Political Gabfest Degenerate Gambler
46 snips
Mar 19, 2026 
McKay Coppins, staff writer and author who tested sports betting firsthand for The Atlantic. He describes a $10,000 experiment that morphed into compulsive wagering. Short scenes show how early wins, industry tactics, and lax rules fuel addiction. Conversation also covers political indifference, legislative fights, athlete harassment, and the risks mobile betting poses to communities.
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Trump Likely Avoids Protracted Gulf Commitment
- Expect Trump to prefer a quick declarative victory over a costly, prolonged effort to militarily secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- Emily Bazelon notes domestic politics and global economic pain make sustained U.S. commitment unlikely.
Empty Threats Still Cow The Press
- Aggressive attacks on the press and threats from FCC officials are effectively chilling coverage even if legal actions are weak.
- David Plotz explains corporate fear of administration vindictiveness leads outlets to trim critical reporting.
Journalist Took $10,000 Gamble Assignment
- McKay Coppins accepted $10,000 from The Atlantic to gamble for a year as a reporting device and consulted his Mormon bishop first.
- He later found the experiment bled into his life and his wife was relieved when it ended.
