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 28, 2023 • 1h 22min
“The 2024 Dry Ron.”
In this engaging conversation, Mehdi Hasan, host of The Mehdi Hasan Show and author of Win Every Argument, shares his insights on how Democrats can win debates more effectively. He discusses Ron DeSantis's evolving political strategy and the fierce competition between Trump and DeSantis as they gear up for the 2024 elections. Hasan also touches on the changing nature of political discourse, emphasizing the need for empathetic communication and emotional engagement in today's media landscape.
Feb 23, 2023 • 1h 10min
“Trump’s Train Blame Game.”
Leah Litman, a legal analyst and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the political aftermath of the Ohio train crash, discussing how Trump is using it to challenge Biden. She highlights Biden's surprise trip to Ukraine and the cutthroat nature of the Republican primary as candidates compete for Trump's approval. Litman also unpacks significant Supreme Court cases concerning tech companies and the implications of Trump's Fulton County investigation, exploring critical issues around free speech and digital liability.
Feb 18, 2023 • 30min
Bonus: “Fox News EXPOSED”
A recent legal filing reveals that Fox News executives knew Trump's election fraud claims were false but continued to promote them. The unsettling internal conversations show a disturbing pattern of misinformation driven by profit. Furthermore, the fallout from this disinformation has led to a decline in viewer trust and significant public skepticism. The hosts discuss how the network’s sensationalism impacts journalism and the challenges Democrats face in navigating a media landscape dominated by such narratives.
Feb 16, 2023 • 1h 11min
“The Age Old Question.”
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow joins the conversation, passionately advocating for urgent gun safety legislation following the tragic shooting at Michigan State University. She shares powerful stories from student organizers pushing for change and emphasizes the need for bipartisan support in reform efforts. The hosts also delve into the ongoing political chaos, including Trump's legal troubles and Nikki Haley's challenge for the Republican nomination, while addressing age concerns surrounding President Biden.
Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 11min
“The 2024 Mess America Pageant.”
Adam Schiff, a Congressman and Senate candidate from California, offers his insights based on his experience on the House Intelligence Committee. He discusses the intense rivalry within the GOP, highlighting Trump's colorful nicknames for opponents and the DeSantis tension. Schiff also reflects on the impact of Biden's criticisms on Medicare and Social Security, emphasizing the importance of addressing voters' concerns. Their lighthearted banter includes humorous takes on political ads and the challenges of maintaining a progressive platform amidst economic uncertainties.
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.
