The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Cover It Up! Nov 21, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, the election cannot be reversed in Trump's favor.

In the interview, comedian, actor, author, and activist Sarah Silverman joins Mike to talk about career, her characters, and how she is still learning from some controversial missteps taken along the way. Silverman candidly discusses her views on why Americans are so politically divided and why she thinks we ought to work together towards implementing progressive legislation. Her newest project, a podcast where she responds no-holds-barred to listener voicemails, is called The Sarah Silverman Show.

In the spiel, stopping disinformation at the source.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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No Redress for the Wicked Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Rudy Giuliani keeps trying.

In the interview, Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith are here to talk about their new book After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency. Goldsmith, former White House counsel for the George W. Bush administration, and Bauer, former Obama counsel, discuss what work needs to be done to move past the Trump presidency. They share their differing views on the efficacy of prosecuting Trump's actions in office after Biden steps into the role, and the two explain how this isn't the first time the office of the presidency has needed to be repaired.

In the spiel, Kyle Rittenhouse and the Proud Boys.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Carried Away Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, how Governors Cuomo and Newsom are responding to the second wave.

In the interview, it's part two of Mike's conversation with The Dispatch's senior editor David French about his new book Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. French discusses the principles of pluralism, how some choose to decry tribalism and then default to using pluralism as a tactic. French also details some examples of it actually working as well as when it has led to friction.

In the spiel, performatively exercising your second amendment rights.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Warp Speed Worked Nov 18, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, there is a lot of uncertainty between now and January.

In the interview, we share part one of Mike's conversation with David French about his new book Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. French argues that reconciling differences within the U.S. is more than just bridging political divides. Opposing identities require broad ideological coalitions in government that seek to soothe cemented divisions and heal citizens who feel disenfranchised. Part two of the interview is tomorrow.

In the spiel, giving credit where credit is due.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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A Safe Thanksgiving? Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, facing electoral consequences.

In the interview, Roxanne Khamsi, a science writer and contributor to WIRED, joins Mike to talk about Covid-19 social distancing, mask policies, lockdown, and preparedness in the U.S. and Canada. As America approaches the start of the holidays, Khamsi shares some new data—based off of individuals isolated on offshore oil drilling rigs—that provides some guidance on testing twice and how it may help shorten the 14-day quarantine period.

In the spiel, the Latino vote.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Democrat Divergence? Nov 14, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Democrats seeing compromise as a defeat.

In the interview, political commentator Jess McIntosh talks with Mike about the fight within the Democratic party about whose messaging matters. They discuss the merits of centrist and progressive language, how important it is to have members of Congress who are further left than Biden, and why Republicans villainize Democrats regardless of the language they use. McIntosh is co-host of Signal Boost on Sirius XM.

In the spiel, listener concerns.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Home Is a Construct Nov 13, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, more of Trump's inner circle test positive for Covid-19.

In the interview, writer and urban policy specialist Diana Lind is here to talk about her new book Brave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing. She and Mike discuss how the single-family home arose in the U.S. as a part of the American dream, if it's really making us any happier to live that way, and what sorts of legal roadblocks currently prevent a variety of housing options from proliferating across the country.

In the spiel, Rudy on the radio.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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No Coup for You Nov 12, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump tries a coup.

In the interview, former federal prosecutor, legal scholar and law professor Mark Osler joins Mike to talk about the presidential power of pardoning, granting clemency, a benign prerogative that is slanted towards mercy and not retribution. They discuss what might happen in the next few months with Trump's final days in office.

In the spiel, who elected Biden?

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Jeopardy, A Beloved Tradition Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, brokered by Russia.

In the interview, Claire McNear joins Mike to talk about her new book Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! In it, McNear explains the history of the game, what it takes to be a contestant and maintain a storied winning streak, and how so much of Jeopardy's DNA came from its late host - Alex Trebek. Claire is a staff writer at The Ringer.

In the spiel, former deputy FBI director Andrew McCabe testifies.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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The News Normal Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, getting back to normal.

In the interview, WHYY's Katie Meyer is here to discuss Pennsylvania politics with Mike. They talk about how the changes in voting collection and counting changed in the state during 2020, why it caused such national turmoil, and if Republican meddling even helped their strategy at all.

In the spiel, anchors having too many opinions.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.