Pod Save America

Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii joins the discussion, bringing his insights as a key player in healthcare policy. They dive into the dangers posed by Trump’s proposed tax bill, which threatens the health care of 10 million Americans. Schatz emphasizes the need for collective action and public pressure to combat these cuts. The conversation also touches on the divided Republican views on Medicaid, the impact of aggressive deportation policies, and the rising Democratic activism in response to the healthcare crisis.

Join Erik Loomis, an author and labor history professor, as he delves into the capacity for mass mobilization in the U.S. He questions whether liberals genuinely prioritize worker issues and discusses the challenges of fostering solidarity in an increasingly individualistic society. The conversation also highlights the impact of historical labor strikes, emphasizing the need for public support in advancing labor rights today. Loomis's insights encourage listeners to reflect on the dynamics of collective action and the evolution of worker dignity.

Liz Oyer, a former DOJ Pardon Attorney, dives into the controversial realm of Trump-era pardons and the political motivations behind them. She sheds light on her firing after advocating against restoring Mel Gibson's gun rights, illustrating the fraught atmosphere at the DOJ. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges surrounding Trump's tariffs, his erratic responses to criticism, and the broader implications for public trust in the justice system. Oyer's insights reveal the power struggles that define political appointments and the impact on accountability.

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. Get tickets to CROOKED CON November 6-7 in Washington, D.C at http://crookedcon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.