Pretend I'm on the Ballot
Summary
Hosts David Plotz, Emily Bazelon, and John Dickerson analyze Trump’s midterm convention and the political chaos surrounding mail-in voting and Missouri redistricting. They interview Jacob Weisberg, author of *Profiles in Cowardice*, to discuss why prominent figures like Jeff Bezos and Brad Karp capitulated to Trump’s pressure. The episode concludes with reflections on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and its lasting impact on the world.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Slate Plus promotion
Analysis of the RNC and Trump's political strategy
Midterm election dynamics and Democratic candidates
Legal chaos in Missouri and election integrity concerns
Advice for voters and the generic ballot
Interview with Jacob Weisberg on 'Profiles in Cowardice'
Case studies: Big Law, Harvard, and corporate capitulation
Moral courage vs. institutional self-preservation
Psychology of bullying and media figures like Kelly
25th Anniversary of 9/11: Memories and unity
How 9/11 shifted US foreign policy and civil liberties
Cocktail Chatter: Census changes and new books
Cocktail Chatter: ICE incident and US Open tennis
Cocktail Chatter: AI, movies, and ecological threats
Closing and Slate Plus subscription reminder
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