Weekly Roundup: "Derek Chauvin is Innocent" + the Doug Wilson Christian Nationalism “Debate” (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)

The Christian Nationalist Vision for America Is Anti-Democratic

Christian nationalism is not simply a religious movement—it is a political project that challenges the foundations of a pluralist democracy.

Brad Onishi and Dan Miller examine the growing Christian nationalist effort to redefine who counts as a “real” American, from arguments about immigration and religious identity to the defense of Derek Chauvin and the rejection of democratic accountability. 

They also break down the recent Christian nationalism debate featuring Doug Wilson, Joe Rigney, Al Mohler, and Paul Miller, and explain why the movement’s vision of a Christian America is fundamentally at odds with religious freedom and equal citizenship.
Interview: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/yGz1M-SMIhY?si=hmJVWo31zH_kCnO3

Minnesota Republicans rebuked for Derek Chauvin moment of silence

The Minnesota Republican party’s decision to hold a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, has angered the state’s attorney general – who was the lead prosecutor in the case...

 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/01/minnesota-republicans-derek-chauvin-moment-of-silence

Chauvin Sentencing – Four Aggravating Factors (Opening Arguments podcast OA490)

Big updates in the Derek Chauvin case! First, the judge found four aggravating factors. This is what Andrew predicted, but not exactly the same four! Also, one of the other officers in the case has filed a motion alleging witness coercion. We break down what this means, and how worried we should be.

In our first segment, we answer an excellent patron question about an old OA episode: What ever happened to the Arlene's Flowers case? We discussed it back on OA180, and Andrew Seidel made a prediction that held up very well. Finally, apportionmentcalculator.com has been fixed, and a listener gives us great info about Census Blocks!
Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-4haj4-e61f68f

A New Trial for Chauvin? (Opening Arguments podcast OA488)

You may have seen some alarming headlines about Chauvin's lawyers asking for a new trial over a juror being at a BLM rally, but do those alarming headlines hold up? Should we be concerned? Andrew has the full breakdown!

Before that, we tackle a very interesting component of the census called the "differential privacy" method, and why it's the subject of a new lawsuit.

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-udz4w-e3477bb

Chauvin Guilty! What To Expect Next (Opening Arguments podcast OA484)

It's good news! Chauvin was found guilty on all 3 counts! Andrew breaks down what to expect with sentencing, and a number of interesting legal quirks along the way. Also, should we be worried about an appeal? What about the Maxine Waters comments? Find out!

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-hactw-df48b8a

In Her Own Words: Maxine Waters - FactCheck.org

"I am nonviolent," she said. "Republicans will jump on any word, any line and try to make it fit their message and their cause for denouncing us and denying us, basically calling us violent … any time they see an opportunity to seize on a word, so they do it and they send a message to all of the white supremacists, the KKK, the Oath Keepers, the [Proud] Boys and all of that, how this is a time for [Republicans] to raise money on [Democrats] backs."

https://www.factcheck.org/2021/04/in-her-own-words-maxine-waters/

Spark of Life (A.G. and Andrew Torrez, Cleanup on Aisle 45 podcast)

This week: what is encouraging about the Chauvin trial; is Gaetz really that committed to supporting education; what does Biden’s Supreme Court Commission look like, and what is their scope; how is 45’s zero-tolerance policy at the border getting cleaned up; plus hello to some new Biden nominees.

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-pp5j3-dd33076

Why Both Sides of the Chauvin Trial Cite Graham v. Connor (Opening Arguments podcast OA480)

Today's show has everything you want from an OA episode! We start with some follow-up on the Originalism episodes. Second is a fascinating mini dive into Graham v. Connor and why both the defense and the prosecution of the Derek Chauvin Trial are citing it. Finally, we squeeze in an amazing wildcard segment about Jordan Peterson being Red Skull in the new Captain America comics!

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-dzvev-dc2d499