Author and Howard University associate political science professor Keneshia Grant and Washington Times' online opinion editor Cheryl Chumley discuss Campaign 2020.
The full bench of U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit reheard oral argument via teleconference on whether they should order a lower district court judge to dismiss the perjury case against Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser for President Trump. Previously Mr. Flynn plead guilty to lying to federal officials conducting the Mueller investigation. In May 2020, the Justice Department, at the direction of Attorney General William Barr, filed a motion to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan questioned the recommendation and refused to immediately dismiss. This suit followed. Oral argument was first heard by a three-judge panel back in June 2020. The 2-1 ruling was in favor of Mr. Flynn ordering the lower district court judge to dismiss the case.
The Federalist Society held a virtual discussion to review the 2019-20 Supreme Court term and rulings. Beth Williams, assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Policy kicked things off with remarks on the judicial nomination and confirmation process before panelists dove into this term's high profile opinions.
Ed Yong, a staff writer for the Atlantic, discussed his recent article, "The Big Story: How the Virus Won," on the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Yong talked about some of the shortcomings of the Trump administration's response to the outbreak, including mixed messaging, the failure to set up proper testing and tracing protocols, and the marginalization of public health experts, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also talked about how the U.S. could improve its response and how a Biden administration might be able handle the crisis, if elected in November.
Historians Beverly Gage and John Evers talked about the life and career of 1928 Democratic presidential nominee Alfred E. Smith, Jr. (1873-1944). Nicknamed the "Happy Warrior," Al Smith never went to high school or college, yet he was speaker of the New York State Assembly and four-term governor. He was the first Catholic ever nominated by a major party and is honored at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, at which presidential nominees of both parties speak. Video clips of past dinners were shown as well as clips of Al Smith and a 1932 newsreel. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Al Smith's great-grandson gave taped interviews. The historians responded to telephone calls, electronic communications, and the audience in the New York State Assembly Chamber.
Johanna Neuman talks about her book, Gilded Suffragists, with Judy Woodruff of PBS Newshour. She discusses the women of New York's social elite who joined the suffrage movement in the early 20th century. C-SPAN recorded this event in October 2017.
Fox News' Chris Wallace provided a history of the lead-up to the bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945. This was a virtual event hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Sonia Shah looked at the science and history of migration in plants, animals, and humans and argued that it is a biological imperative that should be embraced around the world today.
Brown University economics professor Mark Blyth discussed why improvements in our economy are accompanied by increases in stress, anxiety, and anger among the population.
Matthew Continetti talked about the media reaction to Sarah Palin and his book, The Persecution of Sarah Palin: How the Elite Media Tried to Bring Down a Rising Star (Sentinel; November 12, 2009). In his book he contends that Sarah Palin was excessively attacked by the media. He argues that her personal life was unfairly targeted and that her words were 'spun' to distort her message. Video clips of 2008 presidential campaign events were shown in the background. He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications.
Book TV followed up with Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books Bookstores in Coral Gables, Florida, about how COVID-19 continued to impact his bookstore's operations.
