The Al Franken Podcast Norm Ornstein on Another Chaotic Week in DC
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Oct 5, 2025 
This week features Norm Ornstein, a political scientist and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He dives into the chaos of a federal government shutdown and its implications for healthcare policy. Norm discusses Trump's controversial Gaza peace proposal and the complexities surrounding its implementation. He also critiques recent political maneuvers, including a high-cost military address and the broader implications of current policies on democracy and public health. Expect both insight and humor as he navigates today's turbulent political landscape.
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Claims About 'Giving Health Care To Illegals' Are False
- Republicans falsely claim Democrats want to give massive benefits to undocumented immigrants.
- Ornstein stresses the law prohibits undocumented people from Medicaid and politicians are spreading lies about costs.
Challenge Unlawful Firings Through Unions And Courts
- Federal employees illegally fired should file suits and use unions or legal groups to challenge dismissals.
- Norm notes unions and Democracy Defenders lawyers are already mounting litigation to restore protections.
Court Moves Are Enlarging Presidential Authority
- The Supreme Court's shadow-docket decisions expand executive power over independent agencies.
- Ornstein warns this trend erodes long-standing protections like Humphrey's Executor for commissioners.