Our friend, the judge, J. Michael Ludig joins me now. Judge, good morning.Thank you for being with us. >> Good morning, Ally. It's a pleasure always to be with you.You have said, judge, that this moment is unlike any that we've seen to test the judiciary uh the way it's being tested. What makes this more dangerous, for instance, than previous constitutional crises like like Watergate or even McCarthyism. Ally, Judge Greyber's uh um words were an extraordinary plea from a sitting judge, historical.And the si ...

Tonight, Jack Smith calling the Republicans bluff on their conspiracy theories. Plus, our live interview with the Democratic lawmaker who is suing Speaker Johnson for refusing to let her get to work. And then that moment in the New York City debate when Mamani calling out Cuomo on his sexual harassment allegations. One of those women, Charlotte Bennett, is here in the audience this evening. She cannot speak up for herself because you lodged a defamation case against her. I however can speak. >> But we begin ...

Joining me now is Gary Kasparov. He's a Russian chess grandmaster. He's a political activist. He's a writer.Kasparov is the founder and chairman of the Renew Democracy Initiative, a nonpartisan and nonprofit group dedicated to preserving democracy in the United States and around the world. He's a contributing editor at the Wall Street Journal. Uh Gary, welcome to the show.You know, all of what I speak, everything I'm warning of people about, you have lived through in Russia. You know what the the banners wi ...

Legal and Political Commentary - The Attorney General views the indictment of a fellow Attorney General as a "trashing of the American justice system" and indicative of authoritarian tendencies [1] - Concerns exist regarding potential misuse of the Insurrection Act by the President, with the Attorney General noting the President's past statements and actions [1] - The Attorney General highlights the importance of documenting city municipal authorities' handling of local issues to prevent the President from using them as a pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act [1] - The Attorney General points out that the President's administration has telegraphed their intentions, referencing "Project 2025" [1] Immigration and Federal-State Power Dynamics - The Attorney General emphasizes the need to uphold the law as written and use it as a tool to hold ICE and the President accountable for misuse of power [1] - The Attorney General mentions a successful legal challenge against the President's attempt to conditionalize federal emergency management funds based on converting local law enforcement into ICE agents [1] - The Attorney General acknowledges the traditional federal jurisdiction over immigration matters but asserts the intention to use available tools to protect and preserve American law [1] Characterization of Groups and Potential for Abuse - Concerns are raised about the characterization of "Antifa" as a sophisticated and dangerous organization akin to MS-13, ISIS, and other terrorist groups [2] - The Attorney General warns against dismissing this characterization as "utter stupidity" because it could be used as a pretext to suppress speech, arrest people, and deploy law enforcement [2] - The Attorney General suggests that the amorphous nature of "Antifa" could lead to the persecution of anyone associated with anti-fascist ideas [2] National Guard Deployment - The Attorney General expresses readiness to challenge any illegitimate or illegal attempts by the President to deploy the National Guard and take power away from the governor [2] - The Attorney General emphasizes the need to demonstrate to a court that there is no basis for National Guard deployment, as local and state authorities are capable of handling the situation [2][3]

One thing you hear from people who study authoritarianism or who have experienced its rise firsthand in other countries is that they've been genuinely shocked at how quickly the Trump administration is moving compared to other regimes. Earlier this year, The Guardian spoke to one political scientist who studied this at Harvard who said, "Trump is throwing authoritarian punches at a much greater rate than any of these other cases in their first year in power. We don't yet know how many of those punches will ...

