Lebowitz Advocates for Biden-Harris to "Dissolve the Supreme Court": A Perspective from Turley

Lebowitz's Radical Demand

Cultural critic and author Fran Lebowitz recently voiced her support for the growing counter-constitutional movement in the United States, led by law professors, pundits, and celebrities. She made a radical demand for President Joe Biden to "dissolve the Supreme Court" - a move that would violate the Constitution and remove a crucial safeguard against executive and legislative abuse. Lebowitz referred to the Supreme Court as a "disgrace" and a "harem" of Donald Trump, much to the applause of her New York audience. Her sentiments echo those of other left-leaning individuals who view the Constitution, the Court, and even rights like free speech as threats to democracy.

Other Voices from the Left

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has previously warned Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh of potential repercussions for their actions. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has expressed a desire to impeach all six conservative justices, a sentiment echoed by other Democratic members. Ocasio-Cortez has also questioned the benefits of the Supreme Court's current structure, while Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has advocated for packing the Court with additional members to secure a liberal majority. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D., RI) has reassured voters that Vice President Kamala Harris supports this approach.

Disinformation and Misunderstandings

Despite advocating for censorship to combat "disinformation," many on the left, including Lebowitz, have spread misinformation about the Court and its rulings. Lebowitz falsely claimed that the Court's ruling on presidential immunity grants the president unlimited power, a misinterpretation of the Court's three-tiered approach to presidential powers.

Challenges to the Constitution

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley law school, and others have criticized the Constitution and conservative justices. Jennifer Szalai, a book critic for the New York Times, has expressed concern that the Constitution's limitation of majority power could foster cynicism and authoritarianism. Law professors Ryan D. Doerfler of Harvard and Samuel Moyn of Yale have called for liberals to "reclaim America from constitutionalism."

The Reality of the Supreme Court's Voting Record

Contrary to Lebowitz's claims, the Supreme Court typically rules by unanimous or nearly unanimous decisions. After April, 46 percent of cases were decided unanimously. Of the 22 6-3 decisions, only half broke along ideological lines. Moreover, conservative justices like Gorsuch and Barrett have often sided with their liberal colleagues, and the Court has repeatedly voted against positions supported by Donald Trump.

Bottom Line

Despite the claims of Lebowitz and others, the Supreme Court is not dysfunctionally and ideologically divided. The false narrative being spread serves only to misinform the public. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree or disagree with Lebowitz's views? Share this article with your friends and let them know what you think. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.