What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Slate Podcasts
The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning.Get more of What Next with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of What Next and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/whatnextplus for access wherever you listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 15, 2024 • 22min
TBD | The Manosphere That Delivered Trump Back to Power
In this engaging discussion, Makena Kelly, a senior writer at Wired, delves into the fascinating intersection of technology and politics. She analyzes how Donald Trump's strategies, including engagement with the 'manosphere' and influential podcasters, shifted voter dynamics. Kelly highlights the hyper-masculinity that resonates with young male voters and contrasts Trump's grassroots tactics with Democrats' traditional approaches. The conversation reveals the evolving influence of social media in political campaigns and the challenges of modern political communication.
Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Can SNL Meet the Moment?
Sam Adams, a senior editor and writer for Slate, dives into the challenges faced by Saturday Night Live in the current political landscape. He questions whether the show can effectively satirize figures like Donald Trump, whose absurdity often surpasses parody. The discussion explores the history of political satire on SNL, the struggle to balance humor with serious discourse, and how the show might adapt in uncertain times. Adams also reflects on SNL's potential for innovation as it approaches its 50th season, emphasizing the vital role of comedic commentary.
Nov 13, 2024 • 26min
Trump Vs The World
Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of "A Capital Calamity," dives into the potential fallout from a Trump reelection. He explores the anxiety among international leaders and the implications for U.S. foreign policy regarding wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Kaplan highlights Trump’s skeptical view of NATO and contrasts his approach to Israel with traditional diplomacy. The conversation also tackles Trump's controversial claims about resolving the Ukraine conflict and the shifting political dynamics surrounding U.S. military support.
Nov 12, 2024 • 27min
Protecting Abortion, Electing Trump
Caroline Kitchener, a national reporter for the Washington Post, dives into the complex intersection of abortion rights and the political landscape in this insightful discussion. She highlights how many pro-choice voters still supported Trump despite his ambiguous stance. The conversation addresses the implications of a potential Trump re-election on abortion access, ongoing legal battles over mifepristone, and the possible revival of historic regulations like the Comstock Act. Kitchener's analysis reveals the intricate dynamics shaping voter behavior and political strategies leading into 2024.
Nov 11, 2024 • 30min
How to Prepare for the Worst
Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and senior advisor at the Brennan Center, dives into ways to brace for potential political upheaval. He discusses the need for proactive measures against authoritarianism, using tabletop simulations to strategize responses. Gellman emphasizes that democratic values can erode subtly, highlighting the critical roles of individuals and civil servants in maintaining integrity. This insightful discussion focuses on unity and mobilizing a pro-democracy coalition as essential strategies in these turbulent times.
Nov 10, 2024 • 23min
TBD | The Polls Weren’t Wrong
Tatishe M. Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Poll, delves into the surprising dynamics of electoral polling. He explains how many misinterpret polls as predictive when they are actually descriptive snapshots of sentiment. Nteta discusses the shift to online polling methods and the challenges of reaching diverse demographics. He also tackles biases in exit polls and the importance of restoring trust in polling organizations, advocating for transparency and inclusivity to enhance public confidence.
Nov 8, 2024 • 27min
TBD | Elon Wins
Zoë Schiffer, the incoming director of business and industry at Wired and author of *Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter*, dives into Elon Musk's growing political influence, especially in relation to Donald Trump. They discuss Musk's impulsive management style at Twitter and its implications for government efficiency. The conversation also highlights the intertwining of technology and political discourse, questioning the consequences of Musk's decisions on public perception and right-wing media dynamics.
Nov 7, 2024 • 24min
Trump 2.0
David A. Graham, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, breaks down the political evolution surrounding Donald Trump as he gears up for a potential second term. They discuss how Trump's relationships with the Republican establishment and changes in voter demographics, especially among younger men, are shaping his campaign strategies. Graham also touches on the challenges faced by female candidates in the Democratic Party and the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity. Expect an insightful look into the dynamics of the 2024 election.
Nov 6, 2024 • 25min
America Can't Quit Trump
David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and Slate contributor, dives into the stark political shifts in America. He examines why the Harris campaign struggled, revealing the growing support for down-ballot candidates tied to Trump. The conversation highlights troubling trends for Democrats, particularly among rural and Latino voters, and reflects on Trump's enduring influence and the potential for his return. Internal strife within the Democratic Party also poses questions about their future direction.
Nov 5, 2024 • 28min
A Shocking and Predictable Election
Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at the New Republic and columnist for The Guardian, dives into the peculiar dynamics of the ongoing election cycle. He discusses the absence of surprises, the repetitiveness of political narratives, and the candidates’ strategies on immigration. The conversation touches on voter disillusionment with traditional parties and the push for alternative voices like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nwanevu also emphasizes the need for a progressive vision to invigorate American democracy amidst fatigue and polarization.
