Political Gabfest
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.
1
Two Trillion Dollars
Guests include epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves about the latest pandemic debates and Civil War historian David Blight on what history can teach us about living through catastrophe.
70 min
2
How Long Will It Last?
Dr. Amesh Adalja on efforts to address the pandemic, journalist Neil Irwin on whether the U.S. economy can be saved, and author Jon Mooallem on his new book This is Chance! about communities uniting in a crisis
73 min
3
Flatten the Curve
The coming COVID-19 crisis, Biden becomes the presumptive nominee, and guest Leon Neyfakh on Fiasco Season Two: Iran-Contra.
66 min
4
Wash Your Hands
Super Tuesday upends the Democratic race, COVID-19 spreads, and the Supreme Court hears a crucial abortion case.
66 min
5
Slate Plus Bonus Episode: South Carolina and Su...
Joe Biden's win in South Carolina and what it could mean for Democrats on Super Tuesday.
2 min
6
Bern, Baby, Bern
The Democratic presidential primary, Harvey Weinstein’s conviction, and conservative ascendency in the courts.
66 min
7
[Special] How To Vote for the Next President
Can David Axelrod and Mike Murphy help a swing voter make up his mind?
28 min
8
Two Stents
A fiery Democratic debate, Trump’s white-collar pardoning spree, and A Very Stable Genius with authors Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig.
63 min
9
Bernie Burns It and Biden Bites It
The Democrats after New Hampshire, Trump’s emboldened post-impeachment moves, and COVID-19.
63 min
10
The Most Abusive and Destructive
The Iowa debacle, Mitt Romney’s impeachment vote, and Trump’s expanded immigration ban
53 min
11
49 years and 364 days of Plotz
Outlandish impeachment defenses, the approaching Iowa caucuses, and the Supreme Court allows the “public charge” rule to go into effect.
69 min
12
Nobody Likes Him
Trump on trial, the Democratic primary race, and Mohammed bin Salman’s hacking of Jeff Bezos.
67 min
13
If You Want Her Out
New impeachment revelations, the Warren-Sanders rift, and Bill Barr goes after Apple’s encryption
62 min
14
Bomb Iran--We’ve Had a Bomb Iran Edition Before
Iran with expert Suzanne Maloney, the Democratic presidential race, and John Bolton
62 min
15
Good Trouble
Impeachment fatigue, the twin canaries of anti-Semitism and philo-Semitism, and the incredible John Lewis.
57 min
16
Oakland Conundrum
The annual conundrum edition is live from Oakland California!
64 min
17
Read My Letter
Impeachment, pushback against Pete Buttigieg, and a review of the most important stories of 2019.
52 min
18
Slate Presents: Lockdown
Living through the era of school shootings, one drill at a time.
24 min
19
Crossfire Hurricane
Impeachment, the FBI Inspector General’s report on the Russia investigation, and the Afghanistan Papers
67 min
20
Badly Written & Reseached Disaster
Impeachment, Kamala Harris, and guest Ruth Marcus’ new book about Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Supreme Ambition.
55 min
21
Good Order and Discipline
The firing of the Navy Secretary, the case for prolonging impeachment investigations, and new holidays everyone should celebrate.
56 min
22
In The Loop
Impeachment bombshells, the Democratic presidential debate, and emails confirming that Steven Miller is a white nationalist
51 min
23
DP [Hearts] MB
The public impeachment hearings, fresh faces in Democratic presidential primary, and DACA at the Supreme Court.
58 min
24
One Year From This Week
New polls and election results, impeachment, and leaving the Paris climate accord
64 min
25
Halloween
The impeachment resolution, Twitter’s ban on political ads, and the downfall of Katie Hill.
71 min
26
Cooper, Taylor, SCIFer Spy
Damning new impeachment testimony, Facebook under fire, and taking to the streets against Trump.
64 min
27
Don't Be a Tough Guy. Don't Be a Fool! I Will C...
Abandoning the Kurds, the Democratic presidential debates, and guest Daniel Markovits’s new book The Meritocracy Trap
75 min
28
Great and Unmatched Wisdom
Obstructing the impeachment investigations, the new Supreme Court term, and Bernie Sanders’ health.
59 min
29
We’re Not Fooling Around Here
The impeachment investigation, a new theory of why conservatives can’t quit Trump, and the court ruling upholding Harvard’s affirmative action program.
64 min
30
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 book written with co-author Megan Twohey.
71 min
31
Twin Cities
Democratic middle ground, “chaos voters,” and guest Curtis Sittenfeld’s fiction about living political figures.
72 min
32
Democratic Debate Special: Slate Plus Teaser
Castro versus Biden, healthcare, and how to effectively pick a fight with President Trump
1 min
33
Last Mustache in Washington
The cancelled Taliban talks, John Bolton’s departure, and guest Paul Tough’s new book The Years That Matter Most.
