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
Oct 14, 2020 • 44min
“Barack Obama on 2020.”
Former President Barack Obama shares his insights on the pivotal 2020 election, advocating for Joe Biden and emphasizing the need for progressive change. He discusses the importance of voting, especially among young voters of color, and the role of government in addressing systemic issues. Obama highlights the need for pragmatic reform and empathy in leadership, contrasting Biden's approach with past administrations. He also tackles the dangers of misinformation and the politicization of the justice system, urging a return to truth in political discourse.
Oct 12, 2020 • 1h 4min
"Willy Wonka and The Covid Factory.”
Congresswoman Katie Porter, known for her incisive questioning in hearings, joins Jon Lovett to unpack the overlapping crises of the 2020 election and the pandemic. They dive into the partisan chaos surrounding COVID relief negotiations and dissect Trump's controversial health narratives on the campaign trail. Porter emphasizes the widening inequality exacerbated by the pandemic and critiques the inadequate response to economic struggles. Their conversation is a dynamic blend of political insight and urgency, highlighting the need for accountability and civic engagement.
Oct 8, 2020 • 1h 19min
“Kamala at me, bro.” (Debate recap!)
Beto O'Rourke, the former Texas congressman and grassroots leader of Powered by People, joins the discussion on the vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. They dissect the debate's dynamics, focusing on Harris's compelling storytelling and perceptions of gender bias. O'Rourke shares insights about his mission to turn Texas blue, highlighting the rise of young voters and the importance of grassroots initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for voter engagement to combat suppression and discusses the strategic importance of flipping key Texas legislative seats.
Oct 5, 2020 • 1h 3min
“Trump's Covid Joyride.”
Senator Cory Booker, a key figure in the Senate Judiciary Committee and advocate for justice from New Jersey, dives into the reckless political landscape surrounding Trump's COVID-19 handling. He discusses the bizarre health narratives emerging from the White House and the implications of Trump's hospitalization joyride. As the election approaches, Booker explores the impact of COVID-19 on campaign strategies and the urgent need for responsible leadership, urging voters to engage actively in shaping the future.
Oct 2, 2020 • 58min
“Trump gets Covid.”
Andre Banks, founder of AB Partners and Win Black / Pa'lante, shares his insights on combating misinformation targeting Black and Latinx communities. The discussion reveals how Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis exposed a hypocrisy in leadership and impacts voter behavior. Banks emphasizes the importance of informed outreach to marginalized voters, especially amid ongoing social movements. The conversation also highlights the need for robust strategies to counter disinformation and enhance electoral engagement ahead of the upcoming election.
Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 2min
“Will you shut up, man?” (Debate recap special)
In this captivating discussion, President Joe Biden reviews the chaotic presidential debate he faced against Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the moderator's struggles and how both candidates' contrasting styles played a significant role in shaping voter perceptions. Biden’s response to issues like systemic racism and his candid narrative about family adds an emotional depth to the analysis. The hosts also tease potential reforms for future debates, leaving listeners eager for what’s next in this heated political landscape.
Sep 28, 2020 • 1h 8min
“The 750 Dollar Man.”
David Plouffe, Obama’s former campaign manager, dives deep into the latest political landscape as he prepares for a discussion on prepping for presidential debates. He critiques Trump’s tax revelations, highlighting significant debt and the implications for voter perception. Plouffe also explores the dynamics of the upcoming debates between Biden and Trump, emphasizing authenticity and strategy in conveying core messages. He touches on the controversies surrounding Amy Coney Barrett's nomination while navigating the electoral intricacies that could sway key battleground states.
Sep 24, 2020 • 1h 3min
“Trump’s Coup de Nah.”
Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senator from New York and Senate Minority Leader, discusses vital strategies as Democrats prepare for the Supreme Court nomination battle. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming mail-in voting challenges and highlights efforts to empower voters against misinformation. The conversation touches on the implications of recent political events, including the relationship between the Republican Party and conspiracy theories, and calls for grassroots activism to ensure fair electoral practices.
Sep 21, 2020 • 1h 8min
“RBG and the fight to come.”
Kate Kendell, a lawyer and campaign chair of Take Back the Court, discusses the profound impact of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy after her passing. The conversation dives into the urgent need for Supreme Court expansion as a response to rising conservative nominations. Kendell emphasizes the importance of reforming the judiciary to protect democratic ideals and combat corporate influence. With the election looming, they explore how these judicial dynamics could affect key issues like healthcare and reproductive rights while rallying support for progressive change.
Sep 17, 2020 • 1h 23min
“Herd mentality.”
Anat Shenker-Osorio, a communications guru and founder of ASO Communications, shares her expertise in political messaging and persuasion. She discusses the critical impact of inconsistent health messaging, especially during the pandemic, and its effect on public trust. Shenker-Osorio highlights effective strategies for engaging undecided voters, emphasizing the importance of framing Joe Biden's policies positively against Trump’s rhetoric. She advocates for strategic messaging that focuses on unity, empowerment, and key issues like healthcare and racial justice.
