Pantsuit Politics

Latest Episodes:

#ReleasetheMemo, the Mueller investigation, and Uma's #MeToo Moment Feb 06, 2018

Show notes

It’s hard to keep up with the memos, interviews, and leaks coming out of Washington DC so we take a painstaking look at what we do and don’t know about the memo and the Mueller investigation Thanks to our sponsor: Casper Mattress First up, we discuss how we think about the economy as we approach another government shutdown this week, including whether or not we should pour more money into the Department of Defense considering the results of the latest audit. We discuss Uma's #metoo moment and why the coverage became the story. To compliment individuals who aren't members of our respective parties, Sarah praises recently retiring and suddenly refreshingly honest Representative Trey Gowdyl. Beth compliments Senator Chris Coons on his work on a bipartisan immigration bill. For our main segment, we start with a mini-primer on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ("FISA"), which was enacted in 1978 to protect Americans’ privacy in the midst of counter-terrorism efforts. A law enforcement training white paper helped us significantly in understanding key provisions of FISA. FISA was enacted to limit the presidents' power and to create a judicially-manageable standard for issuing warrants in national security investigations.

The key provisions of FISA were:

Non-criminal electronic surveillance can only occur for the purpose of collecting foreign intelligence and foreign counterintelligence
Foreign powers and agents of foreign powers could be targeted for electronic surveillance (foreign powers and agents of foreign powers are defined in the statute—explicitly says “non US persons” — US persons are citizens, legal permanent residents, US corporations, unincorporated associates with a substantial number of members who are citizens or lawful permanent residents)
The government needs probable cause to conduct surveillance (and set a probable cause standard)
Established foreign intelligence surveillance courts (FISC) at the district and appellate levels to review applications for warrants under the act
The government can only conduct electronic surveillance in the US for the purpose of collecting foreign intelligence or foreign counterintelligence pursuant to a warrant issued by a FISC or in an emergency with approval from the attorney general provided that a warrant is sought within 24 hours

In 1995, FISA was expanded to include physical searches (which meant a recognition that the president’s power to order physical searches in the interest of nat security is limited) In 1998, provisions were added on pen registers and trap and trace - includes phone calls, email, and all electronic forms of communication. These provisions specifically prohibit investigation of US persons for activities protected by the 1st...

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The Campaign to Recall Judge Persky, Conspiracy Theories, and the Physical Realties of Gun Violence Feb 02, 2018

Show notes

California voters will soon decide whether to recall the judge who sentenced Brock Turner, and conspiracy theories seem to be taking over our public discussions. We’re talking about institutional trust and accountability as well as discussing the brutal realities of gun violence in today’s episode.

Thanks to TomboyX for sponsoring today's podcast.

We discuss the campaign to recall Judge Persky, how elections impact the judiciary, and the punitive side of rape culture.

We also talk about "The Storm" and how the Nunes memo is mainstreaming conspiracy theories.

Finally, we talk with Dr. Sterling Haring about his experience treating victims of the Marshall County High School shooting. Content warning: Our conversation with Dr. Haring includes some upsetting and graphic information about how bullets impact human bodies.

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Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Moral Authority Jan 30, 2018

Show notes

John Adams said that “because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.” Every headline in the past week has us thinking about abuse of power and the moral authority required to stand up to that abuse. In this week's show, we discuss the growing violence in Afghanistan and the terrible attacks in Kabul. We also ponder the motivations behind President Trump's solar tariffs. In our #metoo moment, we talk about the #HearHerHarvard movement at Harvard University and the criticism of Judge Aquilina and her decisions involving the Nassar trial. We also discuss the economic motivations behind the recent Russian protests and why economics always becomes our central concern. To compliment individuals who aren't members of our respective parties, Sarah praises Representative Will Hurd and his bipartisan immigration bill. Beth shares the encouraging reactions of several Arizona state legislators in the face of ugly immigration protests. For our main segment, we discuss the moral authority and the arguments surrounding the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Beth shares her journey with John McCain as a presidential candidate and we ponder the growing disgust among the moderate middle at the current state of politics in our country. We end with a discussion on what's on our minds outside politics - specifically when we sleep - as Beth shares a common dream she has and Sarah worries about the epidemic of teeth clenching among Americans.

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Gun Violence and Activism (with Special Guest Dr. Dana Fisher) Jan 26, 2018

Show notes

In 1997, three of Sarah's classmates were shot and killed in the lobby of my high school. 20 years later and 30 miles away, her community is again mourning the deaths of two 15 yo high school students shot in the in the lobby of Marshall County High School. We’re thinking about activism to prevent these tragedies and talking about activism through protests with Dr. Dana Fisher.

The Courier Journal describes the shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky, in excruciating detail. We discuss how we think we can break the logjam on action to do better at preventing future gun violence.

We talk with Dr. Dana Fisher about the Women's Marches and the Resistance movement in the context of sociological activism data. You can find Dr. Fisher on Twitter, at her University of Maryland website, and at the website for her eye-opening book that's being shared as she develops it.

