The Gist: Barton Swaim on speechwriting for Mark Sanford, and Jeffrey Lewis on the Iran deal.

To Be Frank, Our Look at Hackneyed Conventions of Political Speeches Speaks Volumes

To Be Frank, Our Look at Hackneyed Conventions of Political Speeches Speaks Volumes

Slate
The Gist
A daily news and culture podcast with Mike Pesca.
Aug. 6 2015 6:34 PM

How to Survive Mark Sanford

Political speechwriter Barton Swaim reveals what it was like to work for the South Carolina Republican, hiking enthusiast, and serial mangler of rhetorical clichés.

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Mark Sanford
What was it like to work in Sanford’s office when he was the governor of South Carolina?

Photo by Davis Turner/Getty Images.

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Today on The Gist, Barton Swaim gives us a glimpse inside the world of a certain former governor of South Carolina. Swain’s new book is called The Speechwriter. Plus, Dr. Jeffrey Lewis responds to lingering criticisms of the Iran nuclear deal. Lewis hosts Mike’s favorite arms podcast, Arms Control Wonk. For the Spiel, advice for the last Republican on stage at Thursday night’s Fox News presidential primary debates.

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Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.