Emily, John and David discuss the unseemly rush to replace Justice Ginsburg, the coming presidential debates, and 200,000 COVID-19 deaths.Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:Emily Bazelon for the New York Times Magazine: “Why Ruth Bader Ginsburg Refused to Step Down”The Long Game by Mitch McConnell Thomas B. Edsall for the New York Times: “Five Things Biden and His Allies Should Be Worried About”Linda Chavez for the New York Times: “Democrats, You Can’t Count On the Hispanic Vote”John Dickerson for the Atlantic: “The Slow-Fingered President”

Here are this week’s cocktail chatters: Emily: Shaila Dewan for the New York Times: “Few Police Officers Who Cause Deaths Are Charged or Convicted”; Michael Tanenbaum for Philly Voice: “Pennsylvania's 'Naked Ballot' Ruling Will 'Cause Electoral Chaos,' Philly Commissioner Warns”

John: Tariro Mzezewa for the New York Times: “The Flight Goes Nowhere. And It’s Sold Out.”

David: Tara Parker-Pope for the New York Times: “Does Wearing Glasses Protect You From Coronavirus?”

Listener chatter from Katerina Barry: Mike Pomranz for Food & Wine: “Italy's 'Wine Windows' Were a Product of the Plague—Now They're Making a Comeback”

Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on the Gabfest each week, and access to special bonus episodes throughout the year. Sign up now to listen and support our show. For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, David, and John discuss where they’ve found moments of peace amidst the chaos.

You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. Tweet us your cocktail chatter using #cocktailchatter. (Messages may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)The email address for the Political Gabfest is [email protected]. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Jocelyn Frank.Research and show notes by Bridgette Dunlap.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices