More than 50 years after Watergate, the independence of the Justice Department is facing a new test after Attorney General Todd Blanche’s refusal to pledge DOJ independence from the White House. Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade joins MS NOW's Symone Sanders to explain why Blanche's position represents an "absolute distortion" of the post-Watergate norms designed to prevent presidential power from becoming personal power.
What historical event established the norms intended to prevent presidential power from becoming personal power?
The norms designed to prevent presidential power from becoming personal power were established in the context of Watergate, more than 50 years ago.
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What specific action by Attorney General Todd Blanche is being criticized regarding the independence of the Department of Justice?
Todd Blanche is being criticized for his refusal to pledge that the Department of Justice will remain independent from the White House.
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Why does former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade characterize Attorney General Todd Blanche's position as an "absolute distortion"?
Barbara McQuade considers Todd Blanche's refusal to pledge the independence of the Department of Justice (DOJ) from the White House to be an "absolute distortion" of the post-Watergate norms. These norms were established to prevent presidential power from being used as personal power.
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