CAFE Insider

In observance of Memorial Day, we're sharing the audio from a CAFE Insider Town Call. Preet hopped on the phone for 45 minutes and answered questions in real time, from a small group of randomly chosen Insiders, who agreed to be the guinea pigs for a trial run as we tested our conference call software.Today, we’re sharing the audio from the call as we plan to roll out this feature for the whole CAFE Insider community. So please, let us know what you think at insider@cafe.com. Your feedback is important to us as we continue to develop content for you. And keep your eye out for an email announcing the next Town Call in the coming weeks.

In this bonus clip from Stay Tuned, Preet discusses Trump’s expected appointment of an Immigration Czar and David Ignatius reveals what he writes in his free time: espionage thrillers. Trump’s Immigration “Czar”:“A Would-Be Trump Aide’s Demands: A Jet on Call, a Future Cabinet Post and More,” The New York Times, 5/20/19“Trump Expected to Pick Ken Cuccinelli for Immigration Policy Role,” The New York Times, 5/21/19 Ignatius’ Books;David Ignatius’ Novels Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community.

On this episode of CAFE Insider, "Reversing Roe & Politicizing Pardons," Preet and Anne discuss:The push to overturn Roe v. Wade, with a slew of restrictive abortion laws enacted around the country, including in Alabama and GeorgiaPresident Trump's approach to granting pardons that has raised concerns about process and fairnessNewly un-redacted memos in the case of Michael Flynn, and more.You can view the episode show notes below or on cafe.com/insider.REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALSABORTIONRoe v. Wade (1973), Oyez  Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992), OyezOverturning Precedent: Nevada v. Hall (1979), OyezFranchise Tax Board of California v. Hyatt (2019) Oyez, overruling Nevada v. HallBowers v. Hardwick (1986) Oyez, overturned by Lawrence v. Texas (2003) OyezSCOTUS reporter Joan Biskupic’s interview on Stay Tuned“The Supreme Court’s Overruling of Constitutional Precedent,” Congressional Research Service, 9/24/18“Supreme Court’s conservatives overturn precedent as liberals ask ‘which cases the court will overrule next’,” Washington Post, 5/13/19“Can the Supreme Court Change Its Mind?,” New York Times, 12/5/02“John Roberts has voted for restrictions on abortion. Will he overturn Roe v. Wade?,” CNN, 5/15/19Restrictive state abortion laws: “Alabama Governor Signs Abortion Ban Into Law,” National Public Radio, 5/15/19“25 men voted to ban abortion in Alabama. Do they reflect the rest of America?,” USA Today, 5/15/19“Trump, Republicans distance themselves from Alabama abortion law,” Washington Post, 5/19/19“Abortion ban reaction: Democrats erupt, Republicans stay quiet as both sides see an impact in the 2020 election,” Washington Post, 5/15/19“‘The Time Is Now’: States Are Rushing to Restrict Abortion, or to Protect It,” New York Times, 5/15/19“Alabama Abortion Law Could Make Its Way To The Supreme Court,” National Public Radio, 5/16/19“Georgia Governor Signs ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Abortion Law,” New York Times, 5/7/19“A GOP lawmaker used the phrase ‘consensual rape’ during abortion debate. He says he misspoke,” Washington Post, 5/17/19THE PARDON POWERArticle II of the Constitution, Legal Information InstituteOffice of the Pardon Attorney, Department of JusticeOrganization, Mission and Functions Manual: Office of the Pardon Attorney, Department of JusticeClemency Initiative (2014-2017), Department of JusticeNational Task Force on the Rule of Law & Democracy Proposals for Reform, Brennan CenterTrump’s Recent Pardons:“The President and His Power to Pardon,” New York Times, 5/19/19“Trump pardons Pat Nolan, former GOP lawmaker taken down in FBI’s ‘Shrimpscam’ probe,” LATimes, 5/15/19“Trump pardons billionaire friend Conrad Black, who wrote a book about him,” Washington Post, 5/15/19“Trump May Be Preparing Pardons for Servicemen Accused of War Crimes,” New York Times, 5/18/19Pardon of Marc Rich:“Rich Made His Fortune by Breaking the Rules,” Washington Post, 3/13/01“Holder admits 'mistakes' in Rich pardon,” CNN, 1/15/09“U.S. attorney launches criminal probe of Rich pardon,” CNN, 2/14/01Pardon of Richard Nixon:“NO CONDITIONS SET Action Taken to Spare Nation and Ex‐Chief, President Asserts,” New York Times, 9/9/74IMPEACHMENT & OBSTRUCTIONMichigan Representative Justin Amash’s Twitter threadStatement by Former Federal Prosecutors, Medium, 5/6/19MICHAEL FLYNNAddendum to the government’s memorandum in aid of Flynn’s sentencing“The Daily 202: Judge’s order to release Flynn transcripts illuminates an under-covered episode in the Mueller report,” Washington Post, 5/17/19VIDEO: “Stupid Watergate: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO),” Youtube, 5/21/17JOHN DURHAM“Barr Assigns U.S. Attorney in Connecticut to Review Origins of Russia Inquiry,” New York Times, 5/13/19SPACE FORCE“Cruz warns 'Space Force' needed to prevent space pirates,” The Hill, 5/15/19We hope you’re enjoying CAFE Insider. Email us at Insider@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Anne. Thank you for being a part of the CAFE Insider community.

