This discussion highlights President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter, and its implications for the Democrats. The hosts dive into the party's introspection after electoral losses and the struggle to understand voter dynamics amid shifting loyalties. They also tackle the Supreme Court case regarding healthcare for transgender minors, addressing the tensions between state laws and parental rights. Additionally, historical parallels and contemporary political challenges are explored, showing how past events shape current debates.
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Hunter Biden's Pardon
President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, for federal offenses dating back to 2014.
This included tax evasion, drug charges, and perjury, sparking outrage among some Democrats.
insights INSIGHT
Justification for Pardon
Biden justified the pardon by claiming Hunter was targeted due to his family ties.
This challenges the Justice Department's norms and blurs the lines between law and politics.
insights INSIGHT
Trump's Influence
Trump's actions force opponents to compromise their principles to prevent further harm.
Biden's pardon, influenced by Trump's potential actions, exemplifies this principle.
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A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Ariel Font Prades
Patrick Radden Keefe
The book delves into the bitter conflict in Northern Ireland and its aftermath, focusing on the lives of key figures such as Dolours Price, Brendan Hughes, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville's children. It explores the civil rights movement, the Provisional IRA's bombing campaign, the 1981 hunger strike, the peace process, and the post-conflict struggle to understand crimes like McConville's murder. The narrative also incorporates the Belfast Project, a secret oral history endeavor that collected stories from former IRA members. The book is a panoramic history that captures the complexities and tragic consequences of the Troubles[1][2][5].
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss President Joe Biden’s pardon of son Hunter and President-Elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth; the Democrats’ debate on why they lost and how they might win in the future; and the Supreme Court case on treatment for transgender children.
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, John, and David answer Conundrums. Or Conundra.
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Cheyna Roth
Research by Julie Huygen
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