Topic: Constitutional Authority

A supercut highlights the shifting positions of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris regarding a federal mask mandate. The candidates have vacillated between claiming constitutional authority to mandate masks across state lines and admitting that such a mandate might be unconstitutional. The hosts criticize the lack of consistency in their COVID-19 policy proposals.

President Trump addresses claims that he is trying to dismantle the U.S. Postal Service by blocking a $25 billion stimulus. He argues the USPS loses money because it delivers packages for Amazon at a loss and is burdened by massive pension pre-funding requirements. He also mentions the high salary of the head of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

The "Question Authority" slogan, popular during the 1960s anti-war movement, is being reversed in modern educational settings. Current teaching trends emphasize compliance and trust in institutional authority rather than the traditional skepticism inherent in the U.S. Constitution. This shift is viewed as a move away from the revolutionary spirit that defined early American civics.

President Obama announced he will seek authorization from Congress for the use of military force in Syria, despite maintaining that he has the unilateral authority to act. The hosts discuss the legal distinction between the War Powers Resolution and a formal declaration of war. They argue that seeking this vote is a strategic move to ratify expanded presidential military powers for future administrations.

An analysis of presidential signing statements reveals that President Obama has used them extensively to bypass legislative intent, despite past criticisms of the practice. Specifically, his signing statement for the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act is cited as a means to maintain authority over Guantanamo Bay detainees. The hosts argue these statements function as a "line-item veto" that allows the executive branch to ignore parts of the law it dislikes.