Pod Save America

The hosts dive into Trump's alarming tariff threats against the EU and Apple, blending humor with serious implications for international students at Harvard. They discuss the need for younger voices in the Democratic Party and critique the voting behavior of moderate senators. The conversation also touches on the evolving powers of a future Democratic president and the complexities of Trump interviews. Additionally, they delve into their experiences with the new social media platform Blue Sky and humorously tackle a wild scenario involving employees trying to take down a gorilla.

LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey Representative facing felony charges, shares her insights on congressional oversight under increasing pressure. The discussion highlights how the Republican push for deep tax cuts favors the wealthy while harming the needy. McIver underscores the implications of the Justice Department's targeting of legislators and critiques the GOP's prioritization of loyalty to Trump over constituent needs. Key topics also include the fallout from Trump's controversial policies and the impact of recent legislative maneuvers on marginalized communities.

President Biden faces an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, igniting a whirlwind of conspiracy theories and political criticism. The hosts dive into the implications for his re-election and the public's reaction, advocating for empathy in the discourse. They also critique the U.S. response to the Ukraine conflict and the fallout from recent credit downgrades on the economy. The conversation touches on harsh immigration policies affecting Venezuelan citizens and the murky intersection of conspiracy theories with political accountability, all while lightening the mood with humor and fundraising efforts.

Are you tired of incessant, unhinged Democratic fundraising texts and emails? Well, so are we. Tommy sits down with three experts in the party's digital fundraising space to talk about how this model became the norm, why it may be hurting Democrats more than it helps, and how that campaign — you know the one — got your cell phone number. Blue State Digital founder Joe Rospars joins to diagnose the problem, our own Dan Pfeiffer weighs in on its impact, and ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones explains why Democrats rely on the tactic and lays out what we stand to lose if Trump's attacks against her organization succeed. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Joining the discussion is Beto O'Rourke, the former U.S. Representative and Texas gubernatorial candidate. Beto shares his insights on Trump's questionable dealings with Middle Eastern leaders and the troubling embrace of authoritarianism by some political figures. They also dive into the implications of proposed healthcare and tax reforms, emphasizing their impact on working-class Americans. O'Rourke stresses the importance of grassroots voter engagement and the need for a coherent political strategy in Texas as the 2024 elections approach.

Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, dives into his political journey and the challenges he faces in Iowa's evolving political landscape. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to connect with both rural and urban voters to boost their presence. The conversation touches on Trump's controversial acceptance of a luxury jet from foreign dignitaries and critiques the implications of Medicaid cuts threatening millions. Sand's insights provide a fresh perspective on Iowa’s future and accountability in governance.

Leah Litman, co-host of Strict Scrutiny and author of Lawless, dives into the Trump administration's attacks on the judicial system. She discusses how these actions have shaped the Supreme Court's current conservative leanings. The conversation touches on the implications for due process rights and the judiciary's evolving role in governance. Additionally, there’s a humorous critique of the political landscape, including reactions to the new Pope, ongoing Medicaid debates, and the complexities of Trump's recent appointments.

Chasten Buttigieg, author of 'Papa's Coming Home' and advocate for LGBTQ representation, joins the discussion. He shares insights on the importance of diverse narratives in children's literature, especially during complex political times. The conversation touches on Trump's bizarre tariff proposals affecting Hollywood, highlighting the absurdity of his comments on American consumerism. Amid lighthearted banter, the team critiques the disconnect between politics and everyday life, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and support for marginalized voices in literature.

Chuck Todd, a veteran journalist and former moderator of Meet the Press, shares his perspective on media's response to Trump's resurgence. He critiques cable news for its outdated tactics and discusses how sites like Craigslist influenced Trump's rise. Todd and the host also dive into the Democratic Party's messaging strategies for 2028, pondering how to reclaim voter trust amidst evolving challenges. They address the media's portrayal of President Biden and the implications of journalistic integrity in today's polarized political climate.

The discussion kicks off with Trump declaring a new war on Christmas, which also hits the economy hard. Leadership changes are in the spotlight, especially with the temporary appointment of Marco Rubio. Economic impacts of toy tariffs are examined, revealing the disconnect between political rhetoric and consumer realities. A conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlights the complexities of political cooperation, even amidst backlash. Humor weaves through the serious topics as they address rising prices and the nuances of national security.