Defending Democracy

Mar 09 2025 82 ep. 35 mins 380

Defending Democracy Podcast artwork

Weekly podcast from Democracy Docket going over the top voting rights, elections and democracy news.

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The United States is in a "Soft Coup" | Joyce Vance

Mar 09 2025 37 mins

Former U.S. Attorney and legal expert Joyce Vance talks with Marc Elias about whether the court system can hold Trump accountable, how Trump loyalists are trying to transform the DOJ and why Vance is describing our current political state as a "soft coup."Check out Joyce's Substack: https://substack.com/@joycevance-Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.

Republican Explains Why Musk is Trump's Biggest Liability | Sarah Longwell

Feb 23 2025 39 mins

Sarah Longwell — Republican political strategist, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group Podcast — joins Marc Elias to discuss the cowardice of so-called moderate Republicans, why Elon Musk is one of the GOP's biggest liabilities and the media landscape.Check out The Bulwark: https://www.thebulwark.com/-Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.demo

Trump is Making Us Less “Safe” | Rep. Eric Swalwell

Feb 07 2025 27 mins

California Congressman Eric Swalwell joins the podcast to discuss the first few weeks of the second Trump administration, how Trump’s actions are harming our democracy and security and Democrats’ plan to fight back.-Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.democracydocket.com/yt-subscribe-Become a member of our premium content: https://www.democracydocket.com/member

The Lawyers Fighting Trump's Executive Orders | Skye Perryman

Jan 22 2025 33 mins

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, joins Marc Elias to discuss the legal efforts to fight against Trump's illegal and unconstitutional executive orders.Check out Democracy Forward's legal response center: https://www.democracy2025.org/Learn more about Democracy Forward and support its work: https://democracyforward.org/-Sign up for our free newsletters: http://n

Trump's “Dangerous” Cabinet Nominees and the Jack Smith Report | Rep. Dan Goldman

Jan 17 2025 33 mins

New York Congressman and former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman gives his opinion on Jack Smith’s report on Donald Trump’s election subversion indictment, whether we’ll see the classified documents report, cabinet nominees and more.-Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.democracydocket.com/yt-subscribe-Become a member of our premium content: https://www.democrac

Rep. Dan Goldman on Jan. 6 Pardons, Trump’s Nominees and Project 2025

Dec 13 2024 35 mins

New York Congressman Dan Goldman joins Marc Elias to discuss how Trump’s proposed January 6 pardons would harm our justice system, political nominees, the implementation of Project 2025 and more. -Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.democracydocket.com/yt-subscribe -Become a member of our premium content: https://www.democracydocket.com/member-yt -Support our w

Alabama’s New Map Nets Second Democratic Congressman: Meet Rep. Shomari Figures

Dec 06 2024 37 mins

Representative-elect Shomari Figures is Alabama’s new congressman after litigation led to the creation of a second majority-Black district. Figures sits down with Marc Elias to discuss the ongoing fight for voting rights in Alabama, the people of his district and his plans for Congress. -Sign up for our free newsletters: http://newsletters.democracydocket.com/yt-subscribe -Becom

What Happens to Trump’s Criminal Indictments and Convictions Now?

Nov 27 2024 40 mins

Now that President-elect Donald Trump is headed back to the White House and Special Counsel Jack Smith asked to dismiss the DC and Florida federal indictments, what happens now? Marc Elias and former federal prosecutor Harry Litman discuss the future of Trump’s federal cases, whether the state cases will continue on and whether we’ll see a Smith Report. Watch this episode on

When Will We Know the Next President? Your Top Election Questions Answered with Kerry Washington and Marc Elias

Nov 01 2024 39 mins

When will we know who won the presidential election? How exactly do states certify results to the Electoral College? Actor and voting rights activist Kerry Washington has been on the campaign trail for the past few months meeting with voters across the country. Kerry collected voters' questions and concerns about the election and got the answers right from the source — Marc Elias

Will Democrats Win the Senate? With Sen. Brian Schatz

Oct 25 2024 50 mins

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz joins the podcast to discuss his thoughts on Democrats’ chances of winning the U.S. Senate and White House, the urgent need to pass the Native American Voting Rights Act and what voters should do between now and Election Day. Don't miss our next events! Election Roadmap: Eva Longoria and Voting Rights Activists on What To Expect One Week Out Monday,