In this bonus clips from Stay Tuned, Preet discusses the court case over President Trump's financial records and Valerie Jarrett defines "effective advice."“U.S. judge voices doubt on Trump bid to block House subpoena for financial records,”Washington Post, 5/14/19“President’s Vow Fulfilled,” New York Times, 5/2/11Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community.

On this episode of CAFE Insider, "Indicting a POTUS," Preet & Anne discuss:-- The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) policy on indicting a sitting president and whether the statute of limitations is tolled while the president is in office-- Rudy Giuliani’s cancelled trip to Ukraine where he intended to obtain information that could help Trump’s re-election-- The latest news on Don McGahn and Don Jr.-- SDNY’s seizure of a North Korean cargo ship for alleged sanctions violations, and more.To view the episode show notes, head to: cafe.com/insiderWe hope you’re enjoying CAFE Insider. Email us at Insider@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Anne. Thank you for being a part of the CAFE Insider community. 

In this bonus clip from Stay Tuned, Joan Biskupic reflects on pursuing her law degree part-time while working as a reporter. Plus, Preet shares his encounters with Chief Justice Roberts. Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community.

Bill Barr: The Politics of "Snitty"Preet and Anne go in-depth on Bill Barr, Emmet Flood’s letter, the FBI’s use of an undercover investigator in its probe of the Trump campaign, and more. REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALSLETTERSSpecial Counsel Bob Mueller’s letter to Attorney General Bill BarrEmmet Flood’s letter to Attorney General Bill BarrSenator Lindsey Graham’s letter to Special Counsel Bob Mueller DOJ letter to Rep. Jerry Nadler regarding the unredacted Mueller reportSenator Kamala Harris’ letter to the Inspector General regarding Bill BarrROD ROSENSTEINRosenstein’s resignation letter “Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein Delivers Remarks at the Armenian Bar Association’s Public Servants Dinner,” DOJ, 4/25/19 BILL BARRBill Barr’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, including exchanges with Senator Mazie Hirono, Senator Kamala Harris, and Senator Cory BookerVideo: “Mueller’s ‘letter is a bit snitty,’” PBS Newshour, 5/1/19“The Catastrophic Performance of Bill Barr,” The Atlantic, 5/2/19“Attorney General Barr Skips Thursday's House Hearing,” NPR, 5/2/19“‘I don’t know’: Barr’s professed ignorance prompts calls for his resignation after Mueller letter,” Washington Post, 5/1/19“Here’s How William Barr Can Be Impeached But Why It’s Unlikely to Happen, According to Experts,” Newsweek, 5/1/19“Is There a Perjury Case Against Barr?,” Lawfare, 5/2/19Barr’s exchange with Senator Chris Van Hollen on 4/10/19Barr’s exchange with Rep. Charlie Crist on 4/9/19 Attorney General Bill Barr’s 3/24/19 letter summarizing Mueller’s principal conclusionsCONGRESSIONAL RESPONSE TO BARR“Wednesday: House Judiciary to Markup Contempt Report,” US House Committee on The Judiciary, 5/6/19“Democrat mocks Barr with bucket of fried chicken at hearing,” NBC News, 5/2/19“Lawmakers Dispute Precedent for Holding Barr in Contempt,” Real Clear Politics, 5/3/19THE PROSPECT OF MUELLER’S TESTIMONY BEFORE CONGRESS“In reversal, Trump says Mueller ‘should not testify’ before Congress,” Washington Post, 5/5/19“FAST & FURIOUS”“House Finds Holder in Contempt Over Inquiry on Guns,” New York Times, 6/28/12“Judge upends settlement in Fast and Furious documents case,” Politico, 10/22/18 Judge Amy Berman Jackson’s opinion regarding the Fast and Furious settlementOFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERALThe Office of the Inspector General “Justice Dept. Watchdog’s Review of Russia Inquiry Is Nearly Done, Barr Says,” New York Times, 4/9/19“Justice Dept. Watchdog Will Be Tested in Next Chapter of Clinton Investigation Firestorm,” New York Times, 6/13/18THE FBI’S COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE INVESTIGATION INTO THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN“F.B.I. Sent Investigator Posing as Assistant to Meet With Trump Aide in 2016,” New York Times, 5/2/19 “The Truth About ‘Spying’ on the Trump Campaign,” New York Times, 5/3/19TRUMP’S PHONE CALL WITH PUTIN“Trump Says He Discussed the ‘Russian Hoax’ in a Phone Call With Putin,” New York Times, 5/3/19Trump’s series of tweets (and here) about his call with Putin DEFINITIONSSuggest, Merriam-WebsterSummary, Merriam-WebsterWe hope you’re enjoying CAFE Insider. Email us at Insider@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Anne. Thank you for being a part of the CAFE Insider community.

