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
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.
52 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.
Sep 20, 2025 • 24min
Gabfest Reads | The Recent Past of Prison Punishment
Judith Resnik, a Yale Law Professor and author of *Impermissible Punishments*, delves into the evolution of prison punishment in a thought-provoking discussion. She explores the chilling history of practices like whipping and the legal strides made to protect prisoners' rights. The conversation highlights modern challenges in correctional facilities, such as staff shortages and mental health issues, while also emphasizing pathways to reform for a more humane system. Resnik's insights shed light on the intersection of law, history, and democracy.
51 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Domestic Terrorist
Michael Schaffer, a columnist for Politico and host of CityCast DC, joins the discussion to reveal how the Trump administration's actions are reshaping governance in Washington, D.C. They dive into intimidation tactics threatening free speech and the chilling effects on dissent. Schaffer highlights the impact of federal cuts, law enforcement increases, and proposed changes to local governance that undermine D.C.'s autonomy. The conversation unveils the surreal dynamics of Trump’s presidency and its lasting effects on the political landscape.
57 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Assassination of Charlie Kirk
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk sparks a chilling discussion on the surge of political violence in America. Experts analyze alarming Supreme Court rulings, including those affecting ICE's racial profiling policies in LA. Kamala Harris's upcoming memoir offers a glimpse into her political journey amidst the turbulence. Plus, a compelling conversation on the intertwining of immigration enforcement and civil rights reveals the tensions in current policies. Listen in for insights on local politics and an intriguing literary exploration.
59 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
CDC DOA
Join public health expert Josh Sharfstein—former health commissioner of Baltimore and FDA deputy commissioner—as he dives into the chaos at the CDC. They discuss how RFK Jr.'s actions may undermine public health initiatives and lead to the return of preventable diseases. The hosts analyze the implications of recent legal troubles for Trump and explore the dynamics of Congress as they face potential budget battles. With insights into public trust in health systems and the political landscape, this conversation is both timely and crucial.
40 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Dial M for Mortgage Fraud
This discussion dives into Trump's recent attempts to bend the Federal Reserve's credibility by launching mortgage fraud allegations against a governor. The hosts also critique the National Guard's growing role in domestic law enforcement and explore the political ramifications of targeting certain individuals. Renewable energy initiatives face a fierce assault, sparking debates on economic stability and federal policies. Additionally, quirky anecdotes and NYC scandals add a whimsical layer to the serious topics at hand.
60 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Is This Martial Law?
Jerusalem Demsas, Editor-in-Chief of The Argument, joins the discussion about the evolving political landscape in Washington, D.C. The hosts delve into the National Guard's deployment amid perceived crime waves, raising concerns about martial law and its effects on marginalized communities. They also explore the implications of recent U.S.-Russia diplomacy regarding Ukraine. Demsas provides insights on the launch of a new liberal publication, addressing the challenges and complexities of modern liberalism in a shifting political environment.
10 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 40min
Gabfest Reads | The Four Years That Changed New York City Forever
Jonathan Mahler, a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of The Gods of New York, dives into the transformative years of Ed Koch's mayoralty. He explores the rise of socioeconomic disparities and social unrest, including the deep-seated racial tensions highlighted by the Yusuf Hawkins tragedy. Mahler connects past political landscapes with today's mayoral race, reflecting on the enduring legacy of leadership decisions on issues like affordable housing and the ongoing fight for racial justice in New York City.
52 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 58min
Humvees on the National Mall
In this engaging discussion, Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist and former Slate writer, joins Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson to dissect the recent Trump-Putin summit and its implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. They critique the deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. as a response to urban crime, weighing the political ramifications. The trio also dives into the complexities of college admissions and the impact of new presidential directives on diversity and race in education.
