A Conversation With Don McGahn - Discussion Topics

 

11:03 – Harry and Meghan’s departure from the British Royal Family

11:50 – Don McGahn’s family members have included prominent Democratic officials. McGahn was asked why he has been a lifelong Republican despite his family’s strong Democratic ties.

14:56 – Don McGahn life journey, from growing up in South Jersey to becoming one of  the country’s top experts in election law.

17:28 – Don McGahn was asked whether he felt that he was given a “mandate” to accomplish specific goals upon being appointed to serve as chair of the Federal Elections Commission by then-President Bush.

18:31 – Was the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United a good decision or a bad decision?

19:35 - The broader impacts of the Citizens United decision on U.S. politics.

20:40 – The role of big money in campaigns & elections.

22:00 – Should targeted advertising and social media manipulation funded by “dark money” be regulated by the government in the context of political campaigns?

23:45 – Don McGahn’s ties to South Jersey and how it has shaped him.

24:25 – How Don McGahn was chosen to represent President Trump’s campaign.

27:20 – Don McGahn’s uncle, Patty McGahn, was previously working as counsel to Trump’s Atlantic City casinos prior to a falling out with Trump and lawsuits between the two. McGahn was asked whether this dispute with an extended family member caused him to have any hesitation about working with Trump.

30:00 – Don McGahn’s responsibilities as counsel to Trump’s presidential campaign.

31:04 – McGahn’s experience on the night of the 2016 presidential election.

33:25 –McGahn’s appointment to the position of White House Counsel.

34:40 – McGahn’s day-to-day responsibilities as White House Counsel.

37:08 – As White House Counsel, who or what was the client that McGahn served?

37:53 – The White House Counsel’s relationship with the Executive Office of the President.

38:45 – The extent to which the White House Counsel is involved in the drafting of executive orders.

39:50 – The contracts for the White House Easter eggs.

41:10 – Is Twitter an official vehicle for White House policy statements under President Trump?

42:10 – McGahn’s relationships with prior White House Counsels, both Democrat and Republican, during his tenure.

43:28 – How did McGahn serve as an advocate while in the position of White House Counsel?

45:40 – How did McGahn set boundaries with the president and tell him that he did not represent him in his personal capacity?

47:35 – Was McGahn concerned about losing his position due to the “direct” way he handled issues of power when advising the president?

49:55 – Should political considerations play a role in the legal advice provided by the White House Counsel?

51:30 – Don McGahn’s legal philosophy and approach to the law.

52:35 – McGahn’s relationship with The Federalist Society.

55:20 – McGahn’s role in changing the face of the federal judiciary by helping to select nominees for judgeships.

59:00 – The selection of Supreme Court justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh.

1:02:20 – What extent did views held by judicial nominees on the Sumpreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade impact their candidacies?

1:05:00 – McGahn’s perspective on the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

1:10:00 – Federal courts in New Jersey have a high volume of cases, but there are many district judge vacancies that have yet to be filled. Why is this the case?

1:12:00 – Current status of potential federal judicial nominations for New Jersey.

1:12:30 – What was McGahn’s obligation when he was directed by the president to submit to questioning as a part of the impeachment inquiry?

1:14:20 – Don McGahn’s departure from the office of White House Counsel, and his ethical obligations to his previous client.

1:15:10 – Who should decide the boundaries of McGahn’s ethical obligations to his previous client.

1:16:03 – Why did McGahn decide to leave the White House?

1:17:20 – Can we ever return to a time of cooperation, compromise and negotiation in national politics?

1:23:20 – Is the Congress becoming more like the Parliamentary systems seen in other countries, such as the UK, due to voters overwhelmingly preferring parties rather than individuals?

1:25:20 – Will a third major political party emerge at the national level?

1:27:30 – The balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

1:29:00 – Is there a “zero sum game” between the legislative and executive branches of government? Does one have more power at the expense of the other?

1:30:40 – What reforms does McGahn believe could be implemented to foster compromise in the future?

1:33:00 – McGahn’s advice for students.

1:36:00 – McGahn’s favorite music and musicians.