The Adam Friedland Show JON FAVREAU Talks Obama, Bin Laden, ICE
10 snips
Jan 22, 2026 
Jon Favreau, former senior speechwriter for President Obama and co-founder of Crooked Media, shares his journey from editing Obama's speeches to founding a political media platform. He reflects on crafting memorable speeches, including Obama's victory address, and the intense atmosphere of the White House. The discussion dives into key issues like gun control, immigration reform, and building a Democratic coalition, all while emphasizing the importance of moral leadership in politics. Jon's insights highlight the challenges and triumphs of shaping American political discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
First Encounter That Changed A Career
- Jon Favreau describes sneaking into Barack Obama’s practice to remove a line for John Kerry and then rewriting it with David Axelrod outside.
- That early, small interaction led to Favreau later being hired into Obama’s Senate team and eventually the White House.
The Call With Ann Nixon Cooper
- Favreau recounts calling 102-year-old Ann Nixon Cooper before Obama’s victory speech and hearing her pride at being on TV.
- He used her life story as the emotional ending for the victory speech that night.
Why Laws Matter More Than Blame
- Favreau explains the limits of presidential power during the financial crisis and why many executives avoided prosecution.
- He argues that law changes like Dodd-Frank were needed to prevent future impunity.
