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.
Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.
1
The Democrats Had A Good Day
Liberal handily wins the biggest electoral showdown of Trump 2.0 presidency so far; Trump imposes massive, nearly-universal tariffs; and the government refuses to fix mistakes in deporting alleged gang members.
61 min
2
Houthi PC Small Group
51 min
3
The “Constitutional Crisis Is Here”
The government responds defiantly to court orders in showdown over mass deportation; what the data say about why Trump won in 2024; and slow-motion capitulation in a long call between Trump and Putin.
62 min
4
Gabfest Reads | The Day the Challenger Fell Fro...
Adam Higginbotham’s new book delves deep into the tragedy of the Challenger explosion and the impact the disaster has had on American culture.
32 min
5
What Happens When Government Breaks
DOGE’s cuts are endangering American lives; Trump tests limits of free speech with attacks on universities and the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil; and the politics of the Texas measles outbreak.
63 min
6
Trump’s Display of Dominance
Trump addresses Congress and plays chicken with tariffs in a show of power; Trump and Vance betray Ukraine’s Zelensky to his face and align with Russia; and we all grapple with the ways Covid changed America.
60 min
7
So Europe is Our Enemy Now?
The transatlantic alliance is over and mobster tactics reign; the House GOP budget resolution portends likely Medicaid cuts to fund tax breaks for the rich; and Trump makes aggressive moves against the press
67 min
8
The “Justice Department is Dire“
The bonfire of Justice Department resignations amid the corrupt bargain of Eric Adams; Musk and DOGE and the palantír of the IRS and Social Security; and how progressives broke the government.
63 min
9
Gabfest Reads | A Former Haitian President’s Gr...
Rich Benjamin’s new book Talk to Me explores the coup that overthrew his grandfather, and the ripple affects the political upheaval had on his family.
30 min
10
Trump vs. The Judges
A constitutional crisis is developing between President Trump and the courts, the massive cut to NIH research overhead funding, and political sorting among American workplaces
63 min
11
Elon Musk’s DOGE Rampage
Musk’s DOGE rampages through federal agencies; the gap widens between US prosperity and quality of life; and states confront immigration with their own aggressive approaches.
65 min
12
Elon Musk’s Fork in the Road
Chaos and confusion reigns as the White House freezes and thaws federal grants; surprise app DeepSeek overturns assumptions in the AI sector; and Jonathan Rauch writes on Christianity and democracy.
72 min
13
This Time Trump Knows What He’s Doing
President Trump signs a flurry of executive orders; issues sweeping pardons for January 6 rioters; and enjoys a second inauguration chock full of symbolic elements.
68 min
14
Gabfest Reads | Finding Connection in the After...
Yael van der Wouden’s new book The Safekeep explores paranoia, loneliness, and obsession in the post-World War II Dutch countryside.
27 min
15
Every Single Trump Pick Will Be Confirmed
Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees go to the Senate; Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report goes public; and President Joe Biden bids farewell.
58 min
16
One Measly Report
The Donald Trump legal wars end with barely a whisper; billionaires capitulate to MAGA; and the LA wildfires continue.
60 min
17
The “Thank You, Jimmy Carter” Edition
President and Citizen Jimmy Carter: Elon Musk v. MAGA; and Citizens’ Assemblies
59 min
18
The “2024 Conundrums” Edition
Emily, John, and David end 2024 answering questions, big and small.
52 min
19
Gabfest Reads: The Life and Legacy of John Lewis
David Greenberg’s new biography on the Civil Rights icon shows what makes Lewis a legend.
32 min
20
The Shutdown and the Great Capitulation
The capitulation of media and corporate America to Donald Trump; the government shutdown and surrender of House Republicans; and the appeal of TikTok.
58 min
21
Syria’s Collapse, Israel’s Delight
What comes next for Syria after the fall of the al-Assad dictatorship; what it means when one killer is celebrated and another is acquitted; and what could happen to American birthright citizenship.
63 min
22
Is The Democratic Party Doomed?
President Joe Biden pardons son Hunter while President-Elect Donald Trump might un-nominate Pete Hegseth; Democrats ponder what-next; and SCOTUS considers treatment for transgender children.
59 min
23
Are These Trump Tariffs for Real?
Donald Trump’s tariff threat will get real for the next Treasury Secretary; the incoming Federal Communications Commission Chair might endanger free speech; and the “bro-economy” could create financial havoc.
49 min
24
Trump’s Cabinet Keeps Getting Weirder
Donald Trump continues to fill his Cabinet; Texas plans to teach the Bible in public elementary schools; and The Washington Post’s Dan Diamond educates us on health care policy in the next administration.
60 min
25
Gabfest Reads: How Two Rivals Shaped Birth Cont...
Stephanie Gorton’s new book, The Icon & the Idealist digs into the history of two women who changed reproductive rights forever
27 min