Show 324 - What's Good for the Goose
Summary
Dan Carlin addresses the erosion of US constitutional norms, arguing that the presidency has become dangerously unbalanced and prone to autocracy. He critiques Donald Trump’s lack of empathy and narcissism while warning that expanded executive powers will persist regardless of who holds office. Carlin urges listeners to view these trends through a lens of freedom, cautioning against normalizing authoritarian behaviors that threaten the republic.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Partisanship and the Independent Alternative
Defining Political Independence and Non-Neutrality
Presidential Narcissism and Accountability Issues
Defending Freedom in the Forward Position
Concerns Over Trump, Bannon, and Autocratic Signals
The Erosion of Constitutional Guardrails
Historical Expansion of Executive Power
Red Caesarism and the Normalization of Strongman Politics
The Founders' Fear of Kings and Executive Dominance
War Powers and the Shift from Congressional Authority
Lincoln's Warning Against Presidential War Declaration
Emergency Powers and the Insurrection Act Risks
The Failure of Checks on Emergency Declarations
Attacks on the Judiciary and Information Control
Ackerman's 2010 Predictions on Presidential Power
Legal Justifications for Unlimited Wartime Authority
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