The Gist

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The Problem With Mark Kirk Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

Eric Zorn from the Chicago Tribune joins Mike to discuss two contentious races happening in Illinois this year that could swing the balance of power in Congress. Incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk is trailing badly to his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth. And in the 10th congressional district, Rep. Bob Dold is facing a tight battle against his predecessor, Brad Schneider. Both races showcase an increasingly rare breed in Congress: the moderate Republican. In The Spiel, what Halloween can tell us about partisan politics. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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A Governor You Can Make a Beer With Oct 28, 2016

Show notes

Today we're reaching into The Gist's vault to bring you two favorite segments from the past year. First, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper explains why he saw the movie Deep Throat with his mother and reflects on his state's move to legalize marijuana. Hickenlooper's book is called The Opposite of Woe: My Life in Beer and Politics.

For the Spiel, why are we so scared when we hear talk of a rigged election?

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Mike Debates His Former Producer About Dating Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

We are dating longer. We are dating differently. Is it making us happier? Mike's not buying it. Former Gist producer Andrea Silenzi wades into an impromptu debate about dating today.

Check out Andrea's new show, Why Oh Why, a Panoply podcast about dating and relationships. Andy Miccolis created Why Oh Why's theme music, included in today's show.

For the Spiel, Donald Trump's surrogates.

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Dan Savage Diagnoses Donald Trump Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

Does Trump so need women that he despises them? On The Gist, love and sex advice columnist Dan Savage considers Trump's misogyny. Savage also clears the air about his withering criticism of Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein and gives third-party enthusiasts a reality check: "Elect some congressmen, elect a governor, and then we can talk about who you're running for president." Savage hosts the Savage Lovecast and writes for the Stranger.

In the Spiel, poor old Admiral Kuznetsov.

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Adam Tries to Ruin a Horrible Election Oct 25, 2016

Show notes

America's favorite debunker, Adam Conover, takes on the election in his TruTV special. Conover, famous for "Adam Ruins Everything," talks to Mike about how comedians can change society, and the limits of satire as an art form. Conover's special airs Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 9 p.m.

For the Spiel, what America was like the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.

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The Case Against Dropping College Debt Oct 21, 2016

Show notes

No to a student loan bailout. No to debt-free state schools. Prepare to be enlightened, if a bit disheartened, as our friend Adam Davidson explains why eliminating college debt falls short of solving the country's inequality crisis. Davidson is a contributing writer for the New Yorker. For the Spiel, it's another Lobstar of the Antentwig. Today's sponsor: Placemakers, a new Slate podcast made possible by JPMorgan Chase. This podcast tells the stories of neighborhoods, businesses, and nonprofits that are working together to move their communities forward. Download and subscribe to Placemakers wherever you get your podcasts. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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Do the Best and Brightest Ever Become President? Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

On The Gist, former Daily Show head writer Elliott Kalan talks about his new Audible series Presidents are People Too! Kalan looks at the reasons so many mediocre candidates make it the White House, and tries to find something to admire in our crappiest commanders-in-chief. Kalan says watching this year's presidential election while studying American political history has been sobering. Think America has never been more divided? Congressmen used to cane each other in the 1850s.

Today's sponsors:

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And by InterContinental Hotels and Resorts. Take a multisensory journey into the InterContinental life, and discover stories that will excite your curiosity by going to intercontinental.com/life.

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Rapid Response: Cirque du Debate Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

The first fifty minutes felt…strange. Calm. Like a real debate. Then Chris Wallace asked if Trump would recognize the election as legitimate. Mike Pesca was in the spin room after the third and final presidential showdown.

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Jill Stein Pitches a Green Foreign Policy Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

On The Gist, Green Party candidate Jill Stein lays out her foreign policy. She debates Mike Pesca about Hillary Clinton, Yemen, and America's use of force. Stein believes the United States is closer to nuclear war than ever, including the Cold War. She explains how de-escalating nuclear tensions with Russia should take priority, and how neither of the major party candidates is up to the job. This year marks Stein's second run for the presidency.

Today's sponsors: The Gist is brought to you by Winc, formerly known as Club W. With Winc, you get top quality wine delivered right to your door. For $20 off your first order, go to trywinc.com/gist. And by Basecamp, a cloud-based system with tools to help you get work done in a sane, organized way. Try it for free today at basecamp.com/gist. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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How Do You Prep to Debate a Dumpster Fire? Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

On The Gist, Jonathan Prince has helped candidates such as Bill Clinton and John Edwards prep for high-stakes debates. Now, he's got some advice for Hillary Clinton as she faces round No. 3 with the most unpredictable candidate of the modern era. Prince has worked for the Clinton and Obama administrations, but now he's the head of communications for Spotify. For the Spiel, how do you rig the most well-observed election on Earth? The answer is: You don't.

Today's sponsors: Squarespace. Start your free trial today at Squarespace.com and enter offer code gist to get 10 percent off your first purchase. And by Betterment, the largest automated investing service. Get up to six months of investing FREE when you go to Betterment.com/gist. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.

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