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The Oath and The Office

The Oath and The Office

By: Two Squared Media Productions
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 Mixing sharp wit and serious political fire, The Oath and The Office is where hard-hitting constitutional analysis meets razor-sharp comedy. Distinguished political science professor Corey Brettschneider teams up with comedian John Fugelsang to break down the most powerful 35 words in American democracy—the presidential oath of office. Every president swears to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution, but what happens when one openly attacks democracy and the rule of law itself? Each week, Corey and John pull no punches, exposing the latest threats to the rule of law and demanding accountability. Smart, fearless, and wickedly funny—this is the civics lesson you can’t afford to miss.Corey Brettschneider Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • SCOTUS Guts Injunctions & Trump’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Spectacle

    SCOTUS Guts Injunctions & Trump’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Spectacle
    Jul 2 2025
    In this episode of The Oath and The Office, Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang unpack the Supreme Court's dramatic ruling that weakens nationwide injunctions—a critical blow to civil rights groups fighting executive overreach. They highlight Justice Jackson’s powerful dissent and the broader implications for birthright citizenship and civil liberties.
    Then, they explore Trump's controversial legislative initiative—the “Big Bill”—which deeply slashes welfare programs while dramatically expanding ICE’s enforcement powers, raising alarms about an emergent authoritarian state.
    Lastly, they discuss Trump's surreal yet chilling media spectacle at "Alligator Alcatraz," a staged visit to an alligator-themed detention facility symbolizing fascism with a smile. Join Corey and John for an urgent, insightful look at these pivotal events reshaping American democracy.
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    46 mins
  • Illegal War? War Powers, Deportation Chaos & Trans Rights at Risk

    Illegal War? War Powers, Deportation Chaos & Trans Rights at Risk
    Jun 25 2025
    In this wide-ranging episode of The Oath and The Office, John and Corey dive into four major legal controversies shaking the nation:
    • Iran Attack & War Powers: Was President Trump’s recent bombing of Iranian nuclear sites without Congress’s approval an illegal act of war? The hosts examine whether the strike amounts to an undeclared war and discuss the War Powers Resolution of 1973. They break down why House Speaker Mike Johnson has called the War Powers Act unconstitutional, noting that presidents of both parties have long bypassed Congress in military actions. If the War Powers Act is flawed, John and Corey argue, it’s because it gives the president too much leeway at the expense of Congress’s authority – not the other way around.
    • Supreme Court on Deportations: The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to resume deporting migrants to third countries – including turmoil-filled places like South Sudan – with minimal notice to those being removed. John and Corey unpack this controversial ruling, which handed a victory to the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policy. They discuss how the decision bypassed lower-court orders that had required warning migrants about their destination and a chance to contest being sent to dangerous regions, and what this means for executive power and humanitarian protections.
    • Defying Court Orders: A DOJ whistleblower claims a top Justice Department official (now a Trump judicial nominee) suggested ignoring court orders to carry out deportations. John and Corey discuss who could be held in contempt in such a scenario and the broader implications for the rule of law if the executive branch were to defy judicial rulings.
    • Transgender Rights Under Fire: Finally, John and Corey tackle a recent case in which a court upheld a controversial Tennessee law targeting transgender youth. They describe the law – viewed by critics as a bigoted attack on trans rights – which bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors, and how the court’s decision exemplifies the judiciary’s abandonment of transgender rights. The hosts lament this trend in which both state and federal courts are allowing sweeping restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals, and they discuss the potential fallout for trans Americans and their families.
    Tune in as we analyze these headline-making stories at the intersection of presidential power and constitutional rights, and what they mean for the future of American democracy. Each segment offers critical insights into how far executive authority can stretch and how the courts are responding – or failing to respond – in the battles over war, immigration, and civil rights.
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    58 mins
  • No Kings, No Tyrants: ACLU's Mike Zamore on Protests and Trump’s Constitutional Crisis

    No Kings, No Tyrants: ACLU's Mike Zamore on Protests and Trump’s Constitutional Crisis
    Jun 18 2025
    Join Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang on this timely episode of The Oath and the Office, featuring Mike Zamore, National Policy Director of the ACLU. In the first half, Corey and John dive deep into the weekend's nationwide protests, Trump's escalating impeachable offenses—including his controversial actions involving due process violations and ongoing threats to democratic institutions—and the deployment of the National Guard.

    In the second half, Mike Zamore offers an inside look into the ACLU’s important role in organizing "No Kings" rallies, providing compelling firsthand accounts from Philadelphia. Zamore shares vital updates on the pivotal Khalil case and highlights alarming due process abuses, including the unconstitutional deportations to Venezuela seen in the Garcia case and the troubling use of detention facilities in El Salvador.

    This episode provides essential insights for anyone concerned with civil liberties, constitutional integrity, and the critical battles shaping America’s future.

    Key Topics:
    • Nationwide protests and the impeachment of Donald Trump
    • Legal implications of deploying the National Guard against civilians
    • ACLU's organizing efforts at "No Kings" rallies
    • Updates on the Khalil case and abuses in deportation processes
    Tune in to stay informed and engaged with pressing issues at the intersection of democracy, law, and human rights.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
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This podcast has something for everyone to learn. It should be required listening for everyone who has the right to vote! Looking forward to more.

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