On the Gist, Trump attempts to convince the MAGA nation to wear masks.

In the interview, journalist Anne Applebaum is here to talk about her new book Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. She and Mike discuss how democracies can give way to authoritarian leaders, the delicacy of political systems, and how essential our institutions are for protecting a functioning government.

In the spiel, what’s happening in Portland, Oregon.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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