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Negotiating with Jello: What to Make of the Government Shutdown and the Next Stage of Immigration Talks Jan 23, 2018

Show notes

How does one negotiate with jello? We talk negotiations, compromise, and the government shutdown on today’s episode. We begin with our #metoo moment, discussing the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, the former physician for the U.S. Olympian gymnastics team. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina has admirably allowed survivors to speak during the hearing, and survivors like Aly Raisman have used their time to powerfully indict everyone who has been complicit in Nassar's abuse. Next, we talk about the talks between South Korean President Moon and Kim Jong Un regarding the Olympics. We don't know what the President's actual strategy is, but we're hoping for a productive and peaceful path forward in light of apparent cooperation around Pyeongchang. To compliment individuals who aren't members of our respective parties, Beth celebrates the achievements of Oregon governor Kate Brown. Sarah appreciates Senator Lindsay Graham's efforts on immigration. For our main segment, we discuss the government shutdown -- how and why it happened, the costs involved, what we can expect next, and how we can productively move forward. We end with a discussion of books and movies (which should you do first?) and Beth's favorite romantic comedies -- one of which was made better by learning that Jack Nicholson sent a check to his co-star Diane Keaton, who was underpaid.

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The Budget, DACA, and Listener Feedback on Aziz Ansari and Grace Jan 19, 2018

Show notes

The President of the United States, through his party's website, actually gave out Fake News Awards this week. There is an epidemic of pettiness in our politics. Let's discuss.

We discuss Congress's inability to pass a budget and inability to do a "deal" that the President will sign on DACA. We also talk about the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that devoted a sad amount of time to whether the President actually said the word "shithole."

It's difficult to know what's happening in the Mueller investigation, but we do know that Steve Bannon has agreed to be interviewed.

Finally, we discuss the State of the Commonwealth given by Governor Matt Bevin in our home, Kentucky.

We then share listener feedback and continue the conversation regarding Aziz Ansari and Grace. There are too many think pieces and opinions to link because this issue has touched such a nerve--and that's exactly why we think it's so important.

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Medicaid in Kentucky, Aziz Ansari, and Immigration Policy Jan 16, 2018

Show notes

The news this week has been explicit — both in language and in what that language reveals. We’re discussing the President’s comments on immigration and the US’s role in the world.

Our home state of Kentucky has been granted a waiver to add work requirements to Medicaid. We discuss the facts of the new program and our thoughts on what it does and doesn't accomplish.

A babe.net piece about "Grace's" date with Aziz Ansari has fueled controversy over the past three days. (Please note that the linked content is explicit). We discuss where #metoo stands and what lessons we can learn from the Ansari allegations.

To compliment the other side, Sarah compliments Representative Mia Love for her statements on President Trump's "shithole" comments. Beth compliments Senator Dick Durbin for trying to stay focused on DACA.

We discuss President Trump's widely-publicized comments and general attitude regarding immigration. We talk about what drives our immigration policies, the data on the importance of immigration in the United States, and our national values.

Outside of politics, Sarah is thinking about all of the snow in Kentucky. Beth is planning a class on boundaries.

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#Oprah2020, DACA, and a Report from the Paducah City Commission Jan 11, 2018

Show notes

The Briefcase is our shorter episode each week when we catch up on news and often share listener feedback. Today, we're covering a local fairness ordinance, the Oprah 2020 frenzy, and the public DACA meeting President Trump convened.

In our first block, Sarah emotionally describes the difficulty inherent in holding public meetings to pass a fairness ordinance in the city of Paducah, KY. Paducah is Kentucky's 9th city to pass protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. In this segment, Beth mentions the work of Equality Ohio to support state-wide fairness legislation in Ohio.

We then turn to the frenzied discussion of Oprah's presidential prospects -- which we believe misses the point of her speech entirely. In this discussion, we reference Susan Faludi's piece, The Patriachs Are Falling. The Patriarchy is Stronger Than Ever, and a conversation on Twitter resulting from listener M.E. sharing an article about soft skills in the tech industry. Unfortunately, we are unable to locate any nuance for the gentleman who is suing Google for discrimination.

Finally, we break down the public negotiation President Trump convened on DACA -- we cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. We also give a brief overview of earmarks, since that seems to be on the President's mind.

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Fire and Fury, Oprah for President, and faith and politics with Michael Wear Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

We discussed #MeToo's moment at the Golden Globes, including Oprah's (presidential?) speech. Beth is reading Fire and Fury and keeping us all updated and we talk faith and politics with Michael Wear. Thanks to our patrons; we hope you'll consider supporting Pantsuit Politics by making a monthly contribution at Patreon and by leaving a positive review in the Apple Podcast Player for Pantsuit Politics and The Nuanced Life.

Sarah live tweeted The Golden Globes and we had lots of thoughts on political statements, Oprah's speech, and Hollywood's participation in the #MeToo #TimesUp movement. Beth also wanted to share an amazing interaction between Sarah Silverman and a Twitter troll. Beth is currently reading Fire and Fury and we discuss the book, the coverage, and the biggest problem for the White House. Sarah compliments Indiana State Representative Matt Lehman and Beth compliments Tabitha Isner. In our main segment, we talk with Michael Wear, the founder of Public Square Strategies LLC, and a leading expert on the intersection of faith, politics and American public life. Wear directed faith outreach for President Obama's historic 2012 re-election campaign and was one of the youngest White House staffers in modern American history, leading evangelical outreach and helping manage The White House's engagement on religious and values issues, including adoption and anti-human trafficking efforts. He is also the author of Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America and the recent viral post Pro-life Voters and Pro-Choice Politicians.

Outside of politics, Michael joins us to talk about The Crown and his love for Lidia Bastianich

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The Iranian protests and America's relationship with the Middle East Jan 05, 2018

Show notes

Sarah talks with Kerry Boyd Anderson, a Political Risk Consultant and our Pantsuit Politics Middle East expert, about the protests in Iran.

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