The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Nov. 27, 2023
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
A Colorado circuit court judge ruled that President Donald Trump DID “engage in insurrection,” but that the U.S. Constitution doesn’t specifically disqualify U.S. Presidents from holding office under the “insurrection clause.”
Friday, the Colorado Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for a December 6th appeal in the case. Voters and democracy group C.R.E.W argue that Trump is ineligible to run for office under the 14th Amendment, Section 3.
The judge found that the January 6th Committee’s evidence and the case’s witnesses were credible, stating: “The Court concludes that Trump acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol with the purpose of disrupting the electoral certification.”
However, Judge Sarah B. Wallace ruled that the office of the President was not specified in the 14th Amendment Section 3, and she found its absence by the framers was notable, when other elected positions were listed.
Lower courts dismissed similar cases in Michigan, Minnesota and New Hampshire. Axios reports that as of Nov. 17th, cases were pending in 17 other states. Plaintiffs in the Michigan decision also appealed and asked for the case to be heard by its state supreme court. A U.S. Supreme Court appeal is likely.
We have Colorado’s lower court decision, the language of the 14th Amendment, and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Democracy Docket – How the 14th Amendment Could Disqualify Trump and His Allies
Congress.Gov – Text of the Fourteenth Amendment Section 3
PBS NewsHour/AP – State courts to consider blocking Trump from 2024 ballot under the ‘insurrection’ clause
Associated Press – Colorado judge finds Trump engaged in insurrection, but rejects constitutional ballot challenge
Democracy Docket/Denver, CO Circuit Court – Final Order
Colorado Newsline – Colorado Supreme Court schedules hearing in Trump 14th Amendment case
Minnesota Reformer – Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses petition to remove Trump from 2024 primary ballot
Michigan Advance – Group appeals ruling by Michigan judge keeping Trump on the 2024 ballot
ABC News – 14th Amendment challenges to Trump’s candidacy are likely Supreme Court bound
Groups Taking Action:
Free Speech for People, Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW)
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #14thAmendment #InsurrectionClause #January6thInsurrection