Pantsuit Politics

Rahm Emanuel came ready to talk — and y'all, we were ready. This conversation covers the education crisis in America (which I don’t think a single person in this audience needs to be convinced about), what Mississippi actually did to turn things around, why Rahm closed schools in Chicago and would do it again, and what a real federal education strategy could look like. We also got into fiscal reality, political will, phones in classrooms, the debt we owe to community colleges, and whether the next president should come in like FDR or like a triage nurse. Plus: Rahm's near-death experience at 17, coffee in bed, and empty nest advice. — Sarah

Topics Discussed


The Education Crisis: Why We Know What to Do and Won’t Do It (science of reading, phonics, the Mississippi Marathon)


High School Reform, Community Colleges, and the “Learn, Plan, Succeed” Framework


Phones, Screens, and What We’ve Abdicated to the Algorithm


School Closures, Political Will, and Owning Tough Decisions


Outside of Politics: Swimming, Coffee in Bed, and Raising Boys

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Sarah and Beth respond to the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, examining what it — alongside a pervasive anti-authority mood across American life — reveals about the state of our social contract. Outside of Politics, they reflect on Spotify's 20th anniversary list of its all-time most-streamed artists and songs.

What does it mean to truly value free speech? Sarah and Beth discuss the controversy around Sharon McMahon speaking at Utah Valley University, the EO designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, and more. Plus, what leisure activities are actually worth it?

Topics Discussed:
Sharon McMahon and Utah Valley University
The Antifa Executive Order
The Prairieland Nine prosecution
Chip Roy’s MAMDANI Act
The Southern Poverty Law Center indictment
Cancel culture and the criminalization of speech
Outside of Politics: Leisure - what we regret and what we happily pay for
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What does it mean to truly value free speech? Sarah and Beth discuss the controversy around Sharon McMahon speaking at Utah Valley University, the EO designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, and more. Plus, what leisure activities are actually worth it?

Topics Discussed:

Sharon McMahon and Utah Valley University 

The Antifa Executive Order 

The Prairieland Nine prosecution 

Chip Roy’s MAMDANI Act 

The Southern Poverty Law Center indictment 

Cancel culture and the criminalization of speech 

Outside of Politics: Leisure - what we regret and what we happily pay for

Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.

Sarah and Beth unpack the bombshell New York Times investigation linking the shadow docket to Chief Justice John Roberts, assess the erratic messaging around day 53 of the war in Iran, and close with reflections on what a week out West in the national parks can do for your spirit.

Topics Discussed:


The Roberts Court and the Shadow Docket

Day 53 of the War in Iran: The Commander-in-Chief Question


Section 702 and FISA


Outside of Politics: Big Skies and Big Silence for Spring Break

Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.