Some More News Even More News: What Should Democrats Do About Virginia?
May 12, 2026
They unpack a Virginia Supreme Court gerrymandering ruling and dramatic partisan maneuvering. They toss around bold Democratic response ideas like court changes and retirement-age tweaks. The conversation shifts to the shaky Iran ceasefire and fresh regional developments. They also mock a golden Trump statue and dig into the sketchy Trump phone preorders.
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Virginia Court Uses Made-Up Technicalities
- The Virginia Supreme Court used nebulous procedural technicalities to strike down a voter-approved amendment, effectively allowing partisan advantage via gerrymandering.
- Katy and Cody explain the court invented rules about special-session timing and posting requirements to nullify votes despite elections occurring between sessions.
Prepare Contingency Plans For Redistricting
- Prepare for legal and political pushback by crafting contingency plans that mirror opponents' tactics while minimizing democratic harm.
- Jonathan recommends being ready to redistrict again before 2028 and to 'do it back but better' if necessary.
Democrats Weigh Court-Packing Retaliation
- Democrats are considering aggressive countermoves like lowering judicial retirement ages to replace hostile state courts after perceived power grabs.
- Jonathan notes Utah previously stacked a court, framing such moves as precedented but extreme responses to anti-democratic tactics.