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 21, 2021 • 55min
“That new Biden smell.” (with Sen. Bernie Sanders!)
Joining the discussion are Melissa Murray, a law professor at NYU and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Senator renowned for his advocacy for working-class families. They dive into Biden's plummeting approval ratings amidst legislative gridlock, dissect Supreme Court rulings, and explore the critical need for robust voter rights protections. Sanders emphasizes the importance of infrastructure to support ordinary Americans, arguing for a broader definition that includes education and healthcare as vital components.
Jun 17, 2021 • 1h 3min
“Juneteenth and the GOP’s anti-anti-racism.” (with Jelani Cobb!)
Jelani Cobb, a New Yorker staff writer and Columbia professor specializing in race and American history, joins the discussion on the right-wing backlash against teaching about racism in schools. He explores the significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and delves into the myths surrounding critical race theory, clarifying its actual academic roots. The conversation also touches on Joe Manchin's legislative hurdles and the shifting dynamics of bipartisanship in voting rights reform, emphasizing the importance of accurate discussions on race in America.
Jun 14, 2021 • 1h 9min
“Trump Leaks and Tax Cheats.” (with Rep. Val Demings!)
In this engaging discussion, Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, a former Orlando Police Chief, sheds light on the Justice Department’s targeting of House Democrats and her campaign to unseat Marco Rubio. The conversation reveals shocking insights into wealthy individuals evading taxes and how this issue should shape the Democratic agenda. The hosts also highlight Biden's overseas trip, sharing funny moments and reflections on political accountability and the urgent need for reform within the justice system, making for an informative dialogue!
Jun 10, 2021 • 1h 4min
“Does size matter?” (with Pete Buttigieg!)
Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay cabinet secretary in American history and current Secretary of Transportation, shares insights on Joe Biden's rocky start to his agenda. He discusses the challenges of passing the infrastructure plan and the need for bipartisan cooperation while addressing climate concerns. The conversation also highlights legislative victories in urban commuting technology, the media's skewed focus on political failures, and the necessity of ongoing engagement in the post-Trump political landscape.
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.
