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
Jun 7, 2021 • 1h 5min
“Trump’s Fauci fetish.”
Kara Swisher, contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and host of Sway, joins the discussion on the evolving political landscape. They dive into Donald Trump's fixation on Dr. Fauci, linking him to COVID-19's origins. The duo examines the implications of Joe Manchin's rejection of the For the People Act and the challenges Democrats face heading into midterms. They also tackle Trump's suspension from Facebook, highlighting the complexities of regulating social media and the influence of misinformation in politics.
Jun 3, 2021 • 1h 6min
“Cowboy up, Joe Manchin.” (with Stacey Abrams and Ben Rhodes!)
Stacey Abrams, a prominent voting rights activist, discusses her passionate fight for democracy and her latest book. She addresses the alarming trends surrounding voter suppression efforts and the implications of rising extremism in politics. The conversation touches on the recent Democratic win in New Mexico, highlighting the importance of strategic messaging and grassroots engagement. Abrams emphasizes the necessity of protecting voting rights through legislation and collective action, urging listeners to take steps towards fostering democratic participation.
May 31, 2021 • 1h 5min
"Body temperature takes." (500th episode special!!)
The hosts celebrate their milestone of 500 episodes with humor and nostalgia, reflecting on their journey in political media. They discuss the erosion of media trust, emphasizing challenges faced by the Democratic Party amid polarized narratives. Funny anecdotes about Obama’s trivial controversies reveal deeper biases in reporting. The excitement of returning to in-person recordings leads to stories about family dynamics and community engagement. Personal tales about music and home aesthetics add a lively flair, blending humor with political reflections.
May 27, 2021 • 1h 24min
“Stop the 2024 Steal.”
Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of *How the Word is Passed*, dives deep into significant political turmoil and extremist rhetoric surrounding the 2024 election. He discusses the chilling tactics of Republican legislatures aimed at undermining democracy and the troubling comparisons made by Congress members like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Smith also shares insights from his book, exploring the legacy of slavery in America, especially the emotional ties to historical sites, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these narratives in the context of systemic racism today.
May 24, 2021 • 1h 6min
“The AP Bows to the Right-Wing Mob.”
Jeff Colton, a political reporter and author of Campaign Confidential, dives into the intricate dynamics of Joe Biden's ambitious agenda amidst a fractured Congress. He and Jon Lovett tackle the controversial firing at the Associated Press, igniting debates on journalistic integrity and media bias. They also explore the heated New York City mayoral race, highlighting major candidates like Andrew Yang and Eric Adams, and pivotal issues surrounding policing that shape their platforms. Tune in for a sharp analysis of politics in action!
May 20, 2021 • 1h 6min
"Capitol-storming police-haters."
Melissa Murray, NYU Law professor and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, joins to discuss the implications of New York's criminal investigation into the Trump organization. She highlights the political fallout from the January 6th Capitol attack and the challenges both parties face in accountability and electoral strategies. The conversation also touches on the Supreme Court's evolving role, particularly concerning abortion rights, and delves into the complexities surrounding recent death penalty legislation in South Carolina.
May 17, 2021 • 59min
“Dr. Fauci, Unmasked.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden, joins to discuss the latest CDC mask guidelines and vaccination efficacy against COVID-19 variants. He emphasizes the importance of clear public health messaging amid rising breakthrough infections. The conversation also touches on the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine, exploring the complexities of the conflict and U.S.-Israeli relations. Fauci advocates for accountability and civic engagement in political discourse as vital steps towards addressing both health and social issues.
May 13, 2021 • 1h 1min
“Cheney Reaction.”
Jennifer Carroll Foy, a former Virginia State Delegate and candidate to become the first Black woman governor in the U.S., discusses the evolving political landscape. She shares insights on the Republican Party's purge of Liz Cheney and the implications for bipartisanship. Carroll Foy emphasizes her vision for Virginia, focusing on progressive policies and the importance of representation for marginalized communities. Her candid journey through the gubernatorial race highlights the need for relatable leaders who can connect with everyday struggles.
May 10, 2021 • 1h 3min
“Horny for Bipartisanship.” (with Beto O’Rourke!)
Beto O’Rourke, a former U.S. Representative known for his activism against voter suppression, joins the discussion on the recent growth of voting restrictions in Texas and beyond. He sheds light on the grassroots movements aimed at fighting these laws. The conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of bipartisanship in today’s polarized climate, particularly regarding voting rights and the implications of legislation that threatens democracy. O’Rourke emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure equitable voting access as the 2024 elections approach.
May 6, 2021 • 1h 32min
“Republicans cancel a Cheney.” (PLUS - Elizabeth Warren!)
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent figure in Massachusetts politics and author of "Persist," joins for a vibrant discussion. They dive into the fallout from Liz Cheney's ousting from the GOP, marking the party's troubling shift away from traditional values. Warren also weighs in on the implications of Trump's social media suspension and the evolving electorate revealed by recent census data. The conversation highlights the need for Democrats to embrace diversity and tackle systemic issues, while exploring how popular progressive policies can bridge political divides.
