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
17 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 57min
New Polling on Trump’s Felony Conviction
The hosts dive into the political landscape shaped by Trump's felony conviction, analyzing how it impacts voter perceptions and Republican loyalty. They discuss the unsettling rise in threats against jurors and the responses from GOP leaders. The complexities of Trump's policies, particularly on immigration, reveal a stark disconnect from everyday struggles. The tensions around a ceasefire in Gaza add another layer, alongside critiques of Netanyahu's Congress visit. Humor and serious reflection intertwine as they navigate these pressing political issues.
May 31, 2024 • 51min
TRUMP FOUND GUILTY!
Donald Trump, former U.S. president, faces a historic guilty verdict on 34 counts of business record falsification. Norm Eisen, CNN legal analyst and ethics expert, recounts the dramatic courtroom atmosphere when the verdict was delivered. The conversation delves into the political fallout, exploring how this could influence voter behavior and stir the Democratic campaign. They also tackle Trump's potential appeal strategies and the broader implications for his political ambitions as he navigates ongoing legal challenges.
May 29, 2024 • 52min
Trump Verdict Watch Begins
Alyssa Murray, co-host of Strict Scrutiny and NYU Law professor, dives deep into the intricacies of the Trump trial as jurors begin deliberations. She discusses the potential outcomes, including the tension surrounding the prosecution's closing arguments. The conversation also touches on Justice Alito's refusal to recuse himself and Robert De Niro's unexpected encounters outside the courthouse. Murray highlights the thin line between legal proceedings and political theater, emphasizing the implications of jury dynamics on democracy.
May 29, 2024 • 36min
Inside 2024 (Full Episode): John Legend on Celebrities Getting Political, Endorsing Biden, and Avoiding a Second Trump Presidency
John Legend, an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and activist known for his work with Barack Obama, joins Jon Favreau to explore the significant role of celebrity endorsements in the political arena. They discuss how his early political awareness shaped his activism and the responsibilities celebrities have in shaping public opinion. John highlights the perils of a second Trump presidency and the necessity for voter engagement in the 2024 election. Their conversation intricately examines the balance between celebrity influence and authenticity in politics.
35 snips
May 26, 2024 • 55min
The Trump Voters Who Are Sick of Trump (Ep. 2)
Join Sarah Longwell, a seasoned Republican pollster, and Tim Miller, a former GOP strategist, as they dive into the complex psyche of disenchanted Trump voters. They dissect how events like January 6th and ongoing legal woes are reshaping loyalties ahead of the 2024 elections. Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, shares strategies for persuading hesitant Trump supporters. Together, they explore the importance of empathy in political discussions and the vital role of media in influencing electoral beliefs.
27 snips
May 26, 2024 • 39min
The Path to Defeat Donald Trump (Ep. 1)
Lynn Vavreck, a political scientist from UCLA, delves into the complexities of the American electorate and the risks of a second Trump term. She explores how Trump's radical policies could reshape democracy and the importance of voter engagement in countering these threats. The discussion highlights the phenomenon of political calcification and calls for personalized communication to mobilize undecided voters. Vavreck emphasizes the need for grassroots efforts to build a diverse coalition capable of shifting the political landscape ahead of the 2024 election.
4 snips
May 24, 2024 • 1h 4min
Trump Heads to Tribal Council
The podcast dives into Nikki Haley's surprising endorsement of Trump, raising questions about allegiance in the Republican landscape. It also unpacks the tension between Trump and Biden over Black voter support amid a tightly contested race. Former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann shares insights on the ongoing Manhattan trial, discussing the implications as jury deliberations approach. The conversation challenges listeners to consider the impact of political rhetoric and misinformation on voter behavior, illuminating the current election dynamics.
8 snips
May 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
Trump Promises "A Unified Reich"
Former President Donald Trump stirs controversy by using Nazi rhetoric in a recent video, prompting sharp critiques from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Katie Couric, an executive producer of a poignant documentary on ALS, joins the discussion to highlight how personal struggles can spark advocacy and collective action. The importance of engaging young voters around issues like reproductive rights, alongside the challenges posed by Trump's legal troubles, adds layers to the political landscape discussion.
6 snips
May 21, 2024 • 52min
Why 2024 Should Be About the Supreme Court
Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles take center stage as courtroom drama unfolds. President Biden focuses on connecting with young Black voters, while tensions rise over Justice Alito's troubling affiliations with the 'Stop the Steal' movement. The importance of the Supreme Court in shaping political narratives and energizing voters for the upcoming elections is highlighted. Plus, the episode offers a humorous twist on Rudy Giuliani's new coffee venture, blending controversy with curiosity in the political landscape.
May 17, 2024 • 57min
Trump Trial: "Jail Is on the Table"
Norm Eisen, a CNN legal analyst and author of *Trying Trump*, offers insights into the criminal proceedings against Donald Trump. He and the hosts analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Manhattan prosecutors' case. They also explore the upcoming Biden-Trump debates, highlighting how early participation might benefit Biden strategically. The discussion touches on the intense preparation Biden's team is undergoing, while considering the unpredictable nature of Trump's performance and the legal implications surrounding his trial.
