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
5 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 6min
Will Harris and Trump Actually Debate?
Conor Dougherty, a housing journalist for The New York Times, joins the discussion this week. He sheds light on the ongoing American housing crisis, emphasizing the systemic roots of affordability issues and the disparities faced across different communities. The conversation also examines the implications of recent legal challenges surrounding Trump's campaign, alongside the intricacies of vice presidential debates and their impact on public perception. The hosts analyze the dynamics of political competition, especially as candidates prepare for upcoming confrontations.
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Democrats ‘Do Something’ Convention
John Dickerson, a seasoned political journalist, joins Emily Bazelon, a law and politics expert, and David Plotz, a media entrepreneur, to unpack the recent Democratic National Convention. They discuss the upbeat atmosphere and key speeches, including those by Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. The trio dives into the complexities of polling dynamics and the impact of voter enthusiasm on the race. They also examine overtourism's effects on cities, highlighting the balance between economic benefits and preserving local culture.
Aug 17, 2024 • 56min
Gabfest Reads: Where Does the American Jewish Experience Go from Here?
Joshua Leifer, an insightful author, discusses his book 'Tablets Shattered' and the changing landscape of the American Jewish experience. He shares his upbringing in a conservative environment and how identity has evolved through historical events like the Holocaust and the Oslo peace process. Leifer highlights the generational rifts in political views among Jews and the shift from traditional synagogues to alternative faith practices. The conversation also touches on the integration of the LGBT community into rabbinical roles and the complexities surrounding modern Jewish identities.
Aug 15, 2024 • 60min
Are We Really Still Talking About Crowd Size?
This week, journalist Marin Cogan from Vox joins the discussion, bringing her insights on media and political issues. The conversation dives deep into the landscape of election misinformation and how it's changing as we approach 2024. They also analyze Kamala Harris's campaign strategies in a challenging political environment. Additionally, they explore rising gun ownership trends among different demographics amid declining violent crime rates, questioning the societal implications of these shifts. Expect a mix of serious talk and light-hearted moments!
Aug 8, 2024 • 51min
These Walz Could Talk
Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard expert in government, dives into a range of hot topics. She explores Tim Walz's inspiring political journey and the intricacies of vice presidential dynamics. The discussion takes a sharp turn to Google's antitrust troubles and its monopolistic practices impacting consumer choice. Additionally, Kayyem addresses the complexities of military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, emphasizing the legal hurdles faced by victims' families. The blend of serious political discourse and lighter Olympic anecdotes keeps the conversation lively.
4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
These [Republicans] Are Weird
Emily Bazelon, a prominent journalist, joins seasoned political analyst John Dickerson, and journalist David Plotz to dive into the quirks of political discourse. They discuss Democrats framing JD Vance and Donald Trump's narratives as 'weird,' engaging insights on Kamala Harris's multicultural roots, and evaluate potential vice presidential picks. The trio also reflects on Biden's Supreme Court reform efforts and the cultural implications of modern political strategies. Torie Bosche shares her thoughts on the Edith Roller Journals, weaving personal history with political lessons.
4 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 58min
The Coronation of Kamala Harris
Ruth Marcus joins the hosts to discuss Biden's decision, Kamala Harris as presumptive nominee, and Secret Service fallout. Topics include party loyalty, Kamala's evolution, AI in finance, and Secret Service responsibilities.
18 snips
Jul 20, 2024 • 38min
Gabfest Reads: Understanding the World Through Notebooks
Author Roland Allen discusses the historical origins of notebooks, emphasizing their impact on creativity and personal documentation. They explore the evolution of notebooks, the emotional weight of handwritten diaries, and the transformative impact of paper versus parchment on historical documentation.
Jul 18, 2024 • 48min
“Fight, Fight, Fight”
Mary Harris joins John Dickerson to discuss Trump's VP pick, excitement at the RNC, aftermath of an assassination attempt. Topics include political unity, shifts in campaign strategies, analysis of the Republican Party dynamics post-Trump, and analyzing political motives and communication challenges.
6 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 59min
Even George Clooney Has Abandoned Biden
Legal expert Emily Bazelon, political analyst John Dickerson, and journalist David Plotz discuss the possibility of Joe Biden stepping down and potential replacements, Project 2025, and the impact of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. They also delve into Trump's strategic plans, government effectiveness, optimizing supply chains with AI, and the complexities of conservative legal interpretation.
