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.
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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
Dec 23, 2020 • 42min
Introducing 'Gaining Ground: The New Georgia' (episode 1)
Hank Klibanoff, a Pulitzer and Peabody award-winning journalist and professor at Emory University, joins the conversation to explore Georgia's political transformation. He discusses the 2018 gubernatorial race that propelled Stacey Abrams into the national spotlight. Key highlights include grassroots voter mobilization and the impressive surge of women in politics. Klibanoff also reflects on the impact of voter suppression and the ongoing struggle for voting rights, capturing the essence of a state evolving from red to blue.
Dec 21, 2020 • 1h 2min
“Melania’s Last Christmas” (Holiday mailbag!)
The hosts tackle listener questions about the Biden administration's challenges and Trump's actions. They dive into the significance of the upcoming Georgia Senate elections and the impact of redistricting on swing states. Engaging with voter dynamics, they discuss grassroots fundraising versus wealthy donors. There’s a lighthearted take on hypothetical cabinet picks and nostalgic memories, blending humor with personal anecdotes about music, sports, and family traditions around the holidays.
Dec 17, 2020 • 1h 12min
“Stimulus checks and balances.”
In a fascinating discussion, former President Barack Obama reflects on his presidency and the complexities of military decisions, particularly regarding Afghanistan. He shares insights into his tensions with the Pentagon and the challenges of balancing national security with diplomacy. The conversation delves into rising right-wing nationalism and its implications for U.S. politics. Obama also analyzes the recent Georgia Senate race and the impact of political strategies on voter sentiment, emphasizing the urgency for effective relief amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Dec 14, 2020 • 48min
“Drunk on Coup-laid.”
The podcast dives into the monumental rollout of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine amidst a polarized political landscape. It highlights the triumphs of Operation Warp Speed but critiques the Trump administration's handling of vaccine distribution. Listeners hear about the Electoral College's formalization of Biden's victory and the unsettling realities of political extremism post-coup. The unsettling implications for democracy and public health are examined, underscoring a need for renewed trust and strategic leadership.
Dec 10, 2020 • 1h 39min
“The Mitch Who Stole Christmas.”
Anat Shenker-Osorio, a renowned messaging expert and founder of ASO Communications, joins the discussion with insights on effective political communication. They dive into Mitch McConnell's obstruction of pandemic relief for corporate interests and the strategic implications for the Georgia runoffs. Anat emphasizes the need for Democrats to shift focus from technical details to compelling narratives, urging them to 'sell the brownie' instead of the recipe. Their conversation spans electoral strategies, the importance of grassroots organizing, and crafting narratives that resonate with voters.
Dec 7, 2020 • 1h 6min
“Caught in the Trump trap.”
Rachel Maddow, the insightful host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" and author of "Bagman," joins Jon Lovett for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into President-elect Biden's ambitious pandemic strategy and the challenges faced in communication. Maddow discusses Trump's controversial influence on the GOP and voter engagement in Georgia. The duo also touches on the media's role in sensationalizing politics and the urgent need for political accountability amidst a wave of misinformation. Their conversation is both enlightening and entertaining!
Dec 3, 2020 • 1h 11min
“Pardon me?”
Dan Wagner, the founder of Civis Analytics and former analytics chief for Obama's 2012 campaign, joins Dan Pfeiffer. They dissect why polling failed so dramatically in 2020, unveiling the complexities of public sentiment. Wagner emphasizes the dire need for effective messaging and strategic introspection among political parties. The duo also touches on the implications of potential pardons from Donald Trump and discusses critical bipartisan efforts needed for Covid relief, all while navigating tricky political terrains.
Nov 30, 2020 • 1h 3min
“Certified Loser.”
Joaquin Castro, a Texas Congressman and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shares his insights on a pivotal moment in international relations. He discusses the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist and its ramifications for U.S.-Iran tensions. Castro emphasizes the Biden administration's diplomatic approach and the need to prioritize foreign policy reform. He also touches on how Congress can reclaim its role in guiding America's global engagements, especially in light of the challenges posed by misinformation and past military interventions.
Nov 26, 2020 • 54min
"The ads that defined 2020."
Discover the intriguing world of political ads as they dissect the most impactful campaign strategies from Trump and Biden during the contentious 2020 election. The discussion reveals how targeted messaging shaped voter perceptions, especially in a polarized climate. Explore the nuanced approaches to ads focusing on identity and economic themes, and their roles in mobilizing specific demographics. Controversial ads are analyzed for their unintended effects, showcasing the evolving landscape of political advertising and its profound influence on elections.
Nov 23, 2020 • 50min
"Have you tried role playing?" (Thanksgiving mailbag!)
The hosts dive into the complexities of absentee voting in Georgia and the absurdities of contemporary politics. They share personal Thanksgiving anecdotes, creating a warm community feel. Discussions also touch on student loan debt relief and its implications for educational reform. A humorous breakdown of breakfast habits and Dunkin' Donuts favorites adds a lighthearted touch. The episode wraps up with thoughts on Biden's diplomatic efforts and the importance of grassroots activism in countering disinformation.
