The Supreme Court is set to convene on Thursday for oral arguments in a highly anticipated case that could determine whether former President Donald Trump is eligible for a second term in the White House. The case, known as Trump v. Anderson, centers around the question of whether Trump's conduct surrounding the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol disqualifies him from holding the presidency again. This legal battle puts the nine justices into uncharted territory and could have significant implications for the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

The outcome of this case is expected to reverberate across all 50 states, as it could clarify whether Trump can be included on primary and general election ballots. The oral arguments are scheduled to begin shortly after 10:30 a.m. and will be live-streamed for the public to follow. While 80 minutes have been allotted for the proceedings, it is anticipated that they may last longer due to the complexity and significance of the issues at hand.

Representing Trump is Jonathan Mitchell, a Texas-based attorney, who will argue on behalf of the former president's eligibility for a second term. On the other side, Jason Murray, a Denver-based attorney, will represent the six Colorado voters who challenged Trump's eligibility. Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson will also present arguments on behalf of Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

The legal battle began when the Colorado voters filed a lawsuit invoking a rarely used provision of a constitutional amendment passed in 1868. This provision, known as the insurrection clause or Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, was designed to prevent former Confederates from holding public office. The Colorado Supreme Court, in a closely divided 4-3 decision, ruled that Trump's actions surrounding the January 6 assault on the Capitol barred him from holding office. As a result, the court ordered his name to be withheld from the state's GOP presidential primary ballot.

This landmark decision by the Colorado Supreme Court set the stage for the current high-stakes legal battle before the Supreme Court. With a conservative majority of 6-3, including three justices appointed by Trump himself, the nation's highest court is now tasked with considering a range of untested legal questions. This case thrusts the Supreme Court into a politically charged dispute just as millions of voters across the country are preparing to cast their ballots for the 2024 presidential election.

The implications of this case extend far beyond Trump's personal eligibility for a second term. It raises fundamental questions about the interpretation of the Constitution and the balance of power between the branches of government. The Supreme Court's ruling will undoubtedly shape the political landscape and influence the strategies of candidates and parties in future elections. As the arguments commence, all eyes are on the justices as they navigate this pivotal moment in American legal and political history.