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Artwork for Defending Democracy

Defending Democracy with Marc Elias

Democracy Docket
Donald Trump
Voting Rights
Republican Party
Democracy
Department Of Justice
Voting Rights Act
Democracy Docket
Democratic Party
Supreme Court
Voter Suppression
Gerrymandering
Redistricting
Texas
Authoritarianism
2026 Elections
Elections
Congress
Epstein Files
North Carolina
American Democracy

Every week, election lawyer Marc Elias interviews lawmakers, policy leaders and changemakers about the problems facing our democracy and how we fix them.

PublishesDailyEpisodes225Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsPolitics

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Artwork for Defending Democracy

Latest Episodes

In the fallout of the Supreme Court decision gutting the Voting Rights Act, Republican states across the country are rushing to redraw their congressional maps. Governor Jeff Landry has even called a state of emergency to suspend Louisiana's ongoing ... more

Michael Popok (LegalAF) joins Marc Elias to break down the recent indictment of James Comey, the Department of Justice losing credibility with federal judges, and the latest updates in the Epstein Files saga.Subscribe to our free newsletters or upgra... more

YouTube

BREAKING: The U.S. Supreme Court just kneecapped the Voting Rights Act (VRA), a landmark civil rights law that restricted racial gerrymandering and racial discrimination in voting. Marc Elias is joined by Legal Content Editor Ashley Cleaves to break ... more

Republicans across the country are attempting to gerrymander their way to electoral victory, and Florida is the latest state to join this movement. Marc Elias is joined by Legal Content Editor Ashley Cleaves to break down all of the battlefronts in t... more

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Recent Guests

Ashley Cleaves
Legal Content Editor at Democracy Docket
Democracy Docket
Episode: BREAKING: Supreme Court GUTS the Voting Rights Act
Brian Tyler Cohen
Host of a large political YouTube channel; author of The Day After
Self-produced media/publisher
Episode: The New Rules for the Post-Trump Era | Brian Tyler Cohen
Chris Van Hollen
United States Senator from Maryland
U.S. Senate
Episode: Are Republican Voters Finally Turning Against Trump? | Sen. Chris Van Hollen
Alex Padilla
Senator, California; former Secretary of State
United States Senate
Episode: Trump Is Building a National Voter List — And It's Worse Than You Think | Sen. Alex Padilla
Jamie Raskin
Congressman, top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee
United States House of Representatives
Episode: Trump is DECIMATING the Constitution | Rep. Jamie Raskin
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator, former federal prosecutor, Judiciary Committee member
United States Senate
Episode: Trump Is SEIZING Your Ballots | Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
Steve Bannon
Strategist and former White House advisor, guest providing commentary
MAGA movement
Episode: Steve Bannon: Trump Is Using ICE as a "Test Run" for Voter Suppression
Mike Davis
Former Supreme Court clerk mentioned as Bannon's interlocutor
Legal/policy advocate
Episode: Steve Bannon: Trump Is Using ICE as a "Test Run" for Voter Suppression
Glenn Kirschner
Veteran US Army prosecutor, former DC US Attorney's Office prosecutor
None stated
Episode: Trump Accountability Must Go SCORCHED EARTH | Glenn Kirschner

Host

Marc Elias
Host and election lawyer, discussing issues related to democracy and electoral processes.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 782 ratings
  • Share this Podcast

    Please tell friends and family about this podcast. Everyone must understand the Republicans’ plot to strip Democrats of their constitutional right to vote. Look at the Texas primaries.

    We all must be aware that those long, long lines can stop some people from casting a vote due to job and family obligations. And, there is No voter fraud problem in the USA.

    The right to vote was won through bloodshed. Please spread the word and listen each week to stay informed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BGDem
    United Statesa month ago
  • Repetitive

    The content is very relevant and important, but so many episodes lately are essentially the same content as prior ones. I fear it’s beginning to dilute the message.

