Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Ebola Czar, Gamergate, and a History of Scary Clowns
President Obama’s new “Ebola czar,” Ron Klain, doesn’t have a healthcare background. Does it matter? Also, a history of scary clowns in pop culture.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenPresident Obama appointed Ron Klain, a veteran political operative, as the so-called Ebola czar today. Does Klain’s lack of healthcare expertise matter? Then, we get a rundown of highlights on the Nov. 4 California ballot. Next up, we get an explainer on “Gamergate,” a controversy over the harassment of women who criticize the male-dominated world of online gaming. In our weekly film segment, we hear about the latest box office offerings including Fury and Birdman. And finally, why are clowns so scary?
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In this episode
5 storiesThe New “Ebola Czar”
President Obama appointed Ron Klain as the administration’s so-called Ebola czar today, putting him in charge of coordinating the government’s response to the virus. Klain served as chief of staff to Vice President Biden and former Vice President Al Gore, but doesn’t have a healthcare background. Is that a problem?
Read the story8 minSizing Up California’s Ballot
On Nov. 4, California voters will go to the polls to decide state, congressional, and local races, along with a handful of propositions. We hear about some highlights, and why we should get to our polling places on election day.
Read the story7 minWhy #Gamergate Isn’t About Games
Feminist Anita Sarkeesian was scheduled to give a speech at the University of Utah this week on misogyny in video games. But the talk never happened. The school had received multiple threats on Sarkeesian’s life, and she cancelled the event after learning there were no plans to increase campus security.
Read the story11 minBirdman, Fury, and More
On Friday, we talk movies in our weekly film roundup. On the docket this week: Birdman, Fury, The Book of Life, and more.
Read the story11 minA History of Scary Clowns
The new season of the FX series American Horror Story: Freak Show adds the homicidal Twisty to the canon of terrifying clowns. Professional clowns are not happy about it. We hear about the long history of scary clowns in pop culture, and the psychology behind why they freak us out so much.
Read the story9 min
