to intrusive audits and relinquish control over academic content, painting a picture of federal overreach intended to stifle progressive thought.

Amanda Doyle (35:37):
Amanda praises Harvard's resistance, noting their public denunciation of the administration's unreasonable demands and the subsequent legal battles they initiated to protect academic freedom.

Jessica Yellin (36:04):
Jessica explains Harvard's proactive lawsuit against the administration, framing it as a defense of free speech and academic integrity. She highlights the university's strategic stance to inspire other institutions to join the fight, forming a united front akin to a "mini NATO" for academic freedom (38:23).

4. Economic Turmoil: Tariffs and Federal Reserve Conflicts

Jessica Yellin (45:34):
The discussion shifts to economic instability caused by Trump's erratic tariff policies and his confrontations with the Federal Reserve Chair. Jessica outlines how these actions have undermined investor confidence and destabilized markets.

Amanda Doyle (48:31):
Amanda explains the critical role of the Federal Reserve Chair in maintaining economic stability through independent monetary policy. She highlights Trump's attempts to influence the Fed Chair as a significant threat to economic confidence and market stability.

Jessica Yellin (51:16):
Jessica elaborates on the consequences of political interference in the Federal Reserve, noting that pressure from the President to manipulate interest rates could lead to severe economic repercussions and erode trust in American financial institutions.

Amanda Doyle (52:02):
Amanda discusses the broader implications of undermining the Fed's independence, emphasizing that such actions could lead to a retreat of global confidence in the U.S. dollar and further economic instability.

5. Hope and Resilience: Defending Democracy

Amanda Doyle (53:05):
Amanda reflects on the ongoing efforts to support democratic institutions and the importance of collective action in resisting authoritarian measures. She encourages listeners to support organizations like the ACLU and Democracy Forward, which are pivotal in defending constitutional rights and freedoms.

Jessica Yellin (54:46):
Jessica concludes with a note of optimism, highlighting recent judicial victories as signs that democracy is fighting back. She urges listeners to remain hopeful and proactive in supporting the institutions that uphold democratic values.

Notable Quotes

• Judge Harvey Wilkinson (11:40):
  "If you don't give him due process, we are in a state of anarchy where everything about American law falls apart and any one of us could be taken to a gulag overseas and locked up for life."

• Jessica Yellin (19:02):
  "It's like, the Supreme Court is working. It's working."

• Amanda Doyle (22:21):
  "If someone says something that I very much disagree with, these organizations are protecting their right to do it. That's the point. And that is the ideals and the reality that is under threat right now in a very real way."

Conclusion

This episode underscores the resilience of American democratic institutions in the face of executive overreach and authoritarian tactics. Through detailed discussions on pivotal legal battles, the defense of academic freedom, and the safeguarding of economic stability, Glennon Doyle, Amanda Doyle, and Jessica Yellin provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of democracy in the United States. The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting organizations like the ACLU and Democracy Forward, highlighting that collective action and judicial integrity are essential in preserving the nation's foundational values.

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