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 27, 2020 • 1h 15min
“Kenosha vs. Convention.”
Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes joins to discuss the fallout from the shooting of Jacob Blake and the subsequent protests in Kenosha. He highlights the urgent need for systemic change and critiques the contrasting responses of political campaigns to issues of police brutality. Barnes emphasizes the importance of authentically reaching out to diverse voters and the role professional athletes played in addressing systemic racism. The discussion delves into the political exploitation of unrest and the need for genuine leadership in the fight for justice.
Aug 24, 2020 • 54min
“The RNC: Now, With 5x More Trump!”
Kevin Roose, a New York Times technology columnist and host of Rabbit Hole, dives deep into the alarming rise of the QAnon movement within American politics. He discusses its origins from a 4chan post and how social media has amplified its reach and acceptance among conservatives. The conversation also touches on the disconcerting intertwining of conspiracy theories with mainstream ideology and examines how online platforms both shape and challenge political beliefs, revealing the complexities of navigating misinformation.
Aug 21, 2020 • 51min
“It’s Joe Time.”
The hosts reflect on Joe Biden's impactful acceptance speech, emphasizing themes of unity and empathy amidst political challenges. They dissect Biden's straightforward communication and compare it to Trump's polarizing style. There's a lively discussion about the evolving formats of political conventions and the power of emotional narratives in connecting with voters. With the Republican National Convention on the horizon, they critique expected themes and messaging while encouraging voter engagement in light of the pandemic.
Aug 20, 2020 • 1h 28min
“The Convention is good!”
United States Senator Elizabeth Warren joins the discussion, bringing her passion for consumer protection and economic equality. She shares insights on her upcoming convention speech and the crucial importance of saving the U.S. Postal Service. The conversation also delves into the innovative format of the Democratic National Convention, emphasizing unity and engagement among diverse voter demographics. Warren highlights the role of effective communication in addressing important issues like childcare and the implications of political accountability.
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.
