Political Gabfest

Where sharp political analysis meets informal and irreverent discussion.

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About the Show

Voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by Apple Podcasts listeners. Stephen Colbert says, “Everybody should listen to the Slate Political Gabfest.” The Gabfest is hosted by Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz. Listen for the debates, stay for the cocktail chatter.

Hosts

The “Biden Biding” Edition

Trump’s scorched earth strategy, the Biden transition, and the Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act.

The “Biden Wins” Edition

We have a president-elect … and a special edition of the Political Gabfest.

The “President Joe Biden?” Edition

Trump’s election lawsuits, Democrats’ down-ballot disappointment, and polling problems.

The “Counting the Votes” Edition

A Wednesday morning Slate Plus special as election returns continue to come in.

The “Almost” Edition

Voting accessibility, how to digest Election Day updates, and gratitude for life-changing individuals.

The “Last Debate of Donald Trump’s Career” Edition

The presidential debate; 545 children separated from their parents and other outrages; and the coronavirus surge.

The “Empty Notepad” Edition

Barrett’s confirmation hearings; the First Amendment and disinformation; and the latest election machinations.

The “Spitting Into a Sheet of Plexiglass” Edition

The White House virus outbreak, vice-presidential debate, and Senate races.

The “The President Has COVID” Edition

President Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus, now what?

The “What We Will Know on Election Night” Edition

Trump’s minuscule tax payments, guest Nate Persily on election night reporting, and Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

The “Would You Shut Up, Man?” Edition

A special Gabfest about the first presidential debate of 2020.

The “Not Even Cold in the Ground” Edition

A rush to replace Justice Ginsburg, the coming presidential debates, and 200,000 COVID-19 deaths.

The “Giant Fires Everywhere” Edition

Wildfires and the climate crisis, apocalyptic election talk, and imagining the post-pandemic work week—with guest host Jamelle Bouie at the Texas Tribune Festival.

The “Rage” Edition

What Trump knew about the virus, DOJ’s move to end E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit, and Matthew Yglesias on One Billion Americans.

The “Who Should Get the Vaccine?” Edition

Political violence, Ezekiel Emanuel on the ethics of vaccine distribution, and Edward Ball on Life of a Klansman.

The “Pool Boy” Edition

The Republican convention, violence in Kenosha, and the Falwell and Conway families’ dramas.

The “I Know a Predator When I See One” Edition

Democrats’ virtual convention, the U.S. Postal Service, and the bipartisan Senate report exposing more Trump ties to Russia.

The “Cheap, Mediocre Testing” Edition

The Biden-Harris ticket, stimulus gridlock, and guest Dr. Michael Mina on his proposal for rapid, ubiquitous coronavirus testing– with guest host Josie Duffy Rice.

The “Stop Counting Now” Edition

Messing with the census, undermining the election, and guest Juliette Kayyem on competent crisis response.

The “Twilight of Democracy” Edition

Biden’s campaign, Big Tech, and Anne Applebaum’s new book Twilight of Democracy—with guest host Ruth Marcus.