Episode 18: Ring Me Up the President
Summary
Mike Dicta hosts Rich Lather and Christina to analyze Brett Kavanaugh’s judicial record ahead of his Supreme Court nomination. They critique his expansive views on presidential immunity and hostility toward independent agencies, citing his dissents in the SeaWorld OSHA case and Verizon v. NLRB. The panel also discusses his dissent denying an undocumented minor access to abortion, arguing that Kavanaugh’s originalist rhetoric masks a political agenda aimed at dismantling the administrative state.
Topics discussed
Intro: Amusement parks, logging, and podcast welcome
Kavanaugh's political origins and Ken Starr connection
Kavanaugh's role in the Clinton impeachment investigation
Kavanaugh's 2008 article on presidential immunity
Unitary executive theory and independent agencies
OSHA vs. SeaWorld: Killer whale safety regulations
Verizon v. NLRB: Union signs and statutory interpretation
Critique of the administrative state and Chevron deference
Kavanaugh's dissent in the Garza abortion case
Kavanaugh's Obamacare ruling and final thoughts
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