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
Mar 21, 2024 • 58min
When Is Government Speech Coercion?
The podcast discusses Supreme Court cases on government speech, Trump's legal battles, and COVID learning loss. They explore the blurred line between government coercion and persuasion in speech, challenges of government interacting with social media, and ethical dilemmas in legal judgments. The dialogue also touches on political rhetoric, education disparities during the pandemic, and the emotional impact of uncovering traumatic family secrets.
Mar 16, 2024 • 28min
Gabfest Reads: How Tana French Uses Genre Tropes to Tell Great Human Stories
Author Tana French discusses using genre tropes in her new book 'The Hunter', blending Western themes in an Irish countryside setting. The podcast explores the timelessness of the story with historical references, delves into the unique writing style within the detective genre, and examines how social issues are interwoven into mystery narratives. The author reflects on writing challenges, editor experiences, and hopes for potential movie adaptations of their work.
Mar 14, 2024 • 57min
Did Hur Exonerate Biden?
Topics include Biden's State of the Union address, Robert Hur's testimony, crime trends and policies, Congress banning Chinese government from TikTok, challenges in criminal justice reform, and unconventional parenting tactics.
Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Dismal Biden Polls
The podcast discusses Biden vs. Trump polls, Supreme Court's decisions, and the decline of American Jews' golden age. Anti-Semitic sentiments, AIPAC's influence, and rising concerns highlighted. Political landscapes, voter trends, and election dynamics explored. Joey Logano's controversial racing glove and upcoming live podcast event mentioned.
Feb 29, 2024 • 58min
Could They Actually Leap Over Biden And Dunk Him?
This podcast delves into Biden's re-election campaign challenges, Supreme Court hearings on social media censorship, Mitch McConnell stepping down, and the rise of 'Uncommitted' movement in Michigan primaries. It also explores the impact of Israel-Hamas conflict on the election dynamics and potential outcomes, as well as the Supreme Court's implications on Trump's legal battles and delays in resolving key issues.
Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
Can Putin Be Stopped?
Topics include Navalny's death impact, Trump's legal battles, Alabama's embryo ruling, and Michigan's Arab American influence.
Feb 17, 2024 • 23min
Gabfest Reads: Race, Money and Fictional Life at the University of Arkansas
Author Kiley Reid discusses her new book Come & Get It with David Plotz on the podcast. They explore how money can function like language, writing realistic dialogue, and the lasting impacts on people. The conversation delves into the dynamics of relationships within a college dorm setting, the influence of money, and the complexities of characters in fiction.
5 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 52min
Well-Meaning, Elderly Man With A Poor Memory
This podcast discusses President Biden's memory and handling of documents, the dilemma of presenting Biden to the public, bypassing opposition using a discharge petition, understanding the courts, changing policies and political strategies, and a charming moment in the making of 'We Are the World' in 1985.
Feb 8, 2024 • 59min
Congress Can’t Aid, Can’t Arm, Can’t Legislate, Can’t Impeach
Guest Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discusses the failed impeachment attempt against him. Other topics include the Republicans' struggles with border bills, the criminal conviction of a mother for a school shooting, and court cases involving presidential immunity and the presidential ballot in Colorado.
Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 7min
Will The Carroll Verdict Hurt Trump?
Adrienne LaFrance, writer for The Atlantic, joins the hosts to discuss E. Jean Carroll's $83.3 million win against Donald J. Trump, the history of Israel and Palestine, and the rise of techno-authoritarianism in Silicon Valley.
