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 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.
Sep 9, 2019 • 1h 4min
“Taliban sleepovers and midnight cat videos.”
The President tweets cat videos while secretly canceling peace talks with the Taliban. Discussions critique the White House's questionable business dealings and the importance of holding officials accountable. The evolving dynamics of the 2020 Democratic primary is explored, focusing on how candidates like Biden, Warren, and Sanders navigate voter demographics. There's also a heartfelt segment on healthcare politics, emphasizing personal stories that drive public policy and engagement.
Sep 5, 2019 • 1h 6min
“High crimes and weather map misdemeanors.”
The podcast dives into the ongoing impeachment inquiry, examining rising support among House Democrats and controversial presidential actions. A North Carolina special election also takes center stage. The discussion shifts to a CNN climate town hall, where presidential hopefuls tackle the climate crisis with varied approaches. Additionally, a humorous take on recent political chaos includes a weather map mishap that highlights misinformation. The episode wraps up with insights on political engagement and the importance of climate advocacy.
Sep 4, 2019 • 1h 2min
2020: Bill de Blasio on taxing the rich and rooting for the Red Sox
Bill de Blasio, the former Mayor of New York City and 2020 presidential candidate, discusses his motivations for running and his achievements, including universal pre-K. He tackles pressing issues like income inequality and critiques the controversial Amazon deal. De Blasio also dives into his aggressive tax plan aimed at wealthier individuals to enhance public services. On a lighter note, he reveals his unwavering loyalty to the Boston Red Sox despite their rivalry with the Yankees, reflecting on personal identity in politics.
Sep 4, 2019 • 59min
“Trump’s lost summer.”
Trump's summer is marred by golf and controversial tweets amid a hurricane. The discussion highlights missed opportunities and the impact on his re-election chances. Political strategists weigh in on the critical states for the 2020 election and the importance of resource allocation for Democratic campaigns. They also reflect on the contrasting strategies between Trump and Obama in turbulent times. Joe Biden's upcoming debate preparation focuses on authenticity and connecting with voters, all while navigating a competitive landscape.
Aug 29, 2019 • 1h 4min
"Our lawless, wall-less president."
Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a member of 'The Squad,' joins the discussion to tackle pressing issues like gun control and the fight for empathy-driven policies. The conversation addresses the alarming idea of illegal actions for a border wall, reflecting on accountability and rule of law. Pressley shares insights on the evolving political landscape in Georgia and North Carolina, emphasizing community engagement and the importance of advocating for marginalized voices. Her passionate call for compassionate immigration reform resonates deeply in today’s political climate.
Aug 26, 2019 • 1h 25min
"Nuke the Hurricane."
Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and former senior advisor at MoveOn.org, dives into the shifting political landscape within Wisconsin. He discusses the impact of Scott Walker's administration on progressives and the strategies to engage voters as the state transitions to a battleground. Wikler emphasizes grassroots activism's crucial role in mobilizing non-voters and introduces a 'five fight plan' to energize the Democratic base. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local concerns to reshape Wisconsin's political future.