    I appreciated the content more when it was 1 episode a week. I’m starting to tire of hearing the same content again and again. Might have to unsubscribe as a result.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Papa V Perpetua
    United States2 months ago
  • Best episode yet

    The episode on the SAVE act is one of Marc's finest yet. It's mind boggling how the Republicans think they can get away with what they are planning to do. This should remind everyone of the poll taxes that were imposed to disenfranchise poor (black) communities from participating in democracy. Now it's (married) women, students, and those too busy or not affluent enough to put up with whatever rule-of-the-day they see supposed to follow. Voting is a right, my fellow citizens. The government, unl... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kid Rock C
    United States3 months ago
  • You’re America’s gem!

    Thank you for all the work you do to help our democracy. Because of ppl like you, I think America is starting to wake you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MMDeLong
    United States3 months ago
  • Exposing DOJ

    Marc, you are right about everything you said. You are a brave hero for all of us. And don’t forget to mention news wise on YouTube “To the Contrary” with Charlie Sykes. Great independent news there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GaMtnGrl
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many highlight Marc Elias's expertise and articulate presentation style, making legal issues more accessible to the general public.
The show is often described as essential listening for those who value democratic rights and seek to stay informed about electoral challenges and reforms.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth explanations of complex legal topics related to voting and democracy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#94
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#217
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#91
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#194
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#150
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#100
Sweden/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Florida GOP Reveals Latest Gerrymander Scheme
Q: So why don't you fill us in on what is going on in Florida?
Ashley outlines the Florida map as a potential test case for political and legal boundaries, highlighting debates over minority protections, partisan aims, and the anticipated litigation surrounding the new redistricting plan.
Trump is DECIMATING the Constitution | Rep. Jamie Raskin
Q: What final word would you offer on what Donald Trump can or cannot legally and constitutionally do regarding elections?
The guests emphasize that the president cannot legally suspend elections or unilaterally alter voting rules; instead, authority rests with states and Congress within a constitutional framework, underscoring the need for adherence to the Rule of Law.
Trump is DECIMATING the Constitution | Rep. Jamie Raskin
Q: What can be said about the full Smith File and access to the Special Counsel's report?
They explain the standard practice of providing full reports to Congress, the push to obtain Volume 2, and the leverage this would give in auditing and oversight of the DOJ and the broader investigation landscape.
Trump is DECIMATING the Constitution | Rep. Jamie Raskin
Q: What is your assessment of the current state of the Watson v. Republican National Committee case and its implications for absentee/mail-in ballots?
The host and guest discuss the Mississippi case as a critical test of federal election law, emphasizing that states set election rules and that Congress can regulate beyond those rules, with concerns about potential impacts on voting rights and the balance of power.
Trump is DECIMATING the Constitution | Rep. Jamie Raskin
Q: Describe what the nature of the dispute with Pam Bondi is and where things stand.
Raskin outlines ongoing tensions with Pam Bondi over legal and constitutional questions related to the Department of Justice and policy directions, noting a contentious relationship shaped by enforcement priorities and strategic legal positioning.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Defending Democracy

What is Defending Democracy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the challenges and solutions related to democracy, this podcast engages listeners with expert interviews featuring lawmakers, policy leaders, and influential figures. Topics of discussion often include voter suppression, election integrity, and the implications of legislative measures, particularly those emerging from the current political landscape. Marc Elias, an experienced election lawyer, provides informed commentary and analysis, enriching the dialogue with his legal expertise. The podcast uniquely combines legal inquiry with current events, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and defending democratic principles in the United States.

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Which podcasts are similar to Defending Democracy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Defending Democracy:

1. Talking Feds
2. Main Justice
3. UnJustified
4. #SistersInLaw
5. The Bulwark Podcast

How many episodes of Defending Democracy are there?

Defending Democracy launched 3 years ago and published 225 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Defending Democracy?

Recent guests on Defending Democracy include:

1. Ashley Cleaves
2. Brian Tyler Cohen
3. Chris Van Hollen
4. Alex Padilla
5. Jamie Raskin
6. Sheldon Whitehouse
7. Steve Bannon
8. Mike Davis

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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