Slate News

Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate focusing on legal issues and LGBTQ+ rights, joins to discuss pressing concerns for the LGBTQ+ community post-election. They explore the potential legal risks and emotional impacts of a Trump administration on marriage equality and abortion rights. The conversation highlights the need for proactive legal protections and local activism to secure transgender healthcare amid shifting civil rights interpretations. Stern emphasizes the visibility paradox faced by trans individuals and the challenges of personal safety versus public education.

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of the novel "A Capital Calamity," dives into the implications of Donald Trump’s potential reelection. He discusses how Trump might reshape U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine, emphasizing the risks of cutting aid and pressuring negotiations with Russia. Kaplan also explores the human and geopolitical consequences of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the shifting dynamics in international relations, predicting a tense future for global diplomacy.

Caroline Kitchener, a national reporter for the Washington Post specializing in abortion issues, dives into the complex landscape of abortion rights and their impact on the upcoming elections. She discusses the contradictory attitudes of GOP voters who support reproductive health yet back Trump. Kitchener examines how recent voter mobilization in states like Texas could shape the future of abortion rights, as well as the potential implications if Trump returns to power. The conversation sheds light on the evolving strategies in the battle for reproductive healthcare.

Joining the discussion is Matt Brown, the Publisher of Extra Points, an industry newsletter dedicated to college sports. He delves into the potential rollback of college athlete rights amid the latest political shifts, unpacking the NCAA's stance on standardized regulations. The conversation also touches on the NFL's international ambitions, exploring the challenges and opportunities in markets like Japan. Additionally, the financial landscape of MLB is analyzed, focusing on where superstar Juan Soto might land in the off-season.

Zoë Schiffer, the incoming director of business and industry at Wired and author of "Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter," provides keen insights into Elon Musk's complex relationship with the Republican Party and his significant role in Trump's campaign. She discusses Musk's impulsive Twitter takeover and its political implications, including the shift from neutrality to a powerful political player. Schiffer also explores the rivalry dynamics between Musk and Trump and how their actions may shape the future of technology and governance.

Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning senior advisor at the Brennan Center, dives into the alarming tactics being employed by political leaders to brace for possible authoritarianism under Trump’s second term. The conversation explores how journalists are shifting from reporting crises to actively preventing them. Gellman discusses tabletop simulations that uncover scenarios of executive abuse and mass deportation, stress-testing democracy's defenses. He emphasizes vigilance against gradual erosions of democratic values and the need for unity in pro-democracy efforts.

Alisa Vitti, CEO of FLO Living and a leader in women's hormonal health, discusses the complexities of hormonal imbalances. She challenges the reliance on birth control for treating issues like PCOS and advocates for lifestyle changes and nutrition. Vitti emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal roles in mood and fertility and shares insights about the MyFlow app for menstrual health. Listeners gain empowering strategies to manage their cycles and restore hormonal balance without conventional pharmaceuticals.

Tatishe M. Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Poll, breaks down the surprising election results and the misconceptions about polling accuracy. He discusses how polls serve as snapshots of public opinion rather than predictions. Nteta highlights the impact of swing states and voter dissatisfaction, revealing why expectations often don’t match outcomes. He also addresses the evolution of polling technology and the growing skepticism surrounding its reliability, stressing the necessity for restoring public trust in polling.

Ian Bassin, co-founder of Protect Democracy and former White House counsel, dives into the challenges facing American democracy as Trump gears up for a potential 2025 return. They discuss the emotional toll of current politics, the paradox of leaders undermining democracy, and the vital role of civic engagement. The conversation highlights the impacts of voter dissatisfaction and the necessity of collective action for a resilient foundation. Bassin emphasizes the critical importance of media influence and community unity in navigating these turbulent times.

Niambi Carter, a political analyst and associate professor at the University of Maryland, dives into the sprawling electoral aftermath following Kamala Harris’s loss. She discusses surprising voting trends, especially among Latino men and white women, and how they contributed to this outcome. The conversation reflects on the disappointment within Black communities and the challenges of political polling that failed to capture changing voter sentiments. Carter emphasizes the critical need for Black voter engagement and self-care strategies amidst these political shifts.