

The Counsel
CAFE
Join Elie Honig as he unpacks the complex legal issues shaping our country. A former prosecutor and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, CNN senior legal analyst, and author, Honig brings sharp insight and clear perspective to the intersections of law, politics, and current events. New episodes every Friday. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2024 • 10min
Note from Elie: How Merrick Garland Saved E. Jean Carroll – and His Own Trump Prosecution
Explore how Merrick Garland's decision regarding Eugene Carroll's verdict potentially saved the DOJ's prosecution of Trump. Discover Garland's reversal and legal strategy to prevent Trump from using an immunity defense.

Jan 19, 2024 • 9min
Note From Elie: The Word Jack Smith Will Never Say
Analyzing Jack Smith's tactics and actions in relation to the trial and the 2024 election; exploring the issue of whether Jack Smith should try Trump before the election and presenting three possible options for Smith to consider.

Jan 12, 2024 • 8min
Note From Elie: The Supreme Court’s Silver Bullet Solution to the Fourteenth Amendment Problem
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 5, 2024 • 11min
Note from Elie: The Trail to 2024 Trump Trials
This podcast explores the potential consequences of pending criminal indictments against Donald Trump on the 2024 election. It analyzes four pending criminal cases related to the 2020 elections, including delays and challenges. The podcast also discusses the legal proceedings and timeline of the Trump trial, including an unsuccessful attempt to expedite the case to the Supreme Court. Additionally, it explores the possibility of the Manhattan case against Trump going to trial, highlighting challenges and high stakes involved in trying all four Trump cases before the election.

Dec 29, 2023 • 33min
Note from Elie: 2023 Legal News Trivia
Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 22, 2023 • 9min
Note from Elie: The Danger of Weaponization – No Matter Who Does It
The podcast discusses the danger of weaponization in politics, focusing on cases of Donald Trump and Latisha James. They highlight the dangerous rhetoric used by Trump and question James' controversial actions, including inflammatory statements, fundraising, and political targeting. They also discuss the potential danger of weaponizing public office through James' actions against Trump.

Dec 15, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: The Supreme Court Puts Jack Smith in a Bind
The podcast explores the Supreme Court's decision to review the prosecution of a defendant involved in the Capitol riot, discussing its potential impact on other defendants and Jack Smith's case against Donald Trump. It also delves into the options and timing challenges Jack Smith faces in light of the Supreme Court's ruling on maximum penalties, analyzing the risks and benefits of proceeding with the trial, dropping obstruction charges, or waiting for the Fisher case ruling while proposing a solution.

Dec 8, 2023 • 10min
Note From Elie: The Joe Biden Impeachment Inquiry: Promise Everything, Deliver Nothing
The podcast discusses the weak evidence presented by House Republicans in the Joe Biden impeachment inquiry, the lack of evidence connecting President Biden to any criminality or misconduct by his son, the unsuccessful attempt to subpoena Hunter Biden, and the political consequences of a failed impeachment inquiry.

Dec 1, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: My Carroll Hardy Moment
In this podcast, the hosts discuss Cafe Insider and share the story of Carol Hardy. They talk about Justice Clarence Thomas's lifestyle and the appropriateness of remarks made by the Attorney General. They also explore fantasy football and the role of luck and skill in its success.

Nov 17, 2023 • 10min
Note from Elie: Take Donald Trump at His Word
Discussion about Thanksgiving plans, Trump's controversial comments, and the power and fear of prosecutors. Exploring the dangers of a potential second term for Trump and the need to take his promises seriously.