In this bonus clip from Stay Tuned, Jared Cohen explains how traveling has shaped his view of America and how history will judge this moment in time. Plus, the important advice he’s received in his life. REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS“When Congress Was Armed And Dangerous,” New York Times, 1/11/11“Republican candidate charged with assault after 'body-slamming' Guardian reporter,” The Guardian, 5/27/17“Trump says he called Apple CEO 'Tim Apple' to 'save time & words,'” Politico, 3/11/19Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community.

In this Stay Tuned bonus, Preet continues his analysis of Attorney General Bill Barr’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday (5/1).REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALSBill Barr’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, including his exchange with Senator Cory Booker“Lindsey Graham Doesn't See Need to Have Mueller, McGahn Testify,” Bloomberg, 5/1/19“Barr on McGahn testimony: 'We haven't waived his privilege,'” The Hill, 5/1/19Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community.

Preet and Anne preview Bill Barr’s expected testimony before Congress, the developing subpoena fights between committee chairmen and the White House, Rosenstein’s tenure, an indictment of a Massachusetts state court judge for obstruction of justice, and more.   REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALSTHE POWAY SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING"One dead, three injured in Poway synagogue shooting,” San Diego Union Tribune, 04/27/2019“What to Know About the Poway Synagogue Shooting,” NYT, 04/29/2019“Mayor says synagogue shooting in California that left 1 dead and 3 wounded was a 'hate crime,’” CNN, 04/28/2019“The History of the AR-15,” Washington Post, 06/13/2016BILL BARR’S CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY, A PREVIEW: Video of Bill Barr Press Conference on Mueller’s report, plus the transcript of his opening remarks, 04/18/2019Transcript: Bill Barr’s answers questions at the Mueller report press conference, 04/18/2019“Barr's appearance at House hearing now in doubt because of dispute with Democrats,” CNN, 04/28/2019“Who Is Christine Blasey Ford, The Woman Accusing Brett Kavanaugh Of Sexual Assault?” NPR, 09/17/2018“Meet Rachel Mitchell, the woman questioning Ford about her Kavanaugh allegations at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing,” Business Insider, 09/27/20181973 and 2000 OLC memos on indicting a sitting president BREWING BATTLE: CONGRESS v. THE WHITE HOUSE1982 Reagan MemoDifference Between Civil And Criminal ContemptSubpoena for Don McGahn, 04/22/2019“How the Trump White House shot itself in the foot on Don McGahn,” Washington Post, 04/24/2019 (article quoting former federal prosecutor, Gene Rossi)“White House OKs testimony — with limits — from ex-security clearance chief,” Politico, 04/26/2019“Constitutional Hardball and Congress’s Oversight Authority,” John Bies (Chief Counsel at American Oversight and former DOJ official), Lawfare, 04/27/2019“What is Executive Privilege, Anyway?” NPR, 06/28/2007 “Eric Holder gets subpoena on failed Fast and Furious operation,” Washington Post, 10/12/2011“Operation Fast and Furious Fast Facts,” CNN, 02/28/2019ROD ROSENSTEIN’S SPEECH & TENURERod Rosenstein's Speech at the Armenian Bar Association’s Public Servants Dinner, 04/25/2019"Rosenstein Assails Obama Administration, Comey and Journalists in Defending Handling of Russia Inquiry,” NYT, 04/26/2019“‘I can land the plane’: How Rosenstein tried to mollify Trump, protect Mueller and save his job,” Washington Post, 04/26/2019A tweet from Benjamin Wittes assessing Rosenstein’s tenure, 04/26/2019“Romney Was Right About Russia,” CNN, 07/31/2017 TRUMP’S TWEET & APPEALING IMPEACHMENTTrump’s tweet, 04/25/2019: “I DID NOTHING WRONG. If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the U.S. Supreme Court. Not only are there no ‘High Crimes and Misdemeanors,’ there are no Crimes by me at all."“Trump says he would ask Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats move to impeach him,” Washington Post, 04/25/2019“The Supreme Court Has No Role in Impeachment,” Lawfare, 04/25/2019“Trump views the Supreme Court as an ally, sowing doubt about its independence among his critics,” Washington Post, 04/27/2019 OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE CHARGES AGAINST A MASSACHUSETTS JUDGEIndictment, USA v. Shelley Richmond Joseph and Wesley Macgregor, 04/25/2019Press Release: Massachusetts District Court Judge and Court Officer Indicted for Obstruction of Justice, 04/25/2019 “Judge Is Charged With Helping Immigrant Escape ICE at Courthouse,” NYT, 04/25/2019We hope you’re enjoying CAFE Insider. Email us at Insider@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Anne. Thank you for being a part of the CAFE Insider community.