The 2016 presidential election took a dramatic turn this weekend with the sudden death of Antonin Scalia, the Supreme Court's most divisive, yet colorful justice. Revered for his brilliance, quick wit, and lively writing, he was equally reviled for a mean streak and his refusal to recognize the subjectivity in his objectivity in adhering to the original intent of the constitution.
In a year when voters concerned about the economy are throwing their support behind candidates who promise to bring back the middle class and break through the gridlock, how will his open seat refocus their attention? One thing is for certain; both sides of the Congressional aisle are claiming the right to name the next justice. What is at stake for America?
Also this hour: Few public figures die while in office, leaving them time to establish a legacy removed from their influence on public policy. What respect do we owe divisive public figures who have died, especially when wounds are still fresh.
GUESTS:
- David Yalof - Department Head and Professor of Political Science at UConn. He’s the author of Pursuit of Justices: Presidential Politics and the Selection of Supreme Court Nominees
- Dahlia Lithwick - Writer about the courts and the law for Slate, and host of Amicus
- Anthony Grayling - Master and professor of philosophy at New College of the Humanities in London, England
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Colin McEnroe, Betsy Kaplan, Chion Wolf, and Greg Hill contributed to this show.
