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Political Gabfest

Slate Podcastsslate.com

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.


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Episodes

The Live from San Francisco Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz analyze the second Republican presidential debate and discuss the possible government shutdown over Planned Parenthood. They also talk to author and podcaster Merlin Mann about time, attention, and productivity. The Political Gabfest is brought to you by Goldman Sachs. Get information about developments currently shaping markets, industries, and the global economy on the firm’s podcast—Exchanges at Goldman Sachs—available on iTunes. And by Harry's, ...

Sep 18, 20151 hr 33 min

The Completely Authentic, Totally Spontaneous, Fun-Loving Campaign Reboot Edition

John Dickerson, David Plotz, and special guest Julia Ioffe of the New York Times Magazine discuss Hillary Clinton's campaign reboot, the catastrophic war in Syria, and the Iran nuclear deal. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by OPEN ACCOUNT, a podcast series created by SuChin Pak [pronounced Soo-Jin Palk] and Umpqua Bank. OPEN ACCOUNT explores, through honest and sometimes comical interviews, our uncomfortable silence around money. OPEN ACCOUNT is coming soon on iTunes. And by Stamps.com....

Sep 11, 201555 min

The "Let's Get All Smug About That Kentucky Clerk" Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the continuing controversy over Hillary Clinton's emails, the European refugee crisis, and a Kentucky clerk's defiant stand against marriage equality. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by CVS Health, working to save thousands of lives, one pill at a time, with industry leading programs that help people stay on their medication as prescribed. Visit CVSHEALTH.com to learn more. CVS Health, where Health is Everything. And by SAP. SAP HANA ...

Sep 04, 201558 min

The "Aw, What a Beautiful Little Anchor Baby!" Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Jeb Bush's evolving stance on immigration, talk to David Leonhardt of the New York Times about the recently erratic global markets, and take up the controversy over topless women in Times Square. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. With ZipRecruiter, you can post your job to more than100 job sites with a single click and an interface that's easy to use. Right now, you can try ZipRecruiter for free! Go to ZipRecruiter.com/...

Aug 28, 201557 min

The Amabots and Amholes Edition

Emily Bazelon, Jamelle Bouie, and author Jack Hitt discuss Donald Trump's immigration policy, the impact of Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, and the New York Times piece about working conditions at Amazon. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Blue Apron. Blue Apron sends gourmet recipes, and all the fresh ingredients you need to make them, right to your door. Visit BlueApron.com/gabfest to get your first two meals free. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-onl...

Aug 21, 201559 min

The Blood Coming Out of Her Wherever Edition

Emily Bazelon, Jamelle Bouie, and Amanda Hess discuss the dustup between Donald Trump and newswoman Megyn Kelly and the single-issue presidential aspirations of Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig. They also talk to Slate's Will Oremus about the restructuring of Google. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by Volvo Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear...

Aug 14, 201543 min

The "Nine German Shepherds and One Raccoon" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the first Republican debate, a potential presidential run by Joe Biden, and the state of the #BlackLivesMatter movement a year after Michael Brown’s death. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Casper mattresses come with free delivery and returns within a 100-day period. And get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/gabfest and using...

Aug 07, 20151 hr 2 min

The How to Debate a Drunk Person Edition

Live from Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C., Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the upcoming Republican primary debate on Fox News, the New York magazine cover story about the many rape and assault allegations against entertainer Bill Cosby, and the indomitable rise of Uber. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by ZipRecruiter. With ZipRecruiter, you can post your job to over 100 job sites with a single click and an interface that's easy to use. Right now...

Jul 31, 20151 hr 25 min

The "Who Will Donald Trump Insult Next?" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss peak Trump versus percolating Kasich, the arrest and subsequent suicide of Sandra Bland, and the fate of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps.com and use the promo code GABFEST. And by SundanceNo...

Jul 24, 201557 min

The John Kerry is Polishing His Nobel Peace Prize Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss Obama's Iran nuclear deal, Scott Walker's presidential candidacy, and a pro-life group's undercover Planned Parenthood video. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by Volvo. Experience the Wonder of Summer. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get up to five years full coverage, including wear and tear. Go to volvocars.com/us. And by Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-e...

Jul 17, 20151 hr 5 min

The "How Many Push-Ups Should the President Be Able to Do?" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the sudden import of political polling, the First Amendment stakes of the Hulk Hogan sex-tape trial, and what questions we should be asking our presidential candidates. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps.com and use the promo code...

Jul 10, 20151 hr 10 min

The Killers and Rapists Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and special guest Matt Yglesias recap the recently ended Supreme Court term, discuss the dire economic situation in Greece, and debate the worthiness of Donald Trump's candidacy. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by SundanceNow Doc Club! The new streaming service for everyone who loves documentaries. Discover unforgettable films like The Queen of Versailles, The Staircase, and The Weather Underground. To get a free 30-day trial go to docclub.com/gabfest. And by...

Jul 03, 201558 min

Extra: The "Wait! There's Marriage Equality!" Edition

On this special mini-episode, everyone drops what they were doing to talk about a historic day at the Supreme Court. Emily Bazelon (calling from the side of a highway somewhere in New England), John Dickerson (hidden away in the CBS compound), and David Plotz react to the 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, determining that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional.Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.sla...

Jun 26, 201512 min

The Jiggery-Pokery Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act, the meaning and symbolism of Confederate iconography, and Pope Francis's encyclical on climate change. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps.com and use the promo code GABFEST. A...

Jun 26, 20151 hr 4 min

The "I Would Build a Great Wall" Edition

David Plotz, John Dickerson, and special guest Jamelle Bouie discuss the massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the now-official presidential aspirations of both Jeb Bush and Donald Trump, and the increasingly effective campaign of Bernie Sanders. Slate's Political Gabfest is sponsored by Squarespace. Start building your website today at Squarespace.com. Enter offer code GABFEST at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful. And by SundanceNow Doc Club! The new stre...

