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
Apr 9, 2020 • 1h 36min
“Biden v. Trump v. Coronavirus.”
Stacey Abrams, former Democratic leader and founder of Fair Fight, joins Alex Wagner, host of Crooked Media's Six Feet Apart, to discuss voting rights in the era of COVID-19. They dive into the challenges of mail-in voting amid partisan divides, highlighting the urgent need for safe elections. The conversation also touches on misinformation surrounding the pandemic and its impact on political narratives. Abrams shares insights on ensuring electoral accessibility while combating systemic voter suppression, making for a compelling discussion on democracy's resilience.
Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 21min
“More Warren, less Kushner.”
Elizabeth Warren, the Senior Senator from Massachusetts, joins to discuss her plans for addressing public health and economic inequality. She critiques the Trump administration's chaotic pandemic response, emphasizing the need for a coordinated federal strategy. Warren also highlights the importance of expanding voting access and unifying the Democratic party ahead of the election. Through insightful commentary, she stresses the critical role of consumer protection during this crisis and advocates for immediate economic relief strategies.
Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 21min
“New tone, who dis?”
Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, dives deep into the urgent issues of holding elections during a pandemic. He shares concerns about voter access and the fight for mail-in voting to ensure safety for all. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by Wisconsin's voters amid restrictive state legislation. Wikler emphasizes the importance of engaging communities to uphold democratic participation, especially for those underserved. He passionately advocates for innovative strategies to protect election integrity in these turbulent times.
Mar 30, 2020 • 1h 8min
“Ratings to die for.”
Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour's White House correspondent, known for her insightful reporting on the Trump administration, joins the discussion about the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the administration's mismanagement and political tensions during the crisis. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by journalists covering the White House, especially in maintaining safety while reporting. They also tackle the importance of accountability in leadership and its impact on public trust during unprecedented times.
Mar 26, 2020 • 1h 12min
“Give me GDP, or give me death.”
Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, discusses her state's challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. She emphasizes the urgent need for federal intervention and coherent messaging as COVID-19 cases rise. The conversation critiques the current administration's focus on economic reopening over public health. Whitmer highlights the psychological complexities of leadership during such crises and the importance of secure voting measures to maintain democracy. She also addresses the necessity of adequate resources and support for those impacted by the pandemic.
Mar 23, 2020 • 1h 5min
“Slush Fund Baby.”
The podcast dives into Trump's refusal to support crucial medical equipment production during the pandemic. It critiques the Democrats' fight against a corporate slush fund in the stimulus bill. Healthcare workers share their harrowing experiences, highlighting PPE shortages and emotional strains. The discussion also explores the challenges of campaigning in a pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. Finally, it addresses the ethical dilemmas faced by lawmakers and the urgent call for accountability in public health responses.
Mar 19, 2020 • 1h 36min
“Where are the tests?”
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former health officer for Detroit, joins the discussion on the U.S.'s testing failures during the pandemic. He critiques the government's response and compares it to other countries, highlighting significant challenges in achieving effective testing. El-Sayed emphasizes the necessity for economic relief and community support for those hit hardest by the crisis. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics affecting voting during these tumultuous times, showcasing how health issues intersect with electoral processes.
Mar 16, 2020 • 1h 32min
“The coronavirus debate.”
Congresswoman Katie Porter, representing California's 45th district, shares her insights on Congress's response to the pandemic. She discusses the critical need for economic relief amidst shutdowns, critiques the government's testing failures, and emphasizes the importance of paid sick leave for workers. The conversation touches on the challenges lawmakers face, the systemic inequities revealed by the crisis, and the urgent need for bold political action to address these issues.
Mar 12, 2020 • 1h 17min
“Trumpism fuels a pandemic.”
The podcast dives into Trump's shaky Oval Office address amid the pandemic, highlighting leadership failures and misinformation. It contrasts Biden’s growing delegate lead and unifying message with Sanders' struggle to connect with diverse voters. California's proactive response to COVID-19, including large gathering cancellations and federal coordination, is discussed. The episode emphasizes the crucial role of local health departments in managing public health during crises, making the case for better support and organization for future challenges.
Mar 9, 2020 • 1h 19min
“Coronavirus doesn’t watch Fox News.”
Cal Cunningham, a Democratic candidate for Senate in North Carolina and former Army veteran, dives into his campaign strategies to replace Republican Thom Tillis. He discusses the impacts of the pandemic on his home state and the need for healthcare reform. The conversation also highlights the mismanagement of COVID-19 by the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of accurate public messaging. Cunningham shares his efforts to engage with voters and the significance of grassroots movements in a competitive election landscape.
