Are We Really Still Talking About Crowd Size?
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The episode begins with introductions, welcoming David Plots, Emily Vazlon, and Marin Cogan as hosts. The hosts discuss the potential impact of misinformation, disinformation, and stolen information on the 2024 presidential campaign, comparing it to the 2016 election's email leaks. They then explore the challenges of running on vibes in a campaign dominated by misinformation and the need for Kamala Harris to establish a clear policy platform and personal identity. Marin Cogan discusses her recent Vox article about America's new gun culture, highlighting the surge in gun ownership during the pandemic and the demographic shift among new gun buyers. The hosts explore the implications of this trend for gun policy and the challenges of addressing gun violence in a society where guns are increasingly ubiquitous. The hosts discuss the recent decline in violent crime rates across the US, particularly in DC, and explore the potential reasons for this trend. They acknowledge the challenges of reconciling this decline with the increased rate of gun ownership and discuss the need for a multi-generational approach to gun policy. Emily Vazlon shares her thoughts on two essays she read about the relationship between political activism, art, and life, highlighting the tension between political ideology and the complexities of human experience. Marin Cogan discusses her experience living in Switzerland and the role of free cultural events in creating a pleasant urban environment. David Plots discusses the story of a massive iceberg stuck in a vortex in the Southern Ocean, using it as a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties of life. He reflects on the feeling of being stuck in place despite striving for progress and the mystery of life's unexpected turns.
Outlines
Misinformation, Gun Culture, and the Future of America
This episode of Gap Fest explores the impact of misinformation on the 2024 election, the challenges of defining oneself as a presidential candidate, the rise of gun ownership in America, and the need for a multi-generational approach to gun policy.
The 2024 Election and the Threat of Misinformation
The hosts discuss the potential impact of misinformation, disinformation, and stolen information on the 2024 presidential campaign, comparing it to the 2016 election's email leaks. They explore the challenges of running on vibes in a campaign dominated by misinformation and the need for Kamala Harris to establish a clear policy platform and personal identity.
America's New Gun Culture and the Challenges of Gun Policy
Marin Cogan discusses her recent Vox article about America's new gun culture, highlighting the surge in gun ownership during the pandemic and the demographic shift among new gun buyers. The hosts explore the implications of this trend for gun policy and the challenges of addressing gun violence in a society where guns are increasingly ubiquitous.
Declining Violent Crime Rates and the Need for a Multi-Generational Approach to Gun Policy
The hosts discuss the recent decline in violent crime rates across the US, particularly in DC, and explore the potential reasons for this trend. They acknowledge the challenges of reconciling this decline with the increased rate of gun ownership and discuss the need for a multi-generational approach to gun policy.
Political Activism, Art, and Life
Emily Vazlon shares her thoughts on two essays she read about the relationship between political activism, art, and life, highlighting the tension between political ideology and the complexities of human experience.
Free Cultural Events and Urban Planning
Marin Cogan discusses her experience living in Switzerland and the role of free cultural events in creating a pleasant urban environment. She highlights the importance of celebrating everyday life and the value of accessible cultural experiences for residents.
The Metaphor of the Iceberg
David Plots discusses the story of a massive iceberg stuck in a vortex in the Southern Ocean, using it as a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties of life. He reflects on the feeling of being stuck in place despite striving for progress and the mystery of life's unexpected turns.
Keywords
Misinformation
False or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally, often due to a lack of knowledge or understanding. It can be harmful because it can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of trust in reliable sources.
Disinformation
Deliberately false or misleading information that is spread with the intent to deceive or manipulate. It is often used to sow discord, undermine trust, and influence public opinion.
Gun Culture
The attitudes, beliefs, and practices surrounding firearms in a particular society. It can include factors such as the prevalence of gun ownership, the role of guns in popular culture, and the laws and regulations governing firearms.
Gun Policy
The laws, regulations, and policies that govern the ownership, use, and sale of firearms. It can include measures such as background checks, waiting periods, and restrictions on the types of firearms that can be purchased.
Political Activism
The practice of engaging in activities that aim to influence political decisions or policies. It can include activities such as voting, protesting, lobbying, and donating to political campaigns.
Urban Planning
The process of designing and developing urban areas. It involves considering factors such as transportation, housing, infrastructure, and public spaces.
Q&A
How is the 2024 election shaping up in terms of misinformation and disinformation compared to 2016?
While misinformation and disinformation are still prevalent, the hosts believe they may be less potent this time due to increased awareness and a more informed public. However, they acknowledge the potential for these tactics to continue to influence certain segments of the population.
What are the challenges of defining oneself as a presidential candidate in a campaign dominated by misinformation?
The hosts discuss the need for candidates to establish a clear policy platform and personal identity to stand out from the noise of misinformation. They also highlight the difficulty of navigating a polarized political landscape and the potential for policy proposals to create divisions among supporters.
What are the implications of the surge in gun ownership during the pandemic for gun policy and the future of gun violence in the US?
The hosts acknowledge the challenges of addressing gun violence in a society where guns are increasingly ubiquitous. They discuss the need for a multi-generational approach to gun policy, focusing on effective measures like red flag laws and community violence intervention programs.
Show Notes
This week, Emily Bazelon and David Plotz are joined by Marin Cogan of Vox to discuss how the media is reporting on election disinformation and misinformation and Donald Trump’s lies; Vice President Kamala Harris defining Candidate Kamala Harris; and more guns, less violent crime.
Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:
Marin Cogan for Vox: What happens when everyone decides they need a gun? and Nicole Narea: Violent crime is plummeting. Why?
Here are this week’s chatters:
Emily: Xochitl Gonzalez for The Atlantic: To Save The World, My Mother Abandoned Me and Phil Klay for The New York Times Magazine: Artists and Activists Both Have a Role. But Not the Same One.
Marin: Switzerland Events; Geneva Events Calendar; and Berner Zibelemärit (Onion Market)
David: Will Sullivan for Smithsonian Magazine: The World’s Largest Iceberg Is Stuck in a Spinning Ocean Vortex and NASA: Iceberg A23a in the Southern Ocean, Antarctica
Listener chatter from Simon Jones in Paris, France: Evan Ratliff’s Shell Game podcast
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, David, Emily, and Marin talk about pets and babies. See Anonymous in The Cut: Why Did I Stop Loving My Cat When I Had a Baby?.
In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with Roland Allen about his book, The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper.
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Ethan Oberman
Research by Julie Huygen
Hosts
Marin Cogan, Emily Bazelon, and David Plotz
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