A Manual For Keeping A Democracy

Terry Gross interviews Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, about her book "Giving Up is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy." They discuss the threats to American democracy, including Trump's challenges to the separation of powers, the unitary executive theory, and the politicization of the Justice Department. Vance shares personal experiences, including the mail-bombing that killed her father-in-law, and reflects on the importance of civic engagement and criminal justice reform. The conversation also covers specific cases, such as the Trump administration's defiance of court orders regarding deportation flights and the controversial Epstein files investigation. Vance emphasizes the need to defend the judiciary and encourages listeners to actively participate in preserving democracy.