Impeachment has become normalized in politics, with both parties using it as a campaign slogan and tool.
The definition of high crimes and misdemeanors is open to interpretation, leading to debates about what constitutes an impeachable offense.
Congress needs to assert its authority and strengthen its oversight power to prevent stonewalling and ensure compliance with subpoenas.
The normalization of impeachment raises concerns about the future of democracy and the potential for abuse of power. Congress should work together to address executive actions and make them go away through legislation.
Congress needs to reclaim its war powers and fulfill its constitutional duty to declare war.
Partisanship and political calculation have led to the loss of congressional authority and a polarized environment.
Courageous behavior should be rewarded regardless of party affiliation.
Gerrymandering reform and the For the People Act are important steps towards fair elections.
The founders would be both disappointed and hopeful about the current state of American democracy.
Amending the Constitution for greater democracy and ending the dominance of political parties is crucial.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
04:47The History of Impeachment
06:10Defining High Crimes and Misdemeanors
09:01Impeachment as a Political Tool
10:29Congressional Authority and Impeachment
14:11The Normalization of Impeachment
28:43Taking Back Power from Executive Actions
29:39Congress' Abdication of War Powers
30:36Wimpiness of Members of Congress
31:06The Polarized Environment
31:36Hope for Governing and Working Together
32:01The Impact of Partisanship on Courageous Acts
32:30The Need for Courage to be Rewarded
32:45Disentangling from Political Party
33:06Gerrymandering Reform
34:07The For the People Act
35:41Being Primaried and Regretting Votes
36:15Running for Office Again
37:14Redistricting and Gerrymandering
38:00Drawing Multi-Member Districts
39:08The Founders' Perspective on Today's World
41:17Surprises for the Founders
44:14The Challenge to the Electoral College
45:13The Tantalizing Dream of Government
48:36Amending the Constitution for Greater Democracy
49:29Ending on a Bipartisan Note
ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM
Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.
The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.
Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power.
To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.
ABOUT CASEY BURGAT
Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.
Jamie Raskin and Rodney Davis: Live Event