Season 4, Episode 43 (Show 200): The Sound of Silence – Special Guest Ruth Marcus

October 30, 2024

The Washington Post shocked the nation by declining to endorse a candidate for President.  An outpouring of opprobrium ensued; first in line was 40 year Post columnist and editor, Ruth Marcus – and she is our guest to discuss it.

CLE Credit Available for this episode from podcast.njsba.com.

It’s 200 episodes for Amarica’s Constitution, and we mark the occasion by bringing you a key expert for an in-depth exploration of a breaking development.  Ruth Marcus, long-time Washington Post columnist, editor, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and insider, joins us to explore the inexplicable:  the last-minute decision by the Post and its owner, billionaire Jeff Bezos, to withhold what would have been an endorsement for Vice President Harris for election to the Presidency.  What goes on in an editorial board?  What is the role of the owner?  What are the alternatives for editors, columnists, and reporters? Was Bezos intimidated by Trump?  What does all this mean for the nation?  We have the perfect means to explore this shocker: a frank and unhurried inquiry with our friend, Ruth Marcus.  What a way to mark our bicentennial.

(LAWYERS AND JUDGES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CREDIT by visiting podcast.njsba.com after listening.)

Show Notes:

How to get Continuing Legal Education Credit for listening!

Virtually all lawyers and judges admitted to practice anywhere in the USA can obtain CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit after listening to this episode by visiting podcast.njsba.com.  You do not have to be a New Jersey lawyer or resident or admitted to the NJ Bar; essentially every state has reciprocity arrangements with New Jersey.  When you visit the site you fill out a form and provide the code Andy read during the episode, pay a small fee, and within two weeks you will receive the certificate from New Jersey.  It couldn’t be easier.  Thanks to the New Jersey Bar Association for making this possible!  Note, too, that other podcast episodes from our “back catalog” now qualify for this credit as well.

Click to go to the website for CLE credit

The Post blundered by not endorsing a candidate. Especially this year.

Ruth Marcus writes the first column after the Post’s shocking withholding of presidential endorsement.

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Jeff Bezos - The hard truth- Americans don’t trust the news media - The Washington Post

Jeff Bezos speaks in the Post with an ostensible explanation/defense of his actions.

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Danielle Allen Resignation Letter

Danielle Allen chose to resign from the Washington Post following Bezos’ action.  Here, her resignation letter, complete with a resonant quote from Aristotle.

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