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
Oct 2, 2024 • 29min
Vance and Walz Debate
David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and a contributing writer for Slate, analyzes the recent debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. He highlights their starkly different visions for government and America. The discussion covers their debate styles, with one candidate using personal anecdotes effectively, while the other struggled with critical issues like gun control. Faris also sheds light on how each candidate handled sensitive topics and the implications of their performances for public perception in a heightened political climate.
Oct 1, 2024 • 29min
How To Debate JD Vance, From His Last Opponent
Tim Ryan, the former representative from Ohio who faced JD Vance in the 2022 Senate race, reflects on the intense debate experience. He reveals the mental challenges and preparation that come with such high-pressure situations. Tim discusses the importance of authenticity and emotional composure when facing aggressive opponents. He also shares strategies for effective debate tactics and the need for a compelling economic narrative from Democrats to resonate with voters, especially in light of recent electoral losses.
Sep 30, 2024 • 26min
Will Eric Adams Cost the Dems the House?
Ross Barkan, a journalist and essayist known for his sharp political insights, delves into the legal troubles and controversies surrounding New York Mayor Eric Adams. The conversation uncovers how these scandals might jeopardize the Democratic Party's standing, particularly the potential electoral fallout. Barkan highlights the urgent need for party cohesion and the historical context of New York's political landscape. He discusses the challenges the party faces, including dwindling approval ratings and the implications for upcoming elections.
Sep 29, 2024 • 24min
TBD | American Life is a Highway
David Zipper, a Senior Fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative, dives into America's highway dilemma. He explains how highway expansions fail to reduce traffic, perpetuating a costly cycle. Zipper discusses the detrimental social and health impacts on historically marginalized communities and critiques the historical reliance on cars, tracing back to the post-WWII era. He advocates for sustainable transport solutions and urban redesign to combat congestion and improve community livability, highlighting shifting priorities in places like Colorado and Minnesota.
Sep 27, 2024 • 3min
Bonus: The Surge | Indicted for Swagger
Jim Newell, a senior politics writer for Slate, dives into the intriguing world of New York politics, highlighting Mayor Eric Adams' indictment over alleged collusion with the Turkish government. The discussion also features a Republican defying party norms to support his constituents, illustrating the shifting political landscape. Listeners are treated to a vivid metaphor, comparing New York's complexities to Istanbul's, enriching the narrative around power dynamics and accountability in local governance.
Sep 27, 2024 • 32min
TBD | Big Tech Fears Her
Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, has been at the forefront of regulating Big Tech in Europe. She reflects on key legal battles against giants like Apple and Google over tax evasion and unfair practices. The discussion highlights the Digital Markets Act, emphasizing consumer choice and competition. Vestager also contrasts Europe’s AI regulations with the U.S. landscape and addresses the challenges women face in leadership. Overall, her insights shed light on the evolving landscape of tech regulation and competition.
Sep 26, 2024 • 29min
Will North Carolina Pick The President?
Michael Bitzer, a politics and history professor at Catawba College, dives deep into North Carolina's crucial role as a battleground state. He discusses how a strong ground game and recent Republican controversies could influence Kamala Harris's presidential ambitions. Bitzer highlights the complexities of voter turnout, especially among Black citizens, and contrasts Democratic and GOP strategies. The conversation also covers the political fallout from provocative comments made by Mark Robinson, underscoring the shifting voter landscape.
Sep 25, 2024 • 28min
Why More Democrats Are Buying Guns
Cameron McWhirter, a national affairs reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of "American Gun: the True Story of the AR-15," discusses a notable shift in gun ownership among Democrats. He explores how safety concerns during the pandemic have led many liberals, especially women and people of color, to become first-time gun buyers. The conversation delves into the implications for public safety, evolving political identities, and the potential for dialogue between newfound liberal gun owners and traditional gun control advocates.
Sep 24, 2024 • 33min
The New Rules of Campus Protest
Sophie Hurwitz, a politics and social movements reporter at Mother Jones, joins Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, to dissect the evolving landscape of campus protests. They delve into universities' attempts to manage student activism amid rising tensions over free speech. Key discussions include the fear of surveillance that deters student protests, the emotional complexities surrounding issues like the situation in Gaza, and the vital role of youth engagement in shaping future electoral processes.
Sep 23, 2024 • 30min
What Was The Point of Israel’s Pager Attack?
Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter at the Washington Post, discusses Israel's striking military tactic of destroying Hezbollah’s communication devices. He delves into the psychological warfare implications and the messages being sent to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese population. The conversation also covers the ethical and legal ramifications of military actions, the risks of civilian harm, and how these tensions may affect U.S. foreign policy amid upcoming elections. A deep dive into complex regional dynamics ensues.
