Topic: Article 1 Section 8

Bill Nye delivered a speech in the rain at the Science March, citing Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. The hosts accuse Nye of twisting the "Progress of Science and useful Arts" clause, which actually pertains to patent and copyright protections for inventors and authors. They argue Nye is using the Constitution to falsely suggest the government is mandated to fund his specific version of science.

The segment highlights the irony of Jon Stewart taking a commercial break just as President Obama began discussing the Iran nuclear deal. The hosts argue that commercial interests always supersede important geopolitical discussions in mainstream media. They also touch on the constitutional requirement for Senate advice and consent on treaties.

Bill Nye is criticized for a commencement speech at Rutgers University where he allegedly misrepresented Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Nye claimed the clause mandates the federal government to promote science, but the full text reveals it is the "Intellectual Property Clause" intended to secure copyrights and patents for authors and inventors.

A debate regarding Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution centers on whether the "three-fifths" clause was intended to dehumanize black people or to limit the political power of Southern slaveholders. While some argue the foundation of America is systemic racism, others contend the compromise was a Northern strategy to eventually abolish slavery by reducing the South's voting apportionment.

Texas Representative Louie Gohmert argues on the House floor that Congress has the constitutional authority under Article 1, Section 8 to establish military tribunals. The hosts critique Gohmert's legal reasoning, suggesting he is attempting to justify the indefinite detention of citizens by conflating congressional power with military overreach.

Ron Paul uses a question about moral character to pivot to the importance of the oath of office. He argues that if politicians took their oath seriously, 80% of the government would be eliminated, the budget would be balanced, and the Federal Reserve would be abolished. Paul also speaks against the Patriot Act and the United States acting as a global policeman.