Trump's Election Plot Gets More Dangerous as His World Cup Intervention Leaves Everyone Stunned

Key takeaways

Donald Trump continues to push the deeply flawed SAVE America Act, aiming to lock in election outcomes favoring Republicans for the next century.
The Supreme Court has recently overturned longstanding precedents on election law and campaign finance, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic safeguards.
Reforms are critically needed for the Supreme Court, including better ethics oversight and expansion of the judiciary, to restore legitimacy and uphold the rule of law.
The health and transparency of members of Congress like Mitch McConnell are vital for accountability, yet current practices lack sufficient transparency.
Trump’s interference in the World Cup illustrates his pattern of undermining institutions for personal or political gain, which harms societal trust and patriotism.

Summary

Trump's Late-Night Speech and the Push for the SAVE America Act

Jessica Tarlov and Marc Elias discuss Donald Trump's rain-delayed speech marking the 250th anniversary of America, which he delivered late Saturday night after thunderstorms in DC. Trump's speech included a call for the passage of the controversial SAVE America Act, a bill that claims to end election fraud but actually aims to cement Republican dominance for a century. Marc Elias explains the bill's true implications and why Trump continues to push for it, despite it being a legislative and political challenge.

Supreme Court Cases and Election Laws

Marc Elias reviews two recent Supreme Court cases he was involved in: Watson v. RNC, which scored an important victory defending mail-in ballots, and NRSC v. FEC, which struck down limits on coordination between political parties and campaigns, a major blow to campaign finance restrictions. The discussion highlights how the Court has been quick to overturn precedent, reflecting a potential erosion of election protections and the legitimacy of judicial standards.

Reforms and Concerns About the Supreme Court’s Legitimacy

Elaborating on the Court's recent decisions, Elias discusses the urgent need for reforms such as enhanced ethics rules and expanded judicial capacity at the lower levels. He criticizes the current partisan and opaque approach of the Court, especially in light of questionable internal leaks and a perceived decline in institutional integrity. The conversation also touches on the partisan behavior of justices and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.

Senator Mitch McConnell’s Health and Congress Oversight

Jessica and Marc delve into the mysterious health status of Mitch McConnell, whose absence fuels concerns about his ability to serve. They extend the conversation to other Congress members like Tom Kean, emphasizing the need for transparency and better accountability regarding the health and presence of lawmakers during critical times.

Trump’s Interference in FIFA and World Cup Politics

The episode concludes with a discussion of Donald Trump's recent involved attempt to influence FIFA regarding a red card decision affecting US player Folarin Balogun in the World Cup. Elias criticizes Trump's behavior as emblematic of his broader pattern of degrading institutions through self-interest, which diminishes the integrity of sports and society alike. The debate raises questions about the impact of such interference on patriotic and national pride.

Show notes

Jessica Tarlov is joined by Marc Elias, America's foremost election attorney and founder of Democracy Docket, to talk about the recent Supreme Court term, Trump’s efforts at voter suppression, the throughline of corruption in the administration, and more.

First, they discuss Trump's rain-delayed America 250th speech, which he delivered late Saturday night in D.C., after severe thunderstorms forced crowds to shelter in nearby federal buildings. Trump used the moment to push for the passage of the SAVE America Act, a bill he claims would end election fraud — and, saying the quiet part out loud, deliver Republicans 100 years of victories. Marc breaks down what the bill actually does, and why Trump is still pushing it hard enough to torpedo the housing bill in its favor.

Then, Marc reflects on two Supreme Court cases that he helped litigate — he scored a significant victory in Watson v. RNC — a case to determine the legality of certain mail-in ballots. But the Court’s ruling in NRSC v. FEC, which struck down coordination limits between political parties and campaigns, is a major blow. Why did this Supreme Court so readily overturn precedent in this case?

Marc gives his thoughts about potential reforms needed to safeguard the legitimacy of the Supreme Court as an institution. And, the confusion about the health of Senator Mitch McConnell, coming so soon after the monthslong disappearance (and sudden reemergence) of Rep. Thomas Kean, leads Jessica and Marc to talk about how to better “keep track” of members of Congress.

Finally, Trump claims he personally lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to intervene in the automatic red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play against Belgium in today's World Cup last-16 match. What is the appropriate patriotic response to this intervention?

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