The Gist

Latest Episodes:

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.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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The Democrat Debrief Nov 07, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Democrats practiced caution and Republicans jumped into the deep end.

In the interview, Emily Bazelon and Mike recap election week, its days-long outcome, and our current reality with the two candidates. Bazelon writes for the New York Times magazine, co-hosts Slate's Political Gabfest, and is the author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration.

In the spiel, what is the Democratic Party's way forward?

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Daniel Schroeder.

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That Election Feeling Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, election feelings.

In the interview, Lawfare's Benjamin Wittes is here as we continue working through the results after election day. He and Mike discuss how the next few months could play out, what a transition might look like, and the ways Trump is considering fighting dirty. Wittes is the author of Unmaking the Presidency: Donald Trump's War on the World's Most Powerful Office.

In the spiel, the Trafalgar group got too much wrong.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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The Day After Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, misguided Americans.

In the interview, Mike talks with Slate's senior politics writer Jim Newell about the house races, what the democrat incumbents did wrong and why things appear to be a lot more like 2016, and theorizing that a republican controlled senate is what Biden actually wants. Plus, Jim and Mike's thoughts on Mississippi's new state flag.

In the spiel, how much does Fox News' framing matter?

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Election Night 2020 Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, the system is antiquated.

In the interview, Mike talks with Anne Applebaum, author of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism, about America's future after election day. They talk about the small but concerning ways the country could slide towards a dictatorship, and how Trump's tactics have made people less willing to believe in the power of democracy.

In the spiel, a lot is on the ballot.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Fear the Shy Trump Voter? Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, caravans of Trump supporters.

In the interview, Mike talks with NPR's media correspondent David Folkenflik on the organization's decision to sidestep coverage of the Hunter Biden allegations. He and Mike discuss ways major news outlets covered the story, why it never got much traction, and what goes into evaluating a story's worth.

In the spiel, Trafalgar Group's polling predictions.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Broadband Is Not A Luxury Oct 31, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump in Michigan.

In the interview, Mike talks with former governor of Florida Jeb Bush about his push for access to national broadband internet access. He argues that high-speed internet in the U.S. is lagging compared to other industrialized countries. Now more than ever, digital infrastructure has become a critical resource to the economy, as well as our nation's security. Read Gov. Bush's piece in Slate published in early October.

In the spiel, painting Trump in a terrible light.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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