A CNN Analyst’s Take on the Trump Presidency
In light of the recent election of Donald Trump as president, let us reflect on the session that author and CNN political analyst Jeffrey Toobin held with a number of students on October 26, a week before the election
No matter whom you voted for or how you feel about the results, this was undoubtedly one of the most important elections of the century.
So what exactly is at stake in this election? Jeffrey Toobin discussed four main aspects: the Supreme Court, the importance of Pennsylvania as a swing vote, abortion, and Muslim student concerns. This is an extremely emotionally-charged time, but no matter who won the election, it would most likely have resulted in the same emotions. The focus of the nation now should be on the possible long-term consequences of the election.
Of those consequences, the Supreme Court nominee is the most important, not just in replacing Justice Antonin Scalia but also of the other seats as they become vacant. Currently, there are four Democrats and four Republicans in the Supreme Court, with Justice Scalia’s seat open. President-elect Trump will surely choose a conservative, which will tilt the Supreme Court in the Republican’s favor. In addition, if any liberal justices retire or pass away during Trump’s presidency, then the Court will become even more conservative; thus, in Jeffrey Toobin’s words, whoever won the election would have an “impact well longer than their term in office.”
Toobin also explained the importance of Pennsylvania as a swing vote, not only for the presidential race, but also for the senate majority. He does not approve of the “undemocratic” system of the electoral college and instead believes direct election through popular votes would be fairer.
The electoral college is extremely confusing and, as Toobin argued, “undemocratic.” Most people agree that presidential elections in some ways are actually rigged because a candidate can win the popular vote but not the overall election. I compare it to a classroom of children raising their hands for an activity. The electoral college seems to, instead of counting each hand as a vote, counts one child’s hand as more than one vote with others being stuck with one vote.
Other concerns students had were on the possible overturning of Roe versus Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that granted women the right to an abortion. If this were to happen, the legality of abortion would fall into states’ hands, Toobin said, and some would pass laws outlawing abortion. This is not the answer to preventing abortions, he claimed; women will simply find other, more dangerous means to have abortions and even more lives will be lost. Whether you believe in abortion or not, losing even more lives by outright outlawing abortion is definitely not the answer, Toobin argued.
Some Muslim students in the session expressed their concerns about Trump being elected. Toobin explained that there has “never been a purely religious quota in religion” and it is, according to him, impossible to pass a law targeting a specific religion. In Toobin’s opinion a Trump presidency would result in “less immigration” and more expulsions.
Jeffrey Toobin, and I as well, recognize the dangers to women as well as minorities in a Trump administration. Things will change, that is for sure, but it is important to keep an open mind and to also not become violent toward Trump supporters.
Brian W. Smith • Nov 6, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Sorry Jeffrey but the Electoral College was designed so everybody vote equals out. If the popular vote decided the presidency then the big cities would have an unfair advantage over the suburbs and rural America. The Electoral vote balances all voters out in a fair system. As far as Roe vs. Wade is concerned since it was implemented of 53 million unborn babies lives were taken. How can we ever criticize Germany for the Holocost which was 4 million when we allowed over 53 million babies lives to be taken by this selfish act of genocide. I feel that Roe vs. Wade should be overturned and each state should decide if we continue this practice.
David Marrero • Jul 3, 2021 at 5:56 pm
He immediately retconned this the second Sippy Cup Joe got elected.
Joyce Hinnefeld • Dec 10, 2016 at 9:04 am
Thanks for this coverage, Katelyn. Jeffrey Toobin is such an important writer and analyst, and Moravian College students were fortunate to have this time with him during such a critical election period.