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
Aug 17, 2020 • 1h 6min
“The Democratic National Couch-vention.”
Join voting rights attorney Mark Elias, a key player in the fight for election integrity, as he dives into current challenges facing mail-in voting. He highlights urgent issues with the Postal Service that could jeopardize ballots and discusses legal strategies to protect voting rights amid a brewing political storm. The conversation also touches on the innovative virtual Democratic National Convention, exploring how storytelling can engage disenchanted voters and the crucial need for equitable access to the polls.
Aug 13, 2020 • 1h 14min
“Kamala!”
Alyssa Mastromonaco, a former Obama White House strategist, joins LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, to discuss Kamala Harris's groundbreaking nomination as Vice President. They explore the historic significance of Harris as the first woman of color on a major party ticket and how this affects representation in politics. The conversation also delves into the strategic implications for voter engagement and the challenges Harris faces from racially charged rhetoric, highlighting the role of Black women in political leadership.
Aug 10, 2020 • 54min
“Art of the Steal.”
Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, is recognized for her bold legal battles, including a lawsuit aiming to shut down the NRA. In this engaging talk, she dives deep into the implications of her case against the NRA, revealing shocking financial misconduct. The conversation also touches on the larger context of election integrity and the strategies used to undermine democracy. With a mix of serious issues and a light-hearted tone, James highlights the critical need for accountability in political organizations.
Aug 6, 2020 • 1h 36min
“Debate me, coward.”
Ben Rhodes, a former Obama aide and host of Missing America, joins Manny Garcia and Cliff Walker, leaders of the Texas Democratic Party. They discuss the recent victories in Missouri for Medicaid expansion and progressive candidates like Cori Bush. The conversation turns to the monumental advertising push by the Biden campaign and strategies to turn Texas blue, emphasizing grassroots mobilization. Rhodes also shares insights from his new podcast, exploring America's role in global democracy and the power of social movements in combating authoritarianism.
Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 5min
“You’ve got (no) mail.”
Kara Swisher, co-founder of Recode and host of Pivot, shares her sharp insights on current political turmoil. She discusses Trump's attempts to undermine mail-in voting and the implications of potential postal service delays. The conversation dives into the tech landscape, focusing on the threat to ban TikTok and the ongoing scrutiny of tech CEOs amid national security concerns. Swisher also highlights the chaotic negotiations over unemployment benefits and the broader importance of voter engagement in these challenging times.
Jul 30, 2020 • 1h 2min
"Sex Demons and Karaoke with Dan and Alyssa."
Alyssa Mastromonaco, a former Obama aide and insightful commentator on politics, joins Dan for a lively discussion. They tackle Trump's promotion of conspiracy theories and his missteps concerning public health during COVID-19. Alyssa provides her take on the selection process for vice-presidential candidates and the broader implications for the upcoming election. The light-hearted banter about karaoke adds a fun twist, reflecting their camaraderie while addressing serious topics.
Jul 27, 2020 • 1h 26min
"99 days to the election (with Mehdi Hasan)."
Mehdi Hasan, a columnist for The Intercept and host of Deconstructed, teams up with Ari Berman, a senior reporter at Mother Jones, to discuss crucial election dynamics with just under 100 days to go. They dive into how COVID-19 has reshaped campaign strategies and public perception, especially affecting Trump and Biden's approaches. The conversation shifts to voting rights, the safety of mail-in ballots, and the challenges posed by recent Supreme Court decisions, emphasizing the urgency for voter engagement amid misinformation.
Jul 23, 2020 • 56min
“Person, woman, man, camera… podcast.”
Hosts delve into President Trump's shifting tone during COVID-19 briefings and his controversial cognitive claims. They discuss Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's response to misogynistic attacks and the urgent need for pandemic relief legislation. The conversation highlights Biden's new childcare initiatives and the challenges facing caregivers. With a blend of political critique and personal anecdotes, they explore accountability, misinformation, and the intersection of gender and political discourse.
Jul 20, 2020 • 1h 14min
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”
Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino, discusses vital strategies for engaging the Latino community in the upcoming elections. She highlights innovative ways to boost voter registration and participation, emphasizing the significant impact of young Latino voters on electoral outcomes. The conversation honors civil rights legends John Lewis and C.T. Vivian, stressing the urgent need for reforms like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, while addressing the challenges faced by communities of color in political engagement.
Jul 16, 2020 • 1h 20min
“Parscale finds something new.”
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and host of America Dissected, joins the discussion to share insights on health policy with a focus on his work with the Biden-Sanders health care task force. He talks about his revealing interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci and the importance of public trust in health communication during the pandemic. The conversation also touches on Biden's ambitious climate strategy and its potential impact on voter engagement in battleground states like Texas and Georgia, highlighting the critical intersection of health and political outreach.
