Pod Save America
Crooked Media
Pod Save America is a no-bullshit conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders. You can watch on YouTube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
56 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
Gaetz Goes Down
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democratic Congresswoman from a rural, Trump-supporting district in Washington state, discusses her surprising electoral success and the lessons Democrats can glean from her win. She highlights essential strategies for connecting with local voters amidst the shifting political landscape. The conversation also addresses Matt Gaetz's withdrawal as Trump's AG pick, revealing the internal turmoil within the Republican Party, and explores the impact of recent partisan maneuvers on LGBTQ rights and broader voter sentiments.
51 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 9min
Matt Gaetz: Venmo Money, Venmo Problems
Democratic strategist Lis Smith joins to unravel the tangled web of Matt Gaetz's Venmo transactions linked to serious allegations. They dive into the implications of Trump's questionable cabinet picks and how loyalty risks overshadow qualifications. Lis emphasizes the need for Democrats to enhance their media strategy and vitalize connections with voters. The discussion also touches on the future leadership of the DNC and the challenges of navigating campaigns in a rapidly changing media landscape.
11 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 25min
Joe and Mika Do the Trump Dance
Brandy Zadrozny, an NBC News senior reporter focused on misinformation and extremism, joins the discussion to talk about the intersection of wellness culture and political agendas, particularly regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial health views. The conversation dives into the ramifications of misinformation on public health, especially vaccines. Highlights include the political fallout from recent scandals involving top Trump allies and how the Democratic Party is strategizing to counteract Trump's influence as he makes surprising social moves.
36 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 15min
Trump's YOLO Cabinet
Andy Kim, the newly elected Democratic Senator from New Jersey, discusses the fallout from Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including alleged sex offender Matt Gaetz and vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. He highlights the importance of listening to voters and embracing uncomfortable conversations for Democrats. Kim also emphasizes the need for humility and inclusivity to bridge political divides, while addressing the implications of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions. His thoughtful insights offer hope for a more engaged and responsive political landscape.
137 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 15min
Ezra Klein on Where Democrats Go From Here
Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, discusses the Democratic Party's struggles to connect with working-class voters. He analyzes the shift of blue states toward the right and the impact of social media on these changes. Klein highlights the pressing affordability crisis and the necessity for progressives to adjust their messaging. He also delves into how understanding voter sentiments can help rebuild trust, especially concerning economic policies and living conditions.
39 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 21min
First Look At Trump's Second Term
Pat Ryan, a New York Congressman who recently won re-election in a challenging district, shares valuable lessons for the Democratic Party. He discusses the importance of relatable narratives to connect with disenchanted voters and highlights the need for the party to address economic concerns effectively. The conversation also dives into Trump's potential second term, exploring his staffing choices and the chilling implications for political accountability. Overall, they stress the importance of understanding voter sentiment to regain support.
75 snips
Nov 10, 2024 • 1h 12min
How Trump Built His Coalition
The best way to understand what happened on Tuesday is to listen to what the actual voters have been saying. Dan checks back in with two strategists who run focus groups with key parts of the electorate: Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, who's been talking to Trump-curious swing voters for months, and Carlos Odio of Equis Research, an expert on the Latino vote. Sarah and Carlos discuss some of the warning signs that were blinking red long before last week, and how we can recognize them—and act on them—in the future. 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.
44 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Let the Blame Game Commence!
As Kamala Harris concedes after a tough election, Democrats grapple with the fallout and point fingers. The hosts unpack conflicting theories behind her loss while highlighting emotional responses from young voters. They discuss Biden's campaign struggles, the disconnect with working-class sentiments, and the challenges of identity politics. There's a focus on the need for relatable messaging and grassroots outreach amidst changing voter priorities, while also hinting at potential wins for some Democratic candidates.
165 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 54min
Making Sense of Trump's Win
The aftermath of Trump's electoral win leads to a deep dive into voter motivations and demographic shifts. There's surprising support for him among diverse groups like Latino voters. Economic concerns and trust issues pose significant challenges for the Democrats. The speakers stress the need for effective grassroots organizing and a relatable narrative. They also highlight the role of political discourse in personal struggles. Humor and irony provide a lens to critique the absurdities of today's political landscape, encouraging resilience and community engagement.
38 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 50min
A Strong Close—And an Iowa Poll Shocker
The podcast dives into Kamala Harris's rising optimism after a surprising SNL appearance, contrasting it with Trump's bizarre remarks about reporters. With a shocking Iowa poll showing Harris ahead in a deep-red state, the hosts dissect the chaotic dynamics of recent political rallies. They reflect on grassroots campaigning in Nevada, emphasizing emotional voter connections and the necessity of engaging undecided voters. As the election nears, the urgency of mobilizing support amid economic challenges becomes a critical theme.
