Professor of Law and Government
Professor of Law and Government at the University of Texas, specializing in Supreme Court History. His latest books are: The Warren Court and American Politics and The Supreme Court and The American Elite, 1789-2008. He joins us from Austin.
Does Elena Kagan’s Nomination Mean The End Of Wasp Power? For the first time in history: a US Supreme Court without a white, anglo-saxon protestant member. That’s what Elena Kagan’s confirmation would mean. Today: does religion matter? Is the court’s new makeup a political accident—or a historic moment? Article VI of the Constitution says, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust.” But for 100 years, only white anglo-saxon males were chosen for the US Supreme Court. As the country became more diverse, there was a “Catholic seat,” then a “Jewish seat.” Now, if Elena Kagan is confirmed it’ll be all Jews and Catholics - no WASPs at all. Dr. Diana Butler Bass’s most recent book is, “A People’s History of Religion.” She recently wrote, “Elena Kagan and a Lament for American Protestantism” on Beliefnet.com
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.