Political Gabfest - podcast cover

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.


Get more Political Gabfest with Slate Plus. Join to unlock weekly bonus episodes—plus ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Halloween

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the impeachment resolution, Twitter’s ban on political ads, and the downfall of Katie Hill. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment Emily and John review the Founders’ meticulous efforts to establish a balance of power across the three branches of government. Subscribe today! Get your tickets to the Gabfest’s December 18, 2019 “Conundrum” live show at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA here . And submit your conundrums at Slate.com/conundrum ! Y...

Oct 31, 20191 hr 12 min

Cooper, Taylor, SCIFer Spy

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss damning new impeachment testimony, Facebook under fire, and taking to the streets against Trump. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David, Emily, and John take inspiration from Christine Lagarde’s lesson on pretending to drink wine and discuss things they fake doing. Get your tickets to the Gabfest’s December 18, 2019 “Conundrum” live show at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA here . And submit your conundrums at Slate.com/conundrum ! You ...

Oct 24, 20191 hr 4 min

Don't Be a Tough Guy. Don't Be a Fool! I Will Call You Later

David Plotz, Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson discuss the US abandonment of the Kurds, the Democratic presidential debates, and guest Daniel Markovits’s new book The Meritocracy Trap. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David and Emily discuss the season finale of Succession. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page....

Oct 18, 20191 hr 15 min

Great and Unmatched Wisdom

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss obstruction of impeachment investigations, the new Supreme Court term, and Bernie Sanders’ health. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com . (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipul...

Oct 10, 201959 min

We’re Not Fooling Around Here

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the impeachment investigation, a new theory of why conservatives can’t quit Trump, and the court ruling upholding Harvard’s affirmative action program. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Emily discuss the new nutrition guidelines for red meat consumption. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may...

Oct 03, 20191 hr 5 min

I Would Like You To Do Us A Favor

The Ukraine scandal, the politics of impeachment, and Jodi Kantor about investigating Harvey Weinstein and She Said, a new bookwritten with co-author Megan Twohey. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Kirsten Powers discuss what makes Greta Thunberg wonderful and why she drives her critics crazy. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by ...

Sep 26, 20191 hr 11 min

Twin Cities

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss Democratic middle ground, “chaos voters,” and guest Curtis Sittenfeld’s fiction about living political figures. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John take questions from the live audience in St. Paul, Minnesota. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stip...

Sep 19, 20191 hr 12 min

Democratic Debate Special: Slate Plus Teaser

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the latest Democratic presidential debate including Castro's dig into Biden, nationalized healthcare, and strategies for how to effectively pick a fight with President Trump. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) The email address for the Political Gabfest i...

Sep 13, 20192 min

Last Mustache in Washington

The cancelled Taliban talks, John Bolton’s departure, and guest Paul Tough’s new book The Years That Matter Most. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John debate the ideal length for books and movies. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) The email address for the Political Gabfest is ga...

Sep 12, 20191 hr 2 min

Prolix Prorogue

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz and Ruth Marcus, discuss the state of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination; the newest Brexit chaos--with guest Amanda Taub; and hope for accountability and funding to stem the opioid crisis. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and Ruth talk about the recent court ruling that North Carolina’s gerrymandered districts violate the state’s constitution. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cockta...

Sep 06, 20191 hr 8 min

Don't Worry I'll Pardon You

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss Trump’s offer to pardon lawbreakers who help build a border wall, whether the U.S. is a republic or a democracy, and how journalists can choose to punch up or punch down internet harassment. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John talk about nuking hurricanes. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messag...

Aug 29, 20191 hr 4 min

1619

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the New York Times Magazine’s "1619 Project" examining slavery in the U.S. (with guest Wesley Morris), corporate responsibility, and the policy changes niche groups are scoring federally. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John talk about what the U.S. should buy since Greenland isn’t for sale. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or po...

Aug 23, 20191 hr 10 min

Public Charge

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz and Josie Duffy Rice (of The Appeal) discuss Trump’s new move to punish documented immigrants, death in prison and Jeffrey Epstein, and recession. Come see the Political Gabfest LIVE in the Twin Cities for an unforgettable yet timely show full of witty banter, in-depth analysis, and lively debate. Tickets available now! You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page...

Aug 15, 20191 hr 1 min

Moscow Mitch

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz and Mike Pesca discuss white supremacist violence, Mitch McConnell’s new nicknames, and the impact of Joaquin Castro tweeting the names of Trump donors. Come see the Political Gabfest LIVE in the Twin Cities for an unforgettable yet timely show full of witty banter, in-depth analysis, and lively debate. Tickets available now! You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Faceboo...