62 min
34
Prolix Prorogue
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.
67 min
35
Don't Worry I'll Pardon You
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.
63 min
36
1619
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.
69 min
37
Public Charge
Trump’s new move to punish documented immigrants, death in prison and Jeffrey Epstein, and recession.
61 min
38
Moscow Mitch
White supremacist violence, Mitch McConnell’s new nicknames, and the impact of Joaquin Castro tweeting the names of Trump donors.
67 min
39
Dark Psychic Force
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.
61 min
40
Introducing: How To! With Charles Duhigg
29 min
41
Not Exculpated
Robert Mueller’s testimony, the downfall of Al Franken, and the deal to raise the debt ceiling.
62 min
42
Rescue Squad
63 min
43
You the North, We the South
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.
70 min
44
My President Went to North Korea and All I Got ...
63 min
45
The “Please Send Soap and Toothpaste” Edition
President Trump’s backpedalling, the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on gerrymandering and the U.S. Census and conservative “Frenchism.”
68 min
46
The “Keep America... Oh Forget it” Edition
Trump’s latest campaign relaunch, Elizabeth Warren’s rise, and Harvard’s decision to rescind Kyle Kashuv’s acceptance.
69 min
47
The “Little Diddy About Mitch and Elaine” Edition
Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao’s conflicts of interest, partisanship in state legislatures, and YouTube’s radicalizing recommendation algorithm.
61 min
48
Slate Plus Bonus: The "Live from Chelsea New Yo...
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.
8 min
49
The “Underhanded Undercount” Edition
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, on the Political Gabfest.
55 min
50
The "Freedom Gas" Edition
What the E.U. election means for the world, Trump’s war on climate science, and the deaths at Mount Everest--with guest host Julia Ioffe
65 min
51
The “Legitimate Legislative Purpose” Edition
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.
59 min
52
The "Abortion Ban" Edition
56 min
53
The “Contempt of Congress” Edition
Trump’s showdown with Congress, the trade war with China, and what “socialism” means to Democrats.
66 min
54
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.
63 min
55
The “Forgive Everything and Count Every One” Ed...
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Democrats’ impeachment dilemma, the Supreme Court case that could wreck the census, and Elizabeth Warren’s plan for college debt forgiveness.
62 min
56
The “Oh My God. This is Terrible. This is the E...
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the release of the Mueller Report, Trump’s refusal to respond to Congressional subpoenas, and the resurgence of measles.
51 min
57
Introducing Charged: A True Punishment Story
27 min
58
The “Wahoo” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, David Plotz, and Jamelle Bouie discuss the arrest of Julian Assange; Trump’s purge of the Department of Homeland Security; and the 2020 contenders for President.
73 min
59
The "Just a Note" Edition
Just a note to let you know that the Gabfest, this week, will be showing up with a full episode on Saturday April 13th!
0 min
60
The “He's a Natural Toucher” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Joe Biden; the White House’s stonewalling of Congress; and Brexit--with guest Anne Applebaum.
65 min
61
The "Live From Washington DC" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss William Barr’s puzzling description of the Mueller report; Emily’s new book Charged; and House Democrats’ legislative agenda with guest Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.
78 min
62
BONUS: The "No Conspiracy, No Collusion, Full E...
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and the summary Attorney General William Barr submitted to Congress.
11 min
63
The “The President is Not a White Supremacist” ...
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and guest host Jamelle Bouie discuss the Christchurch massacre; why Democratic presidential candidates who are straight, white and male are dominating the news coverage; and whether the Electoral College should be abolished.
60 min
64
The “Operation Varsity Blues” Edition
John Dickerson, and David Plotz, and guest host Josie Duffy Rice discuss Trump’s budget proposal, the college admissions scandal, and the changing debate over reparations for slavery.
59 min
65
The "Fox is in the White House" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the House of Representatives’ investigation of Trump, Amanda Ripley’s article about political prejudice in America, and the Fox News White House.
69 min
66
The “He is a Racist, He is a Con Man, He is a C...
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Michael Cohen’s testimony, Trump’s failed North Korea summit, and Patrick Radden Keefe’s new book Say Nothing.
49 min
67
The "Feel the Bern" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Trump’s national emergency declaration, Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign, and Amazon abandoning its New York plans.
55 min
68
The “All About the Benjamins” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the deal to avoid a second shutdown, Jeff Bezos claims of sextortion, and Ilhan Omar’s tweets about Israel.
52 min
69
The “Just A Little Bit of Shoe Polish” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Virginia Democrats in turmoil, Trump’s State of the Union speech, and the appalling conditions at a federal prison in New York.
64 min
70
The “But Every Politician’s Gonna Say That” Edi...
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Howard Schultz’s threat to run for president, Mitch McConnell’s legacy (with guest Charles Homans), and performative workaholism.
57 min
71
The “Great Blotch” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the government shutdown, the 2020 Democratic presidential field, and Brexit doom with guest Tanya Gold.