Political Analysis - The analysis suggests the Trump administration's rapid implementation of policies perceived as authoritarian is faster compared to other regimes [1][2] - The administration's actions, such as the removal of Jimmy Kimmel, are seen as a tactical mistake due to their speed [2] - Public disapproval is evident in the administration's 40% approval rating [5] - The backlash against the administration's actions demonstrates the power of defending democracy [7] Societal Impact - Actions like removing Jimmy Kimmel and potential indictment of James Comey are perceived as shocking across the political spectrum [5] - The presence of mass secret police forces or military troops on American streets is considered jarring [6] Strategic Assessment - The administration's approach is likened to a vehicle speeding over obstacles, potentially leading to a crash [3][4] - The speed at which the administration is moving may be a disadvantage because they lack public support [7]

Political Satire and Authoritarianism - The report highlights a Russian puppet show from 1999 that satirized Boris Yeltsin and predicted Vladimir Putin's authoritarian rule, showcasing comedy as an early warning sign [1][2][7] - The show's prediction of Putin remaining in power for 20 years and the subsequent suppression of the show by the Kremlin illustrate the erosion of freedom of speech in Russia [2][3] US Democracy and Potential Threats - The analysis draws parallels between Russia's slide into autocracy and potential threats to American democracy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and fighting against such threats [4][5][13] - The report suggests that crackdowns on freedom can be a slow, incremental process, disguised as legality and public interest [10][11][12][13] - The piece warns that the US Constitution requires active defense and that the upcoming midterm elections may be free but not fair, highlighting concerns about potential abuse of power [13][14] Actions and Mobilization - The report suggests focusing on specific actions, such as contacting Republican representatives, to voice opposition and ensure accountability [18] - The analysis points out the importance of mobilizing people beyond general protests, emphasizing the need to address specific power structures [17][18]

Political Landscape & Strategy - Texas State Representative James Tarico announces bid for US Senate seat held by Republican John Cornin [1] - Tarico emphasizes a "politics of love" as a counter to fear and division, advocating for unity and common ground [3][4][14][15] - Tarico supports considering all options, including a government shutdown, to check executive power abuses [11][12][13] - Democrats are urged to demonstrate a fighting spirit while avoiding the "blood sport of politics," focusing on love and principle [14][16] Key Issues & Challenges - The assassination of Charlie Kirk highlights political violence and the need to bridge differences [2][5][6] - Concerns raised about potential political repression and attacks on democracy [8][9] - The budget battle is framed as a larger fight against the Trump administration [10] - Redistricting power grabs are a concern, prompting dramatic action [13] 2026 Election & Accountability - The 2026 election is seen as an opportunity to hold John Cornin and Ken Paxton accountable [19][20] - Tarico highlights Paxton's impeachment in the Texas legislature [20]

Political Violence & Free Speech - The report condemns political violence as an attack on free speech and American democracy [1] - The report highlights multiple instances of political violence against individuals from both sides of the political spectrum [1] - The report criticizes those who condone or downplay political violence depending on the victim's political affiliation [2] Hypocrisy & Double Standards - The report accuses some individuals of hypocrisy for selectively condemning political violence [1][2] - The report points out the selective outrage regarding political violence, depending on the victim's political affiliation [1] Call for Consistency - The report calls for a consistent condemnation of political violence, regardless of the victim's or perpetrator's political affiliation [2] - The report emphasizes that celebrating political violence is unacceptable [2]

National Security & Crisis Response - The speaker expresses concern about the nation's ability to unite in the face of another crisis like 9/11, fearing partisan divisions and conspiracy theories would hinder a unified response [5][6][8] - The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as an example of a crisis where partisan responses led to negative outcomes [7] American Democracy & Political Climate - A task force was formed by the American Bar Association to restore and strengthen American democracy, focusing on the underlying societal currents influencing voter choices [9][10] - The task force recommends rededicating to American civics education and addressing the rising tide of political violence [10][11] - The report endorses federal legislation to identify AI content and disallow misleading deep fakes [11] - Open, nonpartisan primaries and citizen redistricting commissions are recommended to encourage elected leaders to appeal to the political center [11][13] - Polling data suggests 70-80% of the public supports citizen redistricting commissions [15] Political Violence & Extremism - The speaker notes the assassination of Charlie Kirk and expresses concern about the rise of domestic terrorism across the political spectrum [11][19][20] - There is worry that the current political climate may be leading to a resurgence of political assassinations, drawing parallels to the 1960s when multiple leaders were assassinated [20][21]