Political Gabfest

Dan Diamond, a seasoned White House reporter for The Washington Post specializing in health policy, joins the discussion on the chaotic first 100 days of the Trump administration. He shares insights on how health policies have shifted, revealing the consequences of funding cuts that impact public health and vaccination rates. The conversation also dives into the implications of a proposed religious charter school in Oklahoma, raising questions about taxpayer funding and the separation of church and state.

Henry Blodget, founder of Regenerator and former CEO of Business Insider, joins the discussion on the political landscape shaped by Trump's threats against Fed Chair Powell. The conversation highlights the significance of Fed independence amid political intimidation and rising interest rates affecting economic stability. They also tackle the complexities of a Supreme Court case on religious liberty, revealing the tensions between inclusivity in education and family values. Blodget shares insights on AI's disruptive potential, making for a compelling blend of finance and culture.

John Dickerson talks with author Maggie Smith about her new book, Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life.  They talk about the essential elements of all creative projects, when you know a project is “done”, how to stay “porous” in the world, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the hosts dive into the Trump administration's confrontations with Harvard, emphasizing the university's struggle for autonomy amid political pressure. They discuss the potential financial repercussions of such conflicts on international students and free speech. The tensions between judges and the government over immigration compliance take center stage, revealing cracks in judicial authority. Additionally, the conversation touches on Trump's tariffs and their implications for political accountability, alongside a light-hearted look at innovative technologies and literature that reflect on human issues.

This discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs and their potential fallout on U.S.-China trade relations. The team highlights a recent Supreme Court ruling that raises concerns about due process for deportees. They also scrutinize the political maneuvering surrounding a North Carolina Supreme Court seat and the implications of recent election results on judicial integrity. With historical references and listener insights about juvenile white sharks, the conversation offers a captivating blend of current events and ecological awareness.

This week, they celebrate a significant Democratic win in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, hinting at a shift in political tides. Trump’s hefty new tariffs draw scrutiny for their impact on lower-income Americans. The conversation turns to controversial immigration policies, with a focus on the government’s aggressive deportation tactics. Lightening the mood, they also delve into online sleepwear shopping while weaving in fascinating book and movie recommendations for cultural enrichment.

This discussion dives into a bizarre security breach involving a journalist mistakenly included in military chat discussions. The panel explores the chilling effect of the Trump administration on law firms and higher education, raising concerns about political intimidation and accountability. They reflect on how these actions undermine the foundations of legal independence. Additionally, a conversation with Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow sheds light on the path forward for Democrats amidst troubling political dynamics.

This week, Ruth Marcus, a legal columnist and constitutional law expert, joins the conversation. She dives into the tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over mass deportations, raising concerns about due process. The discussion also sheds light on shifting voter dynamics and Trump’s growing appeal among minority groups. Additionally, they explore the implications of TikTok in political engagement and reflect on Trump's unique relationship with Putin amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a compelling discussion, author Adam Higginbotham dives into the gripping details of the Challenger disaster. He reveals the engineering marvels and the political cynicism that set the stage for tragedy. The conversation highlights the bravery of the astronauts and the urgent lessons that emerged from this catastrophe. Higginbotham connects the Challenger disaster to broader safety issues within NASA, stressing the importance of heeding engineers’ warnings. Their legacy continues to shape public perceptions of space exploration.

Juliette Kayyem, a senior national security analyst at CNN and former assistant secretary for Homeland Security, dives into pressing issues of government dysfunction. She critiques Elon Musk and Trump's policies that threaten public safety and scrutinizes the implications of budget cuts on critical services like NOAA. The conversation also touches on political suppression, illustrated by the deportation case of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, and the alarming measles outbreak in Texas, raising questions about public health responsibility and trust.