Political Gabfest
Slate Podcasts
Voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by Apple Podcasts listeners. Stephen Colbert says "Everybody should listen to the Slate Political Gabfest." The Gabfest, featuring Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, is the kind of informal and irreverent discussion Washington journalists have after hours over drinks.Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Gabfest Reads | Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned journalist and author of financial crises analysis, dives into the 1929 stock market crash. He reveals how optimism and leverage led to the boom and subsequent bust, highlighting key figures like Charlie Mitchell and Jesse Livermore. Sorkin draws parallels to today's financial landscape, discussing the dangers of AI funding and crypto trends. He also explores the human toll of the crash, the political missteps that exacerbated the crisis, and offers a cautious optimism for America's innovative future.
33 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Who Really Won the Shutdown?
David Leonhardt, editorial director at The New York Times, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of 'affordability' in current politics. He defines affordability as linked to living standards, emphasizing real income growth and housing costs. The talk explores how everyday expenses like childcare and energy impact budgets, questioning the role of political figures like Trump in affordability issues. Lastly, competing Democratic strategies on addressing affordability highlight the tension between short and long-term solutions.
47 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 59min
Spectacular Night for Democrats
Recent election results have given Democrats newfound confidence as they strategize for upcoming midterms. A deep dive into legal challenges surrounding Trump's tariffs raises questions about presidential power versus congressional authority. The show's hosts also explore the implications of moderates versus progressives within the party. Additionally, they discuss Gavin Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential ambitions, while touching on the controversial use of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. It's a blend of political analysis, history, and a sprinkle of lighter topics!
58 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
Live from Chicago!
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a pivotal figure in U.S. politics, joins the discussion on the heated tensions between Trump and Chicago, as well as the broader implications for American governance. He critiques the federal response to local unrest and highlights the split within the Democratic Party between progressives and centrists. Emanuel shares insights on the urgent need for strong messaging before the crucial 2026 elections, while also addressing threats to election integrity, gerrymandering, and how Trump uses political rhetoric to maintain influence.
41 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 58min
Trump Literally Knocks Down the White House
The hosts delve into President Trump's dramatic response to the No Kings protests, exploring the implications of his actions at the White House. They discuss the troubling trend of extremist sentiments among younger Republicans, including disturbing group chats. The podcast also examines the potential fallout of the government shutdown and its uneven impacts. A notable segment features a conversation about empathy with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, highlighting the importance of understanding in today's political climate.
4 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 31min
Gabfest Reads | The Radical Fund That Rewired American Progress
John Witt, a Yale Law professor and author, delves into the Garland Fund's pivotal role in shaping civil rights and labor movements. He reveals how a million-dollar inheritance was transformed into a progressive powerhouse. Witt discusses key figures like A. Philip Randolph and James Weldon Johnson, linking their efforts to the fight against racial exclusion in unions. He also highlights lessons for modern progressives, advocating for innovative organizing and addressing today's misinformation challenges, all rooted in history's radical fund.
71 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 59min
Trump Ends the Gaza War
This week's guest, Rob Malley, is a Middle East policy expert and co-author of Tomorrow is Yesterday, who dives into the complexities of the Gaza ceasefire. He analyzes the paradox of Israeli military strength against Palestinian political weaknesses. Malley discusses the roles of President Trump and regional Arab actors in shaping the situation. He also addresses the uncertain future of Palestinian leadership and potential unity among factions. Additionally, the hosts touch on the ongoing government shutdown and implications for democracy.
55 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Portland is Not Actually Burning
The hosts dive into the pivotal Supreme Court term and the ramifications of Trump's troop deployments in U.S. cities. They explore the legality of conversion therapy bans, debating free speech versus harmful practices. Emily interviews Judith Resnik about the troubling history of prison punishments in democracy. The panel also tackles the Insurrection Act's implications for domestic deployments and discusses the potential political fallout of Trump's actions. Plus, catch recommendations for local rescues and TV shows!
9 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
Fat Generals
Juliette Kayyem, a Homeland security expert and former government official, joins the discussion on the politicization of the military, analyzing the recent spectacle at Quantico involving Hegseth and Trump. They explore the risks of military involvement in domestic affairs and the muted response from the top brass. Kayyem also delves into the dynamics of the looming government shutdown, its implications for federal employees, and the potential political fallout for Republicans. The conversation shifts to Russia's disruptive hybrid drone warfare across Europe and its impact on NATO.
63 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 11min
Tough It Out, Pregnant Ladies!
Beverly Gage, a historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dives into the parallels between the Red Scare and today's political climate. She highlights how McCarthyism's tactics still resonate, especially regarding free speech. Gage reveals the harsh realities faced during past crackdowns, including job losses and public fear. The conversation delves into resisting modern governmental pressures and emphasizes the importance of coalition-building. In a compelling twist, Gage differentiates the unique powers Trump wields compared to McCarthy, offering valuable insights into our current era.
