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Talk show hosts tackle judicial system at The Heritage Foundation
“The Future of the United States Supreme Court”

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Titled “The Future of the United States Supreme Court and the American Judicial System,” the debate included (in alphabetical order) Dom Giordano of WPHT, Philadelphia; Fred Grandy of WMAL, Washington, DC; Sam Greenfield of WWRL, New York; Tom Liddy of “Liddy & Hill,” Jones Radio Networks; Lionel of WOR Radio Network; Sam Seder of “The Majority Report,” Air America Radio; Doug Stephan of “Good Day” and “Talk Radio Countdown Show,” Stephan Productions; and George Wilson of Radio One and XM Satellite Radio. Michael Harrison of TALKERS magazine served as moderator and Rebecca Hagelin of The Heritage Foundation hosted the event.

The balanced panel brought a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to the discussion. Giordano, a conservative, is recognized as one of talk radio’s leading experts on education. Grandy is a former Member of Congress and outspoken in his criticism of government practices. Greenfield, a liberal, brings satire and humor to his stinging attack of the Bush Administration as does Air America’s Seder. Liddy (the son of G. Gordon) is an attorney and a self-described “movement” conservative who explained the divisions that currently are becoming apparent in the Republican camp. Lionel, also an attorney, drew upon his pre-radio experiences as a Florida prosecutor to illuminate the workings of the legal system. Doug Stephan, an independent moderate, delved into the media’s responsibility to report on sensitive and complex legal issues. Wilson eloquently explained a variety of aspects of the African American perspective.

Also in attendance was Greg Gorman, who covers the Supreme Court for the Talk Radio News Service and who gave a special presentation on the behind-the-scenes culture of the nation’s highest judicial body.

The Talk Radio News Service’s Supreme Court correspondent Greg Gorman (l) tells moderator Michael Harrison (r) about the behind-the-scenes workings of the United States Supreme Court.

Michael Harrison began the two-hour session by thanking The Heritage Foundation for its non-partisan relationship with talk media –– even though its mission is politically conservative –– pointing out that this series, which has been ongoing since 1995, has presented talk hosts and political figures from all points on the philosophical spectrum. The Heritage Foundation has also generously made its broadcasting facilities available to talk show hosts of varied positions on their visits to the nation’s capital. TALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication in the talk media industries, is non-partisan.

Dom Giordano (l) and Fred Grandy (r).

The debate was spirited but collegial with hosts analyzing the political nature of the Supreme Court all the way back to the early days of the republic. The forum included a discussion of some of the hottest issues that will be impacted one way or the other by the nature of the Court in coming years including abortion, education, the separation of church and state and the complex relationship between the three branches of the Federal Government. The conversation also touched upon legal issues raised by the Iraq War and the War on Terrorism.

Sam Greenfield (l), Tom Liddy (lc), Lionel (rc), and Sam Seder (r).

The Harriet Miers nomination and the recent nomination and approval of John Roberts as Chief Justice were covered as well as the present political standing of the Bush Administration and its increasingly strained relationship with the conservative movement in America.


Virginia radio station group owner Gary Burns (l) and Doug Stephan (r) pose for the TALKERS camera during the reception following the forum.


TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison (l) and The Heritage Foundation vice president of communications and marketing Rebecca Hagelin (r).

Tom Liddy (l) and Sam Seder (r) trade points and counterpoints while Lionel (c) takes it all in.

Moderator Michael Harrison gets animated as he addresses the panel.

Doug Stephan makes a point about populism.

Fred Granby discusses the inner workings of Congress based on his own experience.

Sam Greenfield of WWRL, New York.

Lionel drives home a point.

George Wilson discusses the judiciary system.

Moderator Michael Harrison shows a copy of the newly published book,
“The Heritage Guide to the Constitution” (Regnery 2005)

The forum was attended by an audience of about 100 including members of the media, political and public relations communities and was followed by a reception.

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