The United States was a grand compromise, one created out of common views of rights and government power. Professor Rob McDonald of West Point discusses what that means.
A popular voucher program may come to an end unless it is reauthorized -- something this year’s federal omnibus spending bill failed to do. Jason Bedrick offers his analysis.
On The Gist, the big news from Zimbabwe. Then, Mike asks Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker what can be done to fight off a common cold. Maria’s new book The Confidence Game is now available for preorder. For the Spiel, we welcome friendly carolers into the studio to perform a new holiday classic.
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On The Gist, a look back at major news stories made possible by data leaks and analysis. Too bad there’s no award for data … or is there? Jody Avirgan from the FiveThirtyEight podcast What’s the Point joins us to share the winners and losers of various data-related awards for 2015. For the Spiel, we’re all a bunch of stinking political hypocrites.
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Americans at present have little appetite for wars of choice, but debates among presidential candidates reflect a very different consensus. Chris Preble comments.
On The Gist, Mike has a song in his heart about Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Listeners sensitive to Mike’s singing should tune out around 25:40. But first, has conceal-and-carry helped armed civilians defend themselves against criminals with guns? It turns out this happens. Our guest John Lott is the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center. He’s the author of More Guns, Less Crime. For the Spiel, if you like Star Wars films then you’ll definitely like Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Today’s sponsors:
Berries. Fresh berries dipped in chocolate, starting at just $19.99, are a great last-minute gift, and double your berries for just 10 bucks. Visit berries.com, click on the microphone, and use the code GIST.
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Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.
The current immigration debate has turned nativist. The new, uglier debate centers on barring immigration, not expanding it. Alex Nowrasteh and Bryan Caplan comment.