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
Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 11min
"Evening Joe."
Michael Podhorzer, a seasoned Democratic strategist and former political director for the AFL-CIO, joins the discussion to unpack President Biden's effective response to hecklers during the State of the Union. They tackle what the midterm results reveal about 2024 strategies, emphasizing the importance of connecting with middle-class voters. The conversation also examines the evolving voter demographics and how Trump's presidency has reshaped political engagement, alongside concerns about the implications of Republican control in Congress.
Feb 7, 2023 • 57min
“After Balloon Delight.”
Ron Klain, the outgoing White House Chief of Staff and longtime Biden advisor, joins the conversation to dissect the political fallout from the recent Chinese surveillance balloon incident. He humorously navigates the complexities of U.S.-China relations and reflects on Biden's State of the Union address preparation. Klain shares insights on the evolving political landscape and the White House's strategy amid public discontent, mixing serious commentary with light-hearted banter about national security and the challenges faced by the Biden administration.
Feb 2, 2023 • 52min
“McCarthy’s Malarkey.”
The tension between President Biden and Speaker McCarthy over the debt ceiling takes center stage, with humor laced throughout the serious topics. George Santos's recent committee exit raises eyebrows, while Wisconsin's election heats up. Polling shows Ron DeSantis overtaking Donald Trump in the GOP primary landscape, highlighting shifting dynamics. Political contradictions, internal strife, and the challenges of media portrayals are scrutinized, all tied together with a lighthearted game segment.
Jan 31, 2023 • 1h 17min
Donald vs. Ronald
Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and current candidate, shares insights on his campaign strategies and his rivalry with Ron DeSantis, exploring the shifts in voter sentiment. They discuss urgent calls for police reform following recent tragedies and delve into the complex dynamics of the Republican primary. The conversation also touches on Ukraine's resilience in the face of ongoing conflict and how media manipulation influences public perception through a new game critiquing Fox News.
Jan 26, 2023 • 1h 16min
“Monsters on the Hill.”
Congressman Ruben Gallego, a progressive voice from Arizona, dives into his Senate campaign and the shifting political landscape in his state. He discusses the importance of engaging Latino voters and building coalitions amid changing demographics. The conversation also touches on Mike Pence's recent classified documents saga and Trump's return to social media, igniting debates about their implications for the upcoming election. Along the way, there's playful banter about Trump's rhetoric and an entertaining quiz that blends politics with humor.
4 snips
Jan 24, 2023 • 1h 16min
“Biden’s Lawless Raid on Biden.”
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House Minority Leader from New York, joins the discussion to dive into the latest political drama. He addresses Joe Biden's administration changes amidst controversies surrounding classified documents. The conversation touches on Donald Trump's Twitter comeback and his challenges in endorsements. They also explore the dynamics of upcoming Senate races and the importance of bipartisan efforts during the debt ceiling crisis. Adding a fun twist, the group plays 'Take Take Don’t Tell Me,' ranking news stories with humor and insight.
Jan 19, 2023 • 1h 15min
"Kook-ing With Gas."
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and a political strategist known for her focus groups and Never Trump stance, joins the discussion on pressing voter issues. They dive into the chaos around America's debt limit and how Republicans are leveraging it. Longwell shares insights on the impact of extreme candidates in elections and the shifting dynamics among Trump supporters. The podcast also tackles the quirky controversy over gas stoves, mixing humor with serious implications about health and government regulations.
Jan 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
“The House that MAGA Built.”
Congresswoman Katie Porter, a fierce advocate for consumer protection and candidate for the U.S. Senate, joins the discussion to share her views on political dynamics and legislative challenges. They delve into the current chaos in the MAGA House, contrasting how President Biden and former President Trump handle classified documents. Katie also highlights the significant housing crisis in the U.S. and the need for judicial reform, pushing for stronger Democratic candidates to ensure accountability and community engagement in politics.
Jan 10, 2023 • 58min
“First Rule Package of Fight Club.”
Kevin McCarthy's chaotic pursuit of the speakership takes center stage, exposing deep rifts within the Republican Party. Joe Biden's first trip to the US-Mexico border highlights evolving immigration policies amid rising tensions. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the first Gen Z congress member, shares insights on youth engagement in politics and the importance of tackling issues like gun violence. The dynamic atmosphere in Congress shows the struggle for stability, as personal anecdotes and political narratives collide in this lively discussion.
Jan 5, 2023 • 40min
“Kevin at the Gaetz of Hell.”
The hosts tackle Kevin McCarthy's rocky journey to leadership, poking fun at his attempts to unite a fractured Republican Party. They delve into Biden's surprising legislative wins while Trump flounders in his attempts to save face. A lively discussion brings attention to the dizzying distractions in politics, like investigations into Hunter Biden. The episode wraps up with a humorous game that exposes the absurdities of conservative media, leaving listeners both entertained and informed.
