Prince-No-More Andrew Pays His Epstein Price

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Feb 19, 2026

They dig into newly released Epstein files and who is facing public fallout for their ties. They sort figures into categories of involvement and debate where accountability fits. The conversation shifts to an Obama oral history and why he treads lightly in post-presidential politics. They also tackle efforts to scrub or reshape American history and what that means for teaching and memory.

01:10:59

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insights

INSIGHT

Three Categories Of Epstein Associates

Distinguish three categories: alleged perpetrators, those who knowingly enabled Epstein, and casual acquaintances.
The middle group presents the hardest moral and institutional dilemmas about punishment.

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ADVICE

Investigate Public Evidence, Don't Ignore It

When incriminating evidence becomes public, institutions should investigate rather than ignore it.
Prosecutors and organizations must weigh public disclosure and pursue corroborated wrongdoing, not only reputational judgments.

insights

INSIGHT

Prosecutorial Decisions Matter Deeply

The Epstein plea deal and its architects remain central unanswered questions about accountability.
Scrutiny of prosecutors like Alex Acosta is necessary to understand who evaded consequences.

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New Epstein files and who pays

03:03 • 3min

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Which figures face consequences and why

05:45 • 3min

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Casey Wasserman and overreach concerns

08:44 • 2min

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Categories of Epstein associates

10:50 • 2min

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Public morality, politics, and selective enforcement

12:23 • 3min

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Grace, complicity, and social ties

15:19 • 5min

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Sweetheart deals and lingering questions

19:51 • 9min

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Obama archive release and missing Trump warning

28:45 • 6min

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Obama's post-presidential restraint

34:27 • 4min

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Obamacare's branding and Obama's cultural work

38:20 • 3min

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Remembering Jesse Jackson

41:47 • 6min

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Trump's effort to whitewash American history

47:42 • 6min

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Why full history matters

53:24 • 5min

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Balancing pride and critique in history teaching

58:51 • 5min

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Appointments, expertise, and cultural nihilism

01:03:33 • 3min

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Cocktail chatter: presidential tie-breaks and more

01:06:07 • 9min

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Listener chatter: octopus teamwork

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

What is the Fourth of July to the Slave?

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass's "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? " is a powerful oration delivered on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York. In his speech, Douglass challenges the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom and independence while slavery persisted in the United States. He eloquently contrasts the ideals of liberty enshrined in the Declaration of Independence with the brutal realities faced by enslaved people. Douglass critiques the nation's religious institutions and political systems for perpetuating and tolerating slavery. He asserts that the Fourth of July is a day of mourning rather than celebration for the enslaved, as it symbolizes the injustice and oppression they endure. The speech is a searing indictment of American society and a passionate call for the abolition of slavery and the realization of true equality for all.

#9713

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Book of Virtues

William J. Bennett

The Book of Virtues is a comprehensive anthology edited by William J. Bennett, intended to aid in the moral education of children. The book contains 370 passages across ten chapters, each dedicated to a different virtue, including self-discipline, compassion, responsibility, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty, and faith. The selections are drawn from a wide range of sources, including the Bible, Greek mythology, Aesop's Fables, William Shakespeare, and works by authors like Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Oscar Wilde. The book is designed to be used for browsing and bookmarking, with the aim of teaching children moral literacy and helping them develop good character. The 30th anniversary edition includes new figures such as Mother Teresa, Colin Powell, and heroes of 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of promoting moral education.

#10532

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

Show Don't Tell

Curtis Sittenfeld

In her second story collection, Curtis Sittenfeld conjures vivid characters at crucial life junctures, laying bare moments when long-held beliefs are overturned. Stories include a divorced woman visiting old friends in 'The Patron Saints of Middle Age,' a married artist challenging the Mike Pence Rule in 'A for Alone,' and a revisit to Prep's Lee Fiora at an alumni reunion in 'Lost but Not Forgotten. ' With acerbic wit and tenderness, the tales delve into strained marriages, past regrets, societal expectations, privilege, and unfulfilled desires.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the public figures being shamed and punished for their associations with Jeffrey Epstein while others remain unscathed, the insights and lessons revealed by a new oral history archive and interview with former President Obama, and the meaning of the Trump administration’s efforts to whitewash history.

For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week’s dust-up between Stephen Colbert and CBS amid FCC threats over an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.

In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily Bazelon talks with author Curtis Sittenfeld about her short story collection, “Show Don’t Tell.” They discuss the recurring themes of the book from troubled marriages and middle age to the passage of time, and characters who are navigating moments of racial privilege and prejudice.

Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis

Research by Emily Ditto

You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here.

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.

Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park.

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