Aug 08, 20191 hr 7 min

Dark Psychic Force

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the Democratic primary debates, Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, and whether heat waves across the globe could inspire real action on climate change. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John discuss their favorite summer games. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be qu...

Aug 01, 20191 hr 2 min

Introducing: How To! With Charles Duhigg

This is a feature episode of a new Slate podcast, How To! With Charles Duhigg. What if Dear Abby was an investigative reporter? Each week, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg ("The Power of Habit") takes on listeners’ toughest problems and, with the help of experts, finds the answers to questions you’ve always wanted to ask, but couldn’t. Until now. Subscribe to How To! With Charles Duhigg on your preferred podcast app, or find it at slate.com/howto . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Jul 31, 201930 min

Not Exculpated

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss Robert Mueller’s testimony, the downfall of Al Franken, and the deal to raise the debt ceiling. You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates ...

Jul 25, 20191 hr 2 min

Rescue Squad

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Trump’s racist attack on members of Congress; whether the Census has been saved; and if we should go back to the moon. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherw...

Jul 18, 20191 hr 4 min

You the North, We the South

Emily Bazelon, David Plotz and John Dickerson discuss the impact of the US health care debate on the primary season, white supremacy from Canada with guest Jesse Brown, and who’s at fault in addition to sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment Emily, David, and John take international audience questions live from Toronto. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailcha...

Jul 11, 20191 hr 11 min

My President Went to North Korea and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Democratic presidential primary debates, Trump’s bizarre trip to North Korea, and Customs and Border Patrol’s scandals over appalling detention conditions and a racist Facebook group. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment Emily, David, and John discuss whether tourism that makes people more invested in stopping climate change is worth the carbon emissions it could entail. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, an...

Jul 04, 20191 hr 3 min

The “Please Send Soap and Toothpaste” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David French discuss President Trump’s backpedalling, the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on gerrymandering and the U.S. Census and “Frenchism.” Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook and follow us on...

Jun 27, 20191 hr 8 min

The “Keep America... Oh Forget it” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Trump’s latest campaign relaunch, Elizabeth Warren’s rise, and Harvard’s decision to rescind Kyle Kashuv’s acceptance. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook and follow us on Twitt...

Jun 20, 20191 hr 10 min

The “Little Diddy About Mitch and Elaine” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao’s conflicts of interest, partisanship in state legislatures, and YouTube’s radicalizing recommendation algorithm. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-...

Jun 13, 20191 hr 2 min

Slate Plus Bonus: The "Live from Chelsea New York's Slate Day" Edition

In this Slate Plus special Emily Bazelon, David Plotz and guest Nikole Hannah-Jones discuss the Democratic Primary and the crucial African American vote, potential antitrust investigations of Big Tech and how the resegregation of America's public schools is ruining our future. Join Slate Plus to hear this episode in full! www.Slate.com/gabfestplus Recorded by Merritt Jacobs Research by Bridgette Dunlap Edit by Jocelyn Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 10, 20198 min

The “Underhanded Undercount” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the new revelations in the census case, Trump’s threatened tariffs, and the criminal charges against the school safety officer who failed to confront the Parkland shooter. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the ...

Jun 06, 201956 min

The "Freedom Gas" Edition

Emily Bazelon, and Julia Ioffe discuss the E.U. election means for the world, Trump’s war on climate science, and the deaths at Mount Everest. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @SlateGabfest . The email ad...

May 30, 20191 hr 6 min

The “Legitimate Legislative Purpose” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Trump’s refusal to cooperate with Congress; whether Democratic presidential candidates should appear on Fox News; and the new book The Queen with Slate’s National Editor Josh Levin. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Mes...

May 23, 20191 hr

The "Abortion Ban" Edition

On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the latest wave of anti-abortion bills, Trump’s showdown with Iran, and “Civic Saturday”--with guest Eric Liu. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unl...

May 17, 201957 min

The “Contempt of Congress” Edition

On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Trump’s showdown with Congress, the trade war with China, and what “socialism” means to Democrats. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writ...

May 09, 20191 hr 6 min

The “A Bit Snitty” Edition

Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss William Barr’s spin on the Mueller report, whether to hope for an infrastructure deal, and Joe Biden’s non-apology tour. Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest . Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter or post it to our Facebook page. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook and follow us on Twi...

May 02, 20191 hr 3 min
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