Political Gabfest
Slate Podcasts
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
49 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 57min
Civilizational Erasure
Tim Wu, a Columbia Law professor and author, dives deep into the ramifications of the Warner Bros. Discovery sale, arguing that an independent Warner Brothers is crucial for preserving cultural diversity. He highlights the antitrust risks posed by potential mergers with Netflix and Paramount, emphasizing how such consolidation harms competition. The discussion also explores historical protocols for merger reviews to shield them from political influence, and how reduced competition in the streaming market impacts creators and wages.
57 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
Kill Them All
This week, the hosts delve into the dangerous ramifications of a controversial military strike, where survivors were targeted. They explore the implications of the Tennessee special election results for future midterms and debate the strategies Democrats should adopt. The discussion shifts to the potential of self-driving cars as a public health measure, highlighting safety gains and the challenges of public acceptance. Plus, a captivating chat with author Andrew Ross Sorkin on the historic 1929 Wall Street crash adds another layer of intrigue.
51 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 3min
Is This the End of the Trump Era?
This discussion dives into the erosion of trust in government as allegations of DOJ falsehoods surface. The hosts analyze the surprising cordiality between the NYC mayor-elect and Trump, exploring political tactics and implications for party alignments. A closer look at MAGA's fracture highlights tensions around extremism and the role of influential figures. The conversation also touches on Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, questioning her motives and future influence. Plus, discover recommendations for film and engaging true crime stories!
73 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 60min
DOJ is DOA
Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor, shares insights on the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the implications for U.S.–Saudi relations. He highlights the strategic benefits for Saudi Arabia, including technology cooperation and investments, while weighing the moral dilemmas tied to Crown Prince MBS's past actions. Sullivan also critiques the risks of transactional diplomacy and underscores the importance of a credible path toward Israeli normalization involving a Palestinian state.
12 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
Gabfest Reads | Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned journalist and author of financial crises analysis, dives into the 1929 stock market crash. He reveals how optimism and leverage led to the boom and subsequent bust, highlighting key figures like Charlie Mitchell and Jesse Livermore. Sorkin draws parallels to today's financial landscape, discussing the dangers of AI funding and crypto trends. He also explores the human toll of the crash, the political missteps that exacerbated the crisis, and offers a cautious optimism for America's innovative future.
42 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 58min
Who Really Won the Shutdown?
David Leonhardt, editorial director at The New York Times, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of 'affordability' in current politics. He defines affordability as linked to living standards, emphasizing real income growth and housing costs. The talk explores how everyday expenses like childcare and energy impact budgets, questioning the role of political figures like Trump in affordability issues. Lastly, competing Democratic strategies on addressing affordability highlight the tension between short and long-term solutions.
47 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 56min
Spectacular Night for Democrats
Recent election results have given Democrats newfound confidence as they strategize for upcoming midterms. A deep dive into legal challenges surrounding Trump's tariffs raises questions about presidential power versus congressional authority. The show's hosts also explore the implications of moderates versus progressives within the party. Additionally, they discuss Gavin Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential ambitions, while touching on the controversial use of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. It's a blend of political analysis, history, and a sprinkle of lighter topics!
57 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 16min
Live from Chicago!
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a pivotal figure in U.S. politics, joins the discussion on the heated tensions between Trump and Chicago, as well as the broader implications for American governance. He critiques the federal response to local unrest and highlights the split within the Democratic Party between progressives and centrists. Emanuel shares insights on the urgent need for strong messaging before the crucial 2026 elections, while also addressing threats to election integrity, gerrymandering, and how Trump uses political rhetoric to maintain influence.
41 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 55min
Trump Literally Knocks Down the White House
The hosts delve into President Trump's dramatic response to the No Kings protests, exploring the implications of his actions at the White House. They discuss the troubling trend of extremist sentiments among younger Republicans, including disturbing group chats. The podcast also examines the potential fallout of the government shutdown and its uneven impacts. A notable segment features a conversation about empathy with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, highlighting the importance of understanding in today's political climate.
4 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 28min
Gabfest Reads | The Radical Fund That Rewired American Progress
John Witt, a Yale Law professor and author, delves into the Garland Fund's pivotal role in shaping civil rights and labor movements. He reveals how a million-dollar inheritance was transformed into a progressive powerhouse. Witt discusses key figures like A. Philip Randolph and James Weldon Johnson, linking their efforts to the fight against racial exclusion in unions. He also highlights lessons for modern progressives, advocating for innovative organizing and addressing today's misinformation challenges, all rooted in history's radical fund.