Jun 19, 201554 min

The "I'm Defaulting on My Student Loans" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Supreme Court's "Jerusalem passport" ruling, Hillary Clinton's electoral strategy, and the crushing burden of student debt. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps.com and use the promo code GABFEST. And by the University of Califo...

Jun 12, 20151 hr 1 min

This Gabfest Is On Background Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss upcoming First Amendment cases at the Supreme Court, Hillary Clinton's relationship with reporters, and Caitlyn Jenner's debut on the cover of Vanity Fair.Our sponsors: Volvo. Have a month’s payment on Volvo and spend your summer doing the things that matter to you. Plus get full coverage for up to five years, including wear and tear. Visit volvocars.com/us.And: SundanceNow Doc Club, the new streaming service for everyone who loves documenta...

Jun 05, 20151 hr 3 min

The Bags and Bags and More Bags of Cash Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the U.S. government's case against international soccer's most powerful and corrupt organization, the assault against the USA PATRIOT Act, and a curious Supreme Court case that could be a boon to Republicans.The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you ...

May 29, 201554 min

The "Osama bin Laden Sure Read Boring Books" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss Osama bin Laden's reading list, Emma Sulkowicz's Mattress Performance, and the refusal by some male lawmakers to meet alone with female staffers. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps.com and use the promo code GABFEST. And by Square...

May 22, 20151 hr 2 min

The "I Don't Mean to Yell at You, But I Feel Good Doing It" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss Seymour Hersh's conspiratorial counter-narrative of the killing of Osama bin Laden, the status of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, and Jeb Bush's retrospective view of the Iraq War. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. Sign up for a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer when you visit Stamps...

May 15, 201554 min

The "Je Suis Pam Geller" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss whether Pamela Geller's "Draw Muhammad" event should be cheered or jeered, debate why the GOP presidential field is so diverse, and fret over the multistate military drill known at Operation Jade Helm. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by CVS Health, where Health is Everything. CVS is working to save thousands of lives, one pill at a time, with industry leading programs that help people stay on their medication as prescribed. Visit CV...

May 08, 201547 min

The "Can I Get Some of That Clinton Cash?" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson are joined by Ta-Nahisi Coates to discuss the situation in Baltimore following the death of a black man while in police custody. They also talk about recent Supreme Court arguments over marriage equality and the death penalty and debate the week in Democratic campaign politics. The Slate Political Gabfest is sponsored by Stamps.com. Buy and print official U.S. postage using your own computer and printer, and save up to 80% compared to a postage mete...

May 01, 20151 hr 10 min

The "Would You Attend a Gay Wedding?" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the burgeoning refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East, the uneasy courtship between the Koch Brothers and Gov. Scott Walker, and the upcoming Supreme Court arguments over same-sex marriage. Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest Slate's Political Gabfest is brought to you by Squarespace, the easiest way to create a beautiful website, blog, or online store for you and ...

Apr 24, 201559 min

The Chicken in Every Burrito Bowl Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the newly launched presidential campaigns of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican contender Marco Rubio. They also talk about the recent action by Congress over the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran. Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest This week's episode is sponsored by Stamps.com. If you go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of...

Apr 17, 20151 hr 5 min

The Live at the Bell House Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the shooting death of Walter Scott by North Charleston, SC police officer Michael Slager, the possibility of a President Rand Paul, and the sesquicentennial anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest This week's episode is sponsored by Stamps.com. If you go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the home page an...

Apr 10, 20151 hr 9 min

The "So, Who Can You Discriminate Against?" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Obama Administration's nuclear deal with Iran, the controversial "religious liberty" law in Indiana, and the retirement of Sen. Harry Reid. Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest This week's episode is sponsored by the University of California, committed to creating solutions to today’s environmental challenges. To uncover groundbreaking research from the University of ...

Apr 03, 201559 min

The "Say It with Me: President Ted Cruz" Edition

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and special guest Jamelle Bouie discuss the presidential ambitions of Sen. Ted Cruz, the Supreme Court case involving license plates and the Confederate flag, and the deliberate downing of a German airliner. Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest This week's episode is sponsored by Stamps.com. If you go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the home page and enter GABFEST for a $110 bo...

Mar 27, 201552 min

The "Welcome Back, Vladimir" Edition

John Dickerson, David Plotz, and special guest Julia Ioffe discuss the reelection in Israel of Bibi Netanyahu, the reappearance in Russia of Vladimir Putin, and the resignation from Congress of Rep. Aaron Schock.This week's episode is sponsored by Stamps.com. If you go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the home page and enter GABFEST for a $110 bonus offer, including up to $55 in free postage and a no-risk trial. This episode is also sponsored by Harrys.com, which offers a bet...

Mar 20, 20151 hr 1 min

The "Is It Dear Ali or Dear Ayatollah or Dear Mullah?" Edition

John Dickerson, David Plotz, and special guest Betsy Woodruff discuss the Republican letter to Iran's leaders, the Clinton nonexplanation of her private email account, and a University of Oklahoma fraternity's racist chant. This week's episode is sponsored by “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the new documentary series airing Sundays at 8, only on HBO. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate...

Mar 13, 201550 min

Whistlestop: The Art of Political Umbrage-Taking

In this episode of Slate's bite-sized podcast about presidential campaign history, chief political correspondent John Dickerson recounts the election of 1840, during which a candidate took to the trail for the very first time. Recommended for fans of Slate's Political Gabfest and American political history. This week's show is sponsored by The Great Courses and its series "Turning Points in American History." Order it at 80% off the original price by visiting thegreatcourses.com/whistlestop. Lov...

Mar 11, 201523 min
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