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
Oct 10, 2019 • 1h 8min
“Maddow!”
Rachel Maddow, host of the Rachel Maddow Show, dives into pressing political issues. She discusses the White House’s plans to obstruct the impeachment inquiry and Trump's abandonment of Kurdish allies, raising serious concerns about humanitarian crises. The conversation shifts to the role of social media in spreading misinformation, especially regarding political ads, and Maddow shares insights from her book about Russia's influence and energy politics. The chat blends humor with heavy topics, offering a candid look at today's political landscape.
Oct 8, 2019 • 1h 14min
“Where is the line?”
Ellen Weintraub, Chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission, dives deep into the complexities of campaign finance law and the critical issue of foreign interference in U.S. elections. She discusses the legal implications of soliciting international help for electoral gain and advocates for stronger protections to ensure election integrity. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of intimidation on whistleblowers and the ethical dilemmas faced by political actors in today's digital landscape.
Oct 3, 2019 • 1h 29min
“Ukraine, if you’re listening.”
Jamie Raskin, a Democratic congressman from Maryland's 8th District, discusses the implications of the impeachment inquiry and the political dynamics surrounding Trump’s actions. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and host of the new podcast 'America Dissected,' highlights the need for a cohesive public health narrative, tackling issues like vaccination and healthcare costs. Together, they explore how political and health conversations can shape voter sentiment and public discourse, emphasizing transparency and informed engagement.
Sep 30, 2019 • 1h 20min
“Drunk dialing for kompromat.” (LIVE from Seattle!)
In this lively discussion, journalist Shauna Thomas and Washington's former Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib dive into the shifting tides of public support for impeachment against Donald Trump. They analyze recent polls showing increasing backing from various voter groups and discuss how Trump's campaign is leveraging conspiracy theories for re-election. The conversation also touches on the challenges Democrats face in messaging and the critical role of accountability in today’s political climate.
Sep 29, 2019 • 1h 13min
"Big Liddle’ Lies." (LIVE from Portland!)
Shawna Thomas, a Vice News correspondent, joins a lively discussion about the rising impeachment inquiries against President Trump. The talk dives into the political chaos surrounding Mike Pompeo and the implications of a whistleblower's complaint. With humor, they tackle Giuliani's eccentric communication style and its serious ramifications. They also highlight how impeachment shapes the Democratic primary strategies and touch on the vital role of youth in climate activism, championing collective action for change.
Sep 27, 2019 • 1h 10min
“Do us a favor, though.” (LIVE from San Jose)
Candace Elder, a passionate housing activist and founder of the East Oakland Collective, joins the discussion to tackle California's homelessness crisis. She highlights the connection between rising living costs and housing insecurity, advocating for more compassionate policies. The group also dives into the impact of political maneuvering surrounding impeachment, connecting it to broader issues of trust in government. Candace encourages community involvement and highlights grassroots initiatives aimed at helping those in need, emphasizing the urgency for affordable housing.
Sep 23, 2019 • 1h 47min
“Rudy likes club drugs.” (LIVE from Las Vegas!)
Samantha Power, the former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and author of 'The Education of an Idealist,' joins the hosts to discuss her fascinating journey from journalist to public servant. She shares personal anecdotes about navigating war zones and the disillusionment with political processes. The conversation also touches on the urgency of voter registration and the nature of political scandals, emphasizing the need for clarity in communication amidst potential abuses of power. Power's insights blend idealism with the realities of diplomacy, urging engagement in public service.
Sep 19, 2019 • 1h 20min
“Whistle while you spy.”
David Plouffe, Barack Obama's legendary campaign manager and host of Campaign HQ, shares insights on the 2020 election landscape. He discusses a whistleblower complaint that raised alarms about Trump’s alarming foreign communications. The conversation dives into the dynamics of political accountability and the critical role of grassroots engagement. Plouffe highlights the importance of unified campaign messages and strategies in key battleground states, while also critiquing Trump's policies on homelessness and emissions in California.
Sep 16, 2019 • 1h 1min
“Fair Fight 2020!”
Natasha Bertrand, a national security correspondent for Politico known for her investigative work on Trump's use of government resources, dives deep into significant topics. She discusses allegations that the President's hotels benefitted from government actions. The conversation also touches on Trump's controversial foreign policies, including tensions with Iran. Additionally, Natasha highlights efforts to combat voter suppression and the importance of civic engagement as the 2020 elections approach. Her insights shed light on the intersection of politics and personal accountability.
Sep 16, 2019 • 1h 17min
“Joe, put your records on.” (Debate recap special!)
The hosts dissect the recent Democratic debate, highlighting Joe Biden's and Elizabeth Warren's dynamic on stage. They delve into heated exchanges over healthcare, especially Castro's confrontation with Biden on Medicare for All. The importance of emotional appeals and strategic interactions among candidates is unpacked, stressing the impact on voter perceptions. Optimism in campaigns is discussed alongside missed opportunities on critical issues like corruption and gun safety. Finally, they critique the repetitive debate themes while calling for deeper discussions on pressing topics.
