Senate Judiciary voted 12-10 along party lines for Blanche
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination on a strict 12-10 party-line vote.
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Michigan's Primary Drama, the DOJ's Next Boss, and Hillary Clinton Co-Hosts
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Aug 7, 2026
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Todd Blanche's Rise and the Perversion of the Justice Department
At 34:49 · chapter starts 34:30
Kara outlines the Blanche nomination mechanics: the 12-10 Judiciary Committee vote, McConnell's expected absence, Collins as the first Republican 'no.' Clinton doesn't hesitate — she calls Blanche a sycophant in every way, noting his once-robust legal career has been wholly subordinated to Trump's grievances. The deeper concern, she argues, is what the perversion of the Justice Department means for American economic confidence: for 250 years, a credible legal system and rule of law were foundational to US economic success. Destroy confidence in that, and you erode the economic system too, not just the political one. Clinton also addresses Blanche's remarks to faith leaders about rolling back abortion access — she argues that the Dobbs 'return to states' framing was never the final goal, and that the movement intends a uniform national ban with criminal penalties. She predicts the Anti-Weaponization Fund will be relaunched under a different name and that Trump's pardon record — a pay-to-play exchange she calls 'coin-operated' — is an underutilized Democratic campaign weapon. [1] — Hillary Clinton "Hillary Clinton calls Todd Blanche a 'total sycophant' whose nomination represents a fundamental perversion of the Justice Department. She …" 34:30
Todd Blanche Is Trump's Lawyer, Not America's AG
Hillary Clinton calls Todd Blanche a 'total sycophant' whose nomination represents a fundamental perversion of the Justice Department. She argues that destroying confidence in the rule of law has far-reaching economic consequences — not just political ones — because a credible legal system underpins 250 years of American economic success.
Abortions rising despite Dobbs decision
Kara Swisher pointed out that the number of abortions has actually increased since the Dobbs decision, undermining the stated goal of reducing abortions.
The Pardon Factory: Pay-to-Play Clemency
Clinton describes Trump's pardon record as a 'totally transactional exchange' — money in, criminal record erased, regardless of how heinous the crime. She cites a pardoned fraudster who cheated elderly nursing home residents out of billions. Democrats can run against specific pardons, she argues, because most voters don't know what actually happened.
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