Melissa Murray: Reclaim the Constitution

In this episode of The Bulwark, host Tim Miller-Dled welcomes legal scholar Melissa Murray to discuss her new annotated guide to the U.S. Constitution, released on Cinco de Mayo as a playful nod to constitutional reading. Murray expresses deep concern over the current state of the Constitution, criticizing Congress for inaction, the executive branch for overreach, and the Supreme Court for dismantling key democratic safeguards—particularly through its recent ruling gutting the Voting Rights Act. She argues that the Court’s interpretation of the 14th and 15th Amendments as 'colorblind' contradicts their historical intent, which was explicitly designed to combat racial discrimination and ensure multiracial democracy. Murray highlights how the Court’s decision, authored by Justice Alito, not only undermines minority representation but also leaves behind a legal framework that can be weaponized against future civil rights efforts. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the Constitution through reading, understanding, and civic engagement, especially as a tool to resist authoritarian drift and restore democratic integrity.