Emily, John and David discuss the Democrats’ virtual convention, the U.S. Postal Service, and the bipartisan Senate report exposing more Trump ties to Russia. Here are some notes and references from this week’s show: PowerToThePolls.org Vote-absentee.com Election Protection Hotline Here are this week’s cocktail chatters: John: Keith Johnston for Independent Voter News: “The 18th-Century Reason Biden's VP Pick Should Be a Night Owl” Emily: Claire Cain Miller for the New York Times: “‘I’m Only One Human Being’: Parents Brace for a Go-It-Alone School Year” David: Shtisel  Listener Rich Bravo: “Hieronymus Bosch Butt Music”  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 talk about the first concerts they attended. 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 gabfest@slate.com. (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