Political Gabfest
Where sharp political analysis meets informal and irreverent discussion.
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.
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The “Airplane Travel is a Nightmare’ Edition
Politicians deadlock in partial government shutdown as U.S. air travel descends into chaos; the Supreme Court considers a state law around mail-in ballot deadlines; and Meta loses two high-profile civil cases.
Bonus: Americans Can Be Patriots and Critics at the Same Time
A new book by Beverly Gage explores the balance between loving America and honestly facing its faults in an epic road-trip through history.
The “Degenerate Gambler” Edition
“Epic Fury” encapsulates the Trump administration’s stance toward the entire world; online sportsbooks explode in popularity and pose new social dangers; and a federal judge rolls back RFK Jr.’s vaccine overhaul.
Bonus: What Really Killed USAID?
Guest Tim Hirschel-Burns argues that democratic breakdown and right wing culture war radicalization in the hands of DOGE, rather than inherent faults in development policy, are what destroyed USAID.
The “Will Gas Hit $5 a Gallon?” Edition
Iran’s Hormuz Strait closure causes oil prices to skyrocket while U.S. war aims remain opaque; Noem loses her job as DHS builds massive ICE detention centers; and the Trump administration escalates efforts to subvert the midterms.
Bonus: Bombs at Gracie and a Post that Bombed
Two American teenagers cite ISIS as inspiration for attacking protestors in NYC with homemade bombs.
The “What’s the Point of the Iran War?” Edition
The US and Israel go to war with Iran with no endgame in sight; Talarico wins his Texas primary while Republicans head to a runoff; and the Trump DOJ embarrasses itself against Big Law firms who never capitulated.
Bonus: “John Adams Took a Tankard of Hard Cider with His Breakfast Every Day”
The Supreme Court appears likely to strike down a law banning drug users from possessing guns.
The “State of the Union is Endless” Edition
Trump delivers a belligerent State of the Union to a sharply divided Congress; the Supreme Court strikes down the president’s sweeping tariffs in a major rebuke; and the Pentagon issues an ultimatum to Anthropic AI.
Bonus: The Crossover Candidate and the Feisty Fighter
James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett compete in the Texas Senate Democratic primary.
The “Prince-No-More Andrew Pays His Epstein Price” Edition
Accountability comes for former Prince Andrew and some others with Epstein associations, but clearly not all; a new oral history archive and interviews refocus a spotlight on Obama; and a federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s effort to remove slavery exhibits from a Philadelphia historical site.
Bonus: Whose Choice Was This, Really?
Colbert accuses CBS of preemptively caving to FCC threats over Talarico interview
The “LIVE from Washington, DC!” Edition
Rep. Jamie Raskin unpacks the AG Pam Bondi hearing with gusto; Trump remakes DC in his own image; and the complexities of patriotism at the Olympics.
Bonus: Signal Your Neighbors into a Network
The hosts answer audience questions about investigative reporting on judicial institutions, the Framers’ assumptions about electing leaders, and new ways to be politically involved.
The “Is the Melania Movie a Bribe?” Edition
The Washington Post guts its newsroom while owner Jeff Bezos and Amazon lavish unheard-of sums on Melania “documentary;” Trump calls for “nationalized elections;” and DOJ releases over 3 million new Epstein files.
Bonus: Most of Us Are Inconsistent and Hypocritical
Anti-government militia leader Ammon Bundy speaks out for individual liberty against ICE tactics in stark contrast with his militant former allies.
The “De-ICEing” Edition
Protests accelerate and Trump supporters split after Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti was shockingly killed in the street by federal agents; political leaders waffle on constitutional rights and conservative principles in the aftermath; and a new biography traces the political evolution and influence of Tucker Carlson.
Bonus: When the Addictive Algorithm Raises Our Kids
High-stakes social media addiction trial begins over consumer protection and free speech.
The “Greenland War Averted” Edition
Trump walks back threats of force and tariffs to take Greenland after creating perilous cracks in NATO; the Supreme Court hears arguments on Fed independence; and a year inside the FBI under Kash Patel.
Bonus: Josh Shapiro Has Scores to Settle
Pennsylvania governor’s new memoir sets up likely run for president.
The “Can Trump Cow Powell?” Edition
Fed Chair Powell pushes back after the president goes nuclear with a pressure campaign; escalating ICE invasion of Minnesota creates tinderbox; and the Trump administration sows doubt about voting ahead of midterms.
Bonus: The Tension Between Fairness and Inclusion
SCOTUS hears arguments in cases about state bans on transgender kids in sports
The “Seize and Sell” Edition
Trump administration plans to “run” Venezuela after US military operation captures Maduro; ICE agent kills Minnesota woman after fraud scandal leads to immigration enforcement surge; and federal health officials abruptly change recommended childhood vaccinations.
Bonus: Grok is Elon Musk’s Id
Musk’s Grok chatbot makes sexualized images of women and children at user prompts
The “Susie Wiles is a Sane Enabler” Edition
Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles gives an astounding interview to Vanity Fair; new unemployment data shows the impact of tariffs and immigration policies; and the complexities of antisemitism in America.
Bonus: The “2025 Conundrums!” Edition
Emily, John, David, and special guest Stephen Colbert close 2025 by answering listeners’ questions of all kinds.
The “Civilizational Erasure” Edition
Massively important cases arrive at the Supreme Court; the Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy ignores real threats to focus on Europe; and a strange battle unfolds over Warner Bros.
Bonus: Your Milk is More Expensive Than Mine
Instacart’s AI-enabled grocery pricing experiments can inflate prices and create disparities.
The “Kill Them All” Edition
US officials debate who to blame for the military killing of shipwrecked alleged drug smugglers; Democrats celebrate despite losing a special election in Tennessee; and the future of self-driving cars.
Bonus: Zero Grade to Free Speech “Hero”
Course instructor put on leave after Oklahoma college student flunks gender essay.
The “Is This the End of the Trump Era?” Edition
The Trump DOJ keeps blatantly lying in court; Mamdani and Trump have a surprisingly amiable meeting; and more cracks appear in MAGA world as factions jockey for a post-Trump future.
Bonus: The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You
The Department of Transportation tries to promote the “return of civility” to air travel with new video.
The “DOJ Is DOA” Edition
Trump’s Department of Justice systematically destroys justice norms at light speed; the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia visits the US; and Trump loses control of the narrative as the Epstein files saga catches fire.
Bonus: How Close Is Too Close?
Political reporters Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza revive RFK Jr. relationship scandal with competing accounts and high drama.