

Ben Rhodes
Co-host of Pod Save the World and former Deputy National Security Advisor, providing policy analysis and contextual commentary throughout the episode.
Top 10 podcasts with Ben Rhodes
Ranked by the Snipd community

301 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 57min
Israel, Iran and Trump’s Incompetence
Christiane Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Anchor, and Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor, dive deep into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They dissect Trump's erratic responses and unravel the complexities of peace versus war in international relations. The duo critiques U.S. foreign policy, the implications of the Iran nuclear deal, and the tendency of political leaders to prefer military action over diplomacy. Their insights illuminate the urgent challenges in navigating the volatile geopolitics of the Middle East.

32 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 25min
The Trump Putin Breakup Explained
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, discusses the shifting dynamics of Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He analyzes Trump's recent announcement to send U.S. weapons to Ukraine and critiques past foreign policy decisions. Rhodes highlights the implications of funding cuts for programs like PEPFAR on vulnerable communities and sheds light on legal controversies in Congress, including discussions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Senate confirmations for new U.N. representatives.

28 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 20min
Trump Says the US Should 'Take Over the Gaza Strip'
Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor to President Obama and co-host of Crooked’s ‘Pod Save the World’, provides keen insights into Trump's erratic foreign policy. He discusses the controversial proposal for U.S. control over Gaza and what it means for Palestinian refugees. Rhodes highlights the chaos surrounding Trump's tariff decisions and the ripple effects on America’s global standing. Additionally, he touches on the implications of aggressive policies in regions like Greenland and Panama. It's a deep dive into international relations under a turbulent administration.

27 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 57min
Ben Rhodes: The World We Made
Ben Rhodes, former speechwriter and deputy national security advisor under President Obama, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran and Israel. He explores Iran's precarious position and the potential consequences of military intervention. The conversation examines the fractures within the GOP on foreign policy and critiques the knowledge gaps in political discourse. Rhodes also highlights the importance of vigilance against rising authoritarianism and the necessity for Democrats to connect with voters over pressing issues.

26 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 3min
Trump’s Terrifying Imperial Fantasies
Join Jon Favreau, a keen political commentator from Pod Save America, and Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor, as they delve into Trump’s alarming imperial ambitions. They dissect the chaotic operation against Maduro in Venezuela and the fraught U.S. foreign policy landscape. The duo highlights the political risks for Republicans and critiques Democrats’ hesitance. Rhodes draws unsettling parallels between Trump and global autocrats while suggesting the potential backlash from voters against prolonged military engagements. It's a riveting discussion on power dynamics and consequences.

20 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 42min
Trump’s Greenland obsession intensifies as White House floats military action
Jamie Raskin, a U.S. Representative and expert in constitutional law, discusses Trump’s perilous embrace of mob politics and its implications for democracy. He emphasizes the connection between Trump’s actions and violence while sharing documentary evidence from the January 6th inquiry. Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor, warns about Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland, arguing they risk geopolitical stability and could lead to global conflict. Together, they explore the unsettling intersections of domestic and international crises.

20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 42min
ABC pauses Kimmel after threats from Trump FCC
In this engaging discussion, Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor, dives into the implications of media consolidation and authoritarian tactics affecting U.S. foreign policy. U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin highlights critical accountability issues as he questions the FBI director about his handling of the Epstein files and the overall transparency in the investigation. The conversation also touches on the chilling effects of censorship in media, especially regarding ABC's preemption of late-night shows amid FCC threats.

20 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 42min
ICE ramps up recruitment following massive budget raise
Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, dive into America's shifting political landscape. They discuss the alarming militarization of ICE following significant budget increases and the troubling implications of Trump’s influence on democracy. The conversation also touches on the secretive Epstein meeting and its potential legal ramifications. Throughout, they emphasize the need for accountability and the importance of reconnecting with disenchanted voters to inspire meaningful political change.

18 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 48min
Trump plunges the US into a new regime change war.
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor, and Tommy Vietor, ex-White House spokesman, dive into Trump's latest regime change strategy in Venezuela. They explore whether this move was a premeditated distraction or part of a larger plan and dissect Trump's claims of prioritizing America first while contradicting his interventionist actions. The pair also discuss the implications of U.S. actions on global norms, criticize the sidelining of key Venezuelan figures, and highlight the risks of destabilizing the region. Political mobilization is urged as a counter to presidential overreach.

18 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Obama’s Not Going to Save Democrats, but This Might
Ben Rhodes, former speechwriter and deputy national security advisor to Obama, joins Michelle Cottle to discuss the Democratic Party's current struggles. They explore why the party has failed to launch effective opposition, emphasizing a desperate need for generational change and grassroots engagement. Highlighting the disconnect between leadership and public concerns, they advocate for diverse and authentic leaders to revitalize the party. They also stress the importance of collective action over outdated strategies, urging the need for a movement-focused approach to counter rising autocratic trends.