68 min
72
The “Pocketing Your Notes” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the continued government shutdown, the counterintelligence investigation of Trump, and the racism of Steve King.
61 min
73
The “Infinity War” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the government shutdown, new Russia connections revealed in the Mueller investigation, and why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is getting so much attention.
69 min
74
The “Exploratory Committee” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and guest David Leonhardt discuss the government shutdown, 2020, and whether there are signs of hope that the climate crisis could be addressed.
53 min
75
The “2018 Conundrum” Edition
Emily, John, and David close out the year considering listeners’ most confounding conundrums with special guest Simon Doonan.
50 min
76
The “A Liberal is a Conservative Who’s Been to ...
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, Michael Flynn’s legal troubles, and new revelations about Russian trolling and Facebook’s privacy violations.
61 min
77
The “Tinkle Contest With a Skunk” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss Michael Cohen’s sentencing, the search for America’s next White House chief of staff, and Trump’s threat to shut down the government over border wall funding
48 min
78
The "Last Wasp" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz discuss the legacy of George H.W. Bush, the power-grab by Wisconsin Republicans, and election fraud in North Carolina.
74 min
79
The "Not Off the Table" Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the mounting number of liars linked to the Trump administration, President Trump’s confrontation with the courts over asylum, and the future of the census.
79 min
80
The "Sealed Indictment" Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss what may be next for the Mueller investigation, the California wildfires, and new revelations about Facebook’s leadership team
72 min
81
The “House Speaker John Lewis” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Florida recount, what House Democrats should prioritize during the new session, and the legal challenge to Trump’s appointment of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker.
63 min
82
The “Way Too Much News” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the extraordinary midterm elections, whether the success of ballot initiatives protecting voting rights marks a turning point in ballot access, and the ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
53 min
83
The "Most Important Election of our Lifetimes S...
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, John Dickerson, and guest David Axelrod discuss the intersections of politics and violence and also Trump’s attempts to steer the election coverage leading up to the midterms.
55 min
84
She's Running: Political Gabfest Presents The W...
70 min
85
The “Now We Have Pipe Bombs” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the pipe bombs sent to Trump critics, the state of the midterm elections, and whether Saudi Arabia will be punished for the death of Jamal Khashoggi.
56 min
86
The "Cheek Swab" Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Trump administration’s response to the apparent murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test, and the debate around Georgia’s voter security measures.
63 min
87
The "Angry Mob" Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the dire new climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the aftermath of the Kavanaugh confirmation, and Taylor Swift’s new engagement with politics.
51 min
88
The “All County Building Supply and Maintenance...
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the Kavanaugh controversy, Trump’s apparent tax evasion, and whether the new North American trade deal is better than the old one.
60 min
89
The “Live from Austin: Do You Have a Drinking P...
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the state of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings, the possibility that former felons will regain the right to vote in Florida, and guest DeRay Mckesson’s new book, On The Other Side of Freedom.
74 min
90
The “One Hundred Percent Certain” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson discuss the testimony of both Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh.
37 min
91
The “What Happens At Georgetown Prep...” Edition
Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and David French discuss the value of an FBI investigation of Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s declassification of documents related to the Russia investigation, and revised thinking about police shootings.
72 min
92
Special: The "Kavanaugh in Crisis" Edition
27 min
93
The “Trump Economy” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss who deserves credit for the economy, the state of the midterm campaigns, and the Trump administration's attempt to indefinitely detain migrant children.
63 min
94
The "Unsung Hero" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss anonymous dissent within the Trump administration, Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings, and backlash against The New Yorker for inviting and un-inviting Steven Bannon to their Festival.
64 min
95
The “Packing and Cracking” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss lawyer Don McGahns’s departure from the White House team, North Carolina’s political gerrymandering and John McCain’s legacy.
59 min
96
The “Eight Count” Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Tuesday’s conviction of Manafort, Cohen’s guilty plea and McGahn’s cooperation with the special counsel as well as the Kavanaugh nomination.
76 min
97
The "Unhinge Me Now" Edition
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and CNN's Kirsten Powers discuss the relevance of Omarosa Manigault Newman’s criticisms of President Trump, results from state primaries and the Title IX investigation of sexual harassment of a male student at NYU.
61 min
98
Gabfest Presents: Slow Burn
44 min
99
The “War on Your Mind” Edition
Emily Bazelon, Benjamin Wittes, and David Plotz discuss revelations from Paul Manafort’s trial, proposed White House changes to legal immigration, and Alex Jones’s banishment from social platforms.
71 min
100
The “3D-Printed Gabfest” Edition
Emily Bazelon, Ruth Marcus, and David Plotz discuss Paul Manafort’s trial, blueprints for 3D-printed guns, and potential capital gains tax cuts. Lara Bazelon joins for Slate Plus to discuss sexism in courtrooms.
63 min