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
Dec 7, 2023 • 57min
Should Liz Cheney Run?
Guest Liz Cheney discusses her book and efforts to stop Donald Trump. Topics include Cheney's concerns about the fake elector scheme, the Republican Party's stance on Trump, potential challengers in the Republican primaries, and the complex case of the Purdue bankruptcy and the Sacklers' release.
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 3min
Why Does Everyone Hate Bidenomics?
This podcast explores the dissatisfaction with the good U.S. economy, discusses a Supreme Court case that threatens the government system, and delves into white evangelical America. It also touches on the disconnect between perception and reality of the economy under President Biden, the impact of inflation on politicians and individuals, and the fracture within the church. Additionally, it highlights the work of photographer Larry Fink and the value of libraries.
Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 12min
Is Polling Broken?
Steven Colbert, The Late Show's host, joins Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz on this week's podcast. They discuss the problems with issue polling and political journalism, the chaos at OpenAI, and the failure of the Oslo Accords between Israel and Palestine.
Nov 18, 2023 • 27min
Gabfest Reads: Watership Down Gets the Graphic Novel Treatment
Cartoonist James Sturm discusses his graphic novel adaptation of Watership Down, exploring the compelling animal characters, the captivating and suspenseful nature of the book, the process of adapting it into a graphic novel, its place in the literary tradition, its appeal to a variety of readers, the limitations and omissions of the book, and the authors' visit to Watership Down in the English countryside.
Nov 16, 2023 • 59min
You’ll Miss Joe Manchin
Joe Manchin's departure from the Senate and its implications for the Democratic majority and the 2024 presidential race. The Supreme Court's new code of conduct and its worthlessness. The Israel-Hamas war and its impact on Democratic politics
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h
Was That A Great Or Terrible Night For Biden?
This episode discusses the recent election results and Democratic wins in Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky. They also explore President Biden's declining poll numbers and the disconnect between local and national politics. The podcast touches on topics such as abortion rights, gun control, and the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on younger voters. Additionally, they analyze a court case involving firearms and domestic violence, and discuss AI-generated guidebooks and Liberty puzzles.
8 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
Could Nikki Haley Actually Win?
Nikki Haley's progress in the Republican presidential race, First Amendment issues regarding public officials blocking critics on social media, decline of the American Dream and its correlation to immigration, and the implementation of extensive cell phone restrictions in Florida School District.
6 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 23min
The “Live from Madison!” Edition
"Political Gabfest" brings a live show from Madison with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. They discuss hot fights over gerrymandering, divisiveness in Wisconsin, and Trump's lawyers testifying against him. Plus, they recommend podcasts on the Israel-Gaza-Palestine conflict and reflect on biking, walking, and potential changes to the US government.
4 snips
Oct 21, 2023 • 31min
Gabfest Reads: How to Survive Working for Amazon
Kristi Coulter, an author and 12-year Amazon senior employee, discusses her new memoir about her time at Amazon, highlighting the company culture, frustrating gender dynamics, and the constant delay in promotions. They also touch on the influence of algorithms, the concept of a bar raiser, and a debate about customer knowledge with Jeff Bezos.
Oct 19, 2023 • 55min
Still No House Speaker
Topics include Jim Jordan's Speaker bid, Biden's support for Israel, Trump's gag order, hitting the snooze button, and Poland election results.
