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
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.
Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 11min
“50 Days to Joe.”
Reverend Greg Lewis, leader of Wisconsin's Souls to the Polls initiative, champions grassroots efforts to boost voter turnout in the Black community. He discusses how this program aims to empower voters and combat challenges like ID laws and misinformation. The conversation also touches on the urgency of increasing civic engagement ahead of the election, highlighting the importance of community unity in ensuring every vote counts.
Sep 10, 2020 • 1h 13min
“Trump’s Covid confessions.”
Carlos Odio, co-founder of Equis Research and expert on Latino voting trends, joins the discussion on Trump’s candid admissions about downplaying COVID-19. They analyze how this manipulation affected public trust during the pandemic. The conversation shifts to the climate crisis, urging better media coverage and accountability. Odio also offers insights into engaging Latino voters in Florida, stressing the importance of targeted outreach and understanding cultural nuances to enhance their electoral participation.
Sep 8, 2020 • 54min
“Is hating the troops good for Trump?”
Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight Action and former campaign manager for Stacey Abrams, delves into the current political landscape as the looming election approaches. The discussion highlights Trump's controversial remarks about U.S. military members and their impact on public perception. Groh-Wargo emphasizes the fight against voter suppression in Georgia and the importance of mobilizing diverse voter bases. They also explore how economic factors and healthcare issues shape voter sentiment, underscoring the urgency of proactive civic engagement.
Sep 3, 2020 • 1h 5min
“AirTifa.”
Renee Montgomery, a WNBA player renowned for her activism and social justice efforts, joins the discussion. She shares her decision to sit out the season to focus on pressing societal issues. The conversation highlights the evolution of athlete activism, touching on the challenges athletes face when speaking out. Montgomery reflects on her personal journey and the importance of youth engagement in combating voter suppression. The impact of her work, alongside fellow activists, underscores a transformative movement within the sports community.
Aug 31, 2020 • 1h 7min
“The Weakest Strongman.”
Cornell Belcher, an Obama pollster and political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, joins the discussion to delve into key political and social issues. He reflects on Trump's inflammatory comments and Biden's emphatic stance against violence amid civil unrest. The duo examines the psychological dynamics of protests, contrasting grassroots movements with organized responses, and critiques the Republican narratives during the pandemic. Belcher underscores the importance of mobilizing marginalized voters ahead of the election, highlighting COVID-19's disproportionate impact on these communities.
Aug 28, 2020 • 51min
“Well that was terrible.”
The hosts tackle Donald Trump's acceptance speech, critiquing its impact amid a pandemic and the upcoming election. They discuss the disconnect between grand political displays and the harsh realities citizens face. The rhetoric of law and order emerges as a critical electoral strategy, particularly affecting suburban voters. The hosts also humorously touch on food waste, particularly celery, while navigating the complex landscape of political messaging and public sentiment during these challenging times.
