The National Security Law Podcast

The National Security Law Podcast


Episode 166: This Podcast Has Temporary Absolute Immunity

May 13, 2020

Welcome back to the National Security Law Podcast, after a one-week hiatus!  (You can actually watch the recording here, if you need more Zoom in your life). In this episode, Steve Vladeck and Bobby Chesney discuss and debate:

* This week's SCOTUS oral arguments in the Trump business subpoena cases.  Is a pragmatic compromise in the works?  Will the DA and HPSCI emerge winners?
* DOJ called, and they want to abandon their successful prosecution of Mike Flynn because...well, res ipsa loquitor.
* Speaking of Mike Flynn, the "unmasking" pseudo-controversy is back.
* FISA amendment mayhem!  A bid to prevent use of Section 215 for browser records *just* fails to make it into the Senate bill, and then a boost to the amicus system--and the rules on disclosure of exculpatory evidence and on Woods procedures compliance--makes it over the goal line easily.  But will the House follow suit?
* Something about war powers something something veto or something...is anyone watching???

And then there was the season finale of Westworld.  It's like they just ran out of good ideas...