Slate News

The discussion dives into the controversial pardons issued by Trump, highlighting the risks they pose to democracy. Experts analyze how these actions may normalize political corruption and raise concerns over law enforcement perceptions. The implications of political loyalty, especially in light of January 6th, are explored, questioning the moral and legal distinctions among offenders. Historical contexts, like the Teapot Dome scandal, are examined to highlight the evolving interpretations of corruption laws and their impact on accountability.

This week, Nate Silver, a renowned data journalist and author, joins the hosts to discuss his new book, exploring the world of high-stakes risk-takers versus a low-risk 'village.' He sheds light on the influence of AI disruption on investments and society. The conversation delves into the political and cultural divides between affluent communities and the tech world. Silver also shares his insights on election forecasts and debates the media's handling of Joe Biden's age, providing a captivating view into the complexities of risk in today’s landscape.

In this conversation with Nitish Pahwa, an associate writer for business and tech at Slate, the focus turns to Elon Musk’s controversial ownership of X (formerly Twitter). They discuss how Musk has transformed the platform into a soapbox for his political agenda, sidelining the idea of a public town square. Topics include Musk's backlash against advertisers, the rise of hate speech, and the platform’s declining relevance. As the 2024 elections approach, the implications for political discourse and social media dynamics are provocative and timely.

Marin Cogan, a contributor for Vox known for her insightful analysis of media's role in election-related misinformation, joins the conversation. They delve into the challenges of election disinformation, probing how it affects journalism and public perception. They also unpack Kamala Harris’s evolving identity as a candidate and analyze the surge in gun ownership during the pandemic, discussing its implications for safety and societal change. The chat provides a fascinating lens on contemporary political dynamics and media ethics.

Madison Malone Kircher, a reporter for The New York Times focusing on internet culture, dives deep into the world of MrBeast. She discusses his meteoric rise on YouTube, blending stunts with philanthropy, and the growing controversies surrounding his production methods. Kircher critiques how his viral philanthropy may obscure serious issues like healthcare accessibility. She also reveals behind-the-scenes chaos in his reality shows, raising ethical questions about competition and the impact of internet fame on participants.

Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval College, delves into Donald Trump's shifting political landscape. He humorously critiques the bewildering dynamics of Trump's recent interview with Elon Musk, highlighting its chaotic moments. The discussion moves to Trump's limited appeal among voters and his rivalrous clash with Biden, emphasizing strategic differences in their approaches. Nichols also analyzes the role of vice presidential candidates and the emotional nuances shaping electoral outcomes.

Randy Stein, an academic from Cal Poly Pomona, discusses his pivotal research on debunkings and public trust. He explores the paradox where fact-checking, intended to enhance credibility, often fuels audience skepticism. The conversation highlights how complex narratives in journalism and science communication during crises like COVID can muddle facts. Stein also addresses the struggle of countering misinformation in political coverage, emphasizing the need for engaging strategies to rebuild trust amidst widespread doubts.

Joey Roulette, a space reporter at Reuters, dives into the troubling saga of Boeing's Starliner mission. He discusses the contrasting experiences of astronauts Butch and Sunny, celebrating success while grappling with hidden challenges. The episode highlights press access limitations and the astronauts' uncertain return options. Joey also delves into the NASA-Boeing relationship and explains how Boeing's failures impact trust and competition against SpaceX, reshaping the future of astronaut transport in an unpredictable landscape.

The hosts delve into the thrilling near-misses of the U.S. men's and women's basketball teams on their way to gold. They celebrate the U.S. women's soccer team's triumphant return, capturing gold after a transformative overhaul. The conversation shifts to the Paris Games, exploring whether they managed to restore the Olympics' sparkle. Along the way, they highlight the emergence of rising stars and discuss the changing cultural landscape of sports, all while reflecting on memorable moments and personalities that defined the Games.

Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate, dives into the dramatic financial battles facing progressive Democrats. He discusses AIPAC’s significant role in unseating members of the Squad, exploring how massive funding influences elections. The conversation highlights Cori Bush's evolving political stance and the struggles of incumbents like Ilhan Omar against well-financed opponents. Sammon also touches on the current public sentiment towards Israel, revealing the complexities for Democrats navigating these turbulent waters.