The Gabfest: #SOTU recap, old politicians and Pope Benedict’s retirement, and Obama’s universal preschool plan.

The Political Gabfest on Obama’s State of the Union and the Pope’s Retirement

The Political Gabfest on Obama’s State of the Union and the Pope’s Retirement

Slate's weekly political roundtable.
Feb. 15 2013 3:27 PM

The Send Them to the Glue Factory Gabfest

Listen to Slate's show about the State of the Union address, whether some politicians should follow the pope’s lead and retire, and the president’s new emphasis on education reform.

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Live Political Gabfest—New York, Mar. 21, at 92Y. Tickets and additional information.  

Special offer for Gabfest listeners! Pre-order Emily’s new book, Sticks and Stones, before Feb. 19 and receive a signed book plate. Plus, you’ll be entered in a raffle for other Gabfest prizes!  Additional information.

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Live Event—Washington, D.C., Feb. 27, at Sixth and I. Emily talks about her new book, Sticks and Stones, with Russell Shaw, Head of School at Georgetown Day School. Tickets and additional information.  

On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, John Dickerson, Emily Bazelon, and David Plotz discuss President Obama's State of the Union address, the lessons aging politicians might learn from Pope Benedict’s surprise retirement, and the president’s emphasis on new directions for education reform—including universal(ish) preschool.

Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week's show:

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John chatters about Hangover Heaven.

Emily chatters about HBO’s Girls – she frowns at a few male bloggers at Slate and gives props to Patrick Wilson’s wife, Dagmara Dominczyk

Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Mike Vuolo. Links compiled by Jeff Friedrich. Executive produced by Andy Bowers.