According to a Breitbart News report, author and cultural critic Fran Lebowitz made a controversial statement on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher."
Lebowitz suggested that President Joe Biden should "dissolve the Supreme Court," a proposal that would effectively allow the executive branch to take control of the judicial branch.
The comment came during a discussion about the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity. Lebowitz expressed her belief that the current Supreme Court is a "disgrace" and should not be allowed to keep its name, referring to it as "Trump's harem."
Lebowitz's remarks were in response to the Supreme Court's July decision on presidential immunity. The 6-3 ruling stated that presidents have limited immunity from criminal prosecutions for official actions taken while in office.
According to Lebowitz, this ruling essentially makes the president a "king" who "can do whatever you want." Based on this interpretation, she argued that Biden has the authority to dissolve the Court.
However, it's important to note that Lebowitz's understanding of the ruling appears to be incorrect. The Supreme Court's decision specifically states that immunity only applies to "actions within his [the president's] conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority."
Bill Maher, the host of the show, seemed taken aback by Lebowitz's extreme view. He responded with a joke, saying, "Good to see you're centrist."
When Lebowitz continued to argue for the dissolution of the Supreme Court, Maher's response was brief but clear: "Oh, come on." This suggests that even Maher, known for his liberal views, found Lebowitz's proposal to be too radical.
Lebowitz's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Democrats who are pushing for significant changes to the Supreme Court. This push has been fueled by recent rulings that have not aligned with progressive views, such as the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Some Democrats have proposed expanding the number of justices on the Court, a practice known as "court packing." Others have suggested limiting the number of years a justice can serve.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently stated that Vice President Kamala Harris would support court packing under a bill he has been promoting if she were to become president.
Lebowitz's statements on the show went beyond just the Supreme Court. She also made controversial comments about residents of certain states, joking that the United States should give Arizona to Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for Ukraine's safety.
To sum up, Fran Lebowitz's comments on "Real Time with Bill Maher" have sparked debate about the Supreme Court's role and structure. While her suggestion to dissolve the Court is extreme and not constitutionally feasible, it reflects broader discussions about potential reforms to the judicial branch. As the 2024 election approaches, the future of the Supreme Court is likely to remain a contentious issue in American politics.
