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How New York Democrats Blew It Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

After bracing themselves for a “red wave,” the Democrats will keep their Senate majority after the midterms. However, the Republicans will likely, narrowly take the House, thanks in part to gains made in deep blue New York State. How did the party bungle this so badly? And why do some Democrats say it’s Andrew Cuomo’s fault?

Guest: Jimmy Vielkind, reporter for the Wall Street Journal covering New York State politics and government.

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The Far Right’s Alarming Rise in Israel Nov 14, 2022

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Though just last year he was ousted from office amidst corruption charges, Benjamin Netanyahu has returned to power, leading a coalition of three hard right-wing parties. Palestinians inside Israel are concerned that some of their leaders are now emboldened in their goal of expelling Arabs from the country.

Guest: Peter Beinart, professor of journalism and political science at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York and an editor-at-large at Jewish Currents.

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Is This The Cryptocalypse? Nov 13, 2022

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The (once) third-largest cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, collapsed in stunning fashion this week, highlighting why consumers really do want regulation, and why old financial institutions remain wary of crypto.

Guest: Felix Salmon, host of Slate Money, chief financial correspondent for Axios.

Host: Lizzie O’Leary

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work.

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Senator Chris Murphy on Elon's Acquisition of Twitter Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

The second largest investor in Twitter, after Elon Musk, is the Saudis, which raises questions about what kinds of “free speech” Musk is really committed to. But it also raises questions around national security in the U.S.

Guest: Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator from Connecticut

Host: Lizzie O’Leary

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Did Trump Crash the Red Wave? Nov 10, 2022

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The dust still hasn’t settled from the midterm elections. But some themes have begun emerging: the GOP underperformed; the right to abortion won on state-level votes; Florida has gone red, but Democrats won gubernatorial races across the old “blue wall.” And it may be time for Republicans to consider who they are, apart from the party of Trump.

Guest: Jamelle Bouie, columnist at the New York Times.

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What Texas' Attacks on Trans Healthcare Did to One Family Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

As Texas laws have become more discriminatory against trans individuals and their families, many wonder if they can even stay in the Lone Star State, especially when parents could be investigated as child abusers for providing healthcare to their children. This family made the difficult decision to move to Colorado.

Guests:

Katie Laird, social justice blogger.

Noah Laird, high school junior.

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The Frightening Rise in Political Violence Nov 08, 2022

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Paul Pelosi joined a growing list of Congress members and their families who have been targets of violent political attacks. What can be done about the growing safety risk of being in the public eye? And what does living under threat do to the people charged with running the government?

Guest: Liz Goodwin, Congress reporter at the Washington Post.

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How the Dems Win Back the Rust Belt Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

Trump won Ohio handily, and it’s been expected that JD Vance would cruise into a Senate seat this fall. But Democratic candidate Tim Ryan seems to have struck a chord with the very demographics that have been drifting away from his party. Does he have what it takes to win in Trump country? And could his success be replicated across the Midwest?

Guest: Alec MacGillis, politics and government reporter at ProPublica.

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Why Are So Many Little Kids Sick Right Now? Nov 06, 2022

Show notes

It’s been a rough autumn for parents of little kids, as non-COVID respiratory diseases are taking advantage of the first fall since 2019 where schools and daycares are full again, and America’s strained pediatric health care system is once again put to the test.

Guest: Katherine Wu, science writer for The Atlantic.

Host: Lizzie O’Leary.

Podcast production by Madeline Ducharme.

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So How’s It Going, Elon? Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

One week in as head honcho of Twitter and Elon Musk is in a tight spot: how do you balance the desires of advertisers with your ostensible zeal for free speech? How do you make something for which you’ve already overpaid turn a profit? How do you convince Stephen King to pony up for a blue check?

Guest: Alex Kirshner, contributing writer at Slate.

Host: Lizzie O’Leary

Podcast production by Madeline Ducharme.

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