Peter Canellos Talks The Great Dissenter

After some brief thoughts about Trump’s lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter, and Google, Sarah and David ...

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After some brief thoughts about Trump’s lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter, and Google, Sarah and David chat with a special guest: Peter Canellos, editor at large at Politico and the author of a new biography of Justice John Marshall Harlan. Tune in to hear Canellos share some of his research on a man whom he describes as “America’s judicial hero,” a justice who went from Southern slave owner to staunch segregation opponent. Our hosts ask Canellos about Harlan’s famous dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson and what Harlan’s legacy means for the country today. 

Show Notes:

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  1. Avatar photo
    David P

    Another great podcast! I listen to Advisory Opinions on my morning bike ride, which is a little over one hour long, so perfect timing. I bought the book and have just completed the first half. Outstanding! Thank you for the recommendation. I hope that it finds its way into school curriculums. A must read for all Americans.

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    Jason Gibson

    One of the best episodes of any dispatch podcast. Life changing and inspiring information


    I’m even finally getting used to the intro and outro music

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    Kevin Johnson

    Fabulous! Let’s start the wave of recognition: TD merch featuring his face and/or some version of IP-appropriate “the dissenter” message. I would gladly wear and explain that tee. Great change of pace. Now let’s have some Tom Sowell love, as he turns 90 with a book out and a new bio by Jason Riley.

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    Dave

    As a non-lawyer, I wasn’t very well informed about Harlan — I think I knew that Plessy v. Ferguson was an overwhelming majority, but don’t remember learning anything about him, or at least if I did, it didn’t stick with me. Sounds like an interesting book, and the interview was just fantastic. Peter is a great storyteller, and his enthusiasm for his subject was infectious (nice to get to use that term in a positive way again!).

    I will push back a little bit on some of his dissents, namely the one on the income tax. I just don’t see how you could think that an income tax was Constitutional until it was amended to authorize it. Also, from what I read about him after hearing the interview, I don’t think I agree with him on the antitrust issues. But that doesn’t detract from the man himself (I wonder how much flack he took in society for his courageous positions on civil rights?) or the interview. If I ever get caught up on my book list, I’ll definitely give this one a read.

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    Aylene Wright

    I actually recently heard Mr. Canellos on a Constitution Center podcast as well. It occurs to me that I'd love to hear from Jeffrey Rosen himself. He was recently on The Takeout podcast with Major Garrett for the July 4th weekend and was a really good listen.

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  6. Jim L

    Great interview. Can’t wait to buy and read this book. Thanks!

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  7. Natty Bumpo

    Great podcast. I was waiting for your insights on the lawsuit and appreciate your takes on the criteria for being an effective state actor. A BIG thanks for the primary subject matter. I had not known much about Harlan, although I was slightly aware of his role with the SCOTUS and his origin in KY. You and Peter did a great job making me interested and in fact motivated me to buy the book despite already having a reading backlog. Sounds like a compelling story.

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  8. Joe Curtis

    Thanks for a great pod.

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    Adicesa14

    Great conversation. Thank you. "The Great Dissenter" is in my 'to be read' pile. Perhaps, it should be moved to the top.

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    Larry O

    Thank you guys for another great podcast. Often one of the most enjoyable hours I have to myself.

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