The Waves

The “Bless This Mess” Edition

The Waves on bipartisan relationships, “safe, legal, and rare” abortion, and the rise of the lonely Instagram influencer.

Advertisement

Episode Notes

On this week’s episode of the Waves, Christina, Marcia, and June dive into the tension between love and politics in light of a recent piece on Democratic women married to MAGA-loving men. Then, they talk about the implications of framing abortion as “safe, legal, and rare,” as Tulsi Gabbard did in the most recent Democratic presidential debate. Finally, the panel considers the lonely social media “It Girl.” Are influencers’ “getting real” posts truly authentic?

In Slate Plus: Was it sexist for Joe Biden to tell Elizabeth Warren at the most recent Democratic debate “I got you votes,” regarding her creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

Other items discussed on the show:

• “The Politics of Planned Parenthood,” by Christina Cauterucci
• “Who Would I Be Without Instagram?,” by Tavi Gevinson
• Meghan Markle’s recent interview with ITV
• “The Passion of Dan Choi,” by Gabriel Arana

Recommendations

June: Jamie Barton’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Christina: Tegan and Sara’s memoir High School and album, Hey, I’m Just Like You.

Marcia: The podcast Call Your Girlfriend as well as its upcoming live show on Saturday in Washington.

This podcast was produced by Sara Burningham. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

Advertisement

About the Show

Each week a pair of writers and guests talk through one news story we can’t stop thinking about, and unpack what gender has to do with it.

All episodes

Hosts

  • June Thomas is the co-host of Slate's Working podcast. She is writing a book about archetypical lesbian spaces.

  • Marcia Chatelain is an associate professor of history and African American studies at Georgetown University.

  • Christina Cauterucci is a Slate senior writer.