What a Day: Biden Puts His Stamp On Federal Courts Hosted by Jane Coaston, Crooked Media | Release Date: December 16, 2024

Biden's Massive Judicial Appointments

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves into President Joe Biden's strategic push to solidify his legacy through an unprecedented number of federal judicial appointments. As the Biden administration races to confirm judges before the new Congress takes office next year, they are on track to secure their 235th judicial appointment. This move not only surpasses former President Donald Trump's total but also aims to counteract the long-lasting impact of Trump's three Supreme Court justices—decisions that have reshaped critical areas such as abortion rights, affirmative action, and gun laws.

Dick Durbin, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasized the bipartisan support for these nominations:

"[We set out to fill as many vacancies as we could with competent people.] [01:48]"

Durbin highlighted the administration's commitment to diversity and qualification, stating:

"The women and men who will be serving us in that capacity will really represent a cross section of America." [01:48]

Insights from Lena Zorenstein on Judicial Impact

Jane Coaston interviewed Lena Zorenstein, Senior Director of the Fair Courts Program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to explore the broader implications of Biden's judicial appointments.

Zorenstein praised the administration for prioritizing both demographic and professional diversity:

"They are putting fair-minded, well-qualified jurists who have a demonstrated commitment to people's civil and human rights." [03:02]

She highlighted notable appointments, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, and other judges like:

• Judge Dale Ho of the Southern District of New York
• Judge Julie Rickelman of the First Circuit
• Judge Nancy Abudu of the 11th Circuit

Zorenstein stressed the profound impact these judges have on everyday lives through their interpretations of federal law:

"Every single one of these judges is issuing thousands of decisions... that impact your life." [05:26]

The Future of the Supreme Court Under Trump

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House on January 20th, the conversation shifted to the potential reshaping of the Supreme Court. With Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito nearing retirement, Trump could secure up to five Supreme Court justices, further entrenching a conservative majority.

Zorenstein expressed concern over the prolonged conservative influence:

"It entrenches how conservative, ultra-conservative, that majority will be for decades." [09:00]

She lauded current justices like Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sotomayor, and Kagan for their efforts to maintain a balanced judiciary:

"I am so grateful for Justice Sotomayor and Justice Kagan because they are trying to hold on to everything they can." [09:00]

Recent Political News Highlights

The episode also covered several significant news stories:

• ABC News Settlement with Trump: ABC agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President Elect Donald Trump over incorrect statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos regarding Trump's legal battles.

• Nancy Pelosi's Surgery: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent hip replacement surgery in Germany after a fall, reigniting discussions about the advanced ages and health of U.S. lawmakers.

• Syria's Political Shift: Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced U.S. contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) following their unexpected takeover of Syria, posing questions about future U.S. involvement in the region.

• Mysterious Drones Over New Jersey: Unidentified drones have been spotted over New Jersey, leading to frustration among officials and calls for more investigation, despite Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stating there is no immediate threat.

Trump's Promise of Mass Deportations

A contentious topic discussed was Trump's vow to implement mass deportations if re-elected. Coaston critiqued the paradox of Trump gaining support despite such extreme promises:

"He is a liar who lies a lot... and a lot of the stuff he promises doesn't happen, and somehow that's good for him." [18:07]

She questioned the plausibility and ethical implications of such policies, highlighting the disconnect between Trump's rhetoric and the legal realities.

Closing Remarks

Jane Coaston concluded the episode by promoting additional content on Crooked Media's YouTube channel, encouraging listeners to engage with their extended analyses and exclusive series.

Notable Quotes:

• Dick Durbin: "We set out to do that, to fill as many vacancies as we could with competent people." [01:48]

• Lena Zorenstein: "They are putting fair-minded, well-qualified jurists who have a demonstrated commitment to people's civil and human rights." [03:02]

• Jane Costin: "But that's good somehow, and a reason to vote for him." [19:16]

For more insights and updates, subscribe to "What a Day" on your preferred podcast platform or watch on YouTube. Stay informed with Crooked Media.