Pod Save America
Pod Save America
Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a no-b******t 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, Friday and Sunday. 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.
Will Raphael Warnock Hear the Call?
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock stops by the studio to talk to Jon about the Supreme Court's dismantling of the Voting Rights Act, his visit to an ICE detention facility, and whether the Democratic Party is doing enough to fight back against Trump. Then Jon and the senator, who serves as senior pastor at the congregation Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once led, discuss JD Vance lecturing Pope Leo on theology, increasing political violence in America, and what lessons from Dr. King can help us build a sustained political movement at this moment.
May 10
1 hr 9 min
It's One Ballroom, Donald, How Much Could It Cost?
Congressional Republicans plan to spend $1 billion in taxpayer money on Trump's ballroom, claiming the money is necessary for "security" — and creating a huge political problem for themselves. The president and his cabinet make a show of ignoring the pain Americans are feeling at the gas pump, as the US and Iran circle around an underwhelming peace deal. JD Vance's 2028 stock slides as Republican voters turn their attention to Marco Rubio. Dan and Jon discuss the latest, including how Democrats should respond to a new wave of Republican gerrymandering in the South and a new report from The Atlantic that Kash Patel has been handing out personalized bottles of bourbon while on the job. Then, Tom Steyer stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about his race for California governor.
May 8
1 hr 38 min
Trump Is Falling. Are Democrats Rising?
Just like the ceasefire with Iran, Trump's standing in the polls has effectively collapsed, but Democrats aren't performing better on the generic ballot. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss why, and what Democrats can do about it. They also react to the latest chaos in the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration's effort to blame the demise of Spirit Airlines on Joe Biden, and whether Republicans really might convince John Fetterman to switch parties. Then, Jon talks to Strict Scrutiny's Melissa Murray about the recent court rulings on mifepristone, new threats to safe and legal abortion, and Melissa's new book "The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader."Friends of the Pod subscribers on Apple Podcasts will receive today’s ad-free episode a few hours later than the regular release due to a technical issue. Thanks for your patience!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.
May 5
1 hr 39 min
Bernie vs. the Robots
Lovett sits down with Senator Bernie Sanders about what we need to do rein in AI, getting super PAC money out of Democratic politics, and building support for stopping weapons sales to Israel. Then, Lovett speaks with Puck Political writer Peter Hamby to talk about his reporting on the embrace of political violence and conspiracy theories in certain corners of the political left, the big news in the Maine Senate race and the latest in the California governor's race.
May 3
1 hr 16 min
Did Trump's Supreme Court Rig the Midterms?
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court guts the Voting Rights Act, setting the stage for Republicans to grab more Democratic seats — but will they be able to do it in time for the midterms? Dan and Alex Wagner tackle all the latest with redistricting, Pete Hegseth's testy appearance on the Hill defending the war in Iran, and Trump's new pursuit of some very familiar enemies. Then, Iowa Senate candidate Zach Wahls stops by to talk to Tommy about the primary there and what's at stake for farmers in Trump's America.
May 1
1 hr 41 min
Why Is the DNC Hiding Its Own 2024 Autopsy?
DNC Chairman Ken Martin wanted to come on and respond to criticisms about his refusal to release the 2024 "after-action report" — despite his promise to do so — and about the Committee's fundraising struggles. In this bonus episode, he talks to Jon about why he thinks the report is a distraction, and why the fundraising numbers — in his view — tell a misleading story.
Apr 29
43 min
Political Violence Shocks Washington
As more details emerge about the gunman who tried to rush the White House Correspondents Dinner, one thing is clear: it must be Democrats' fault. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the reaction to the violence in Washington and on social media, whether Trump will be able to use it to get his ballroom project un-stuck, and the latest with the stalemate with Iran. Then, Lovett talks with Katie Porter, one of the leading Democrats in the race for governor of California.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.
Apr 28
1 hr 25 min
Are Trump Voters Feeling Buyer's Remorse? (With Sarah Longwell)
Polls showing dropping support for Trump are one thing, but what do his voters actually say when you get them together in a room? Tommy talks to Sarah Longwell, host of The Focus Group Podcast and publisher of The Bulwark, to get the latest on what she's hearing in the field: who GOP voters blame for high prices, what they really think about the Iran war, and the surprising candidate capturing their interest for 2028.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Apr 26
1 hr 6 min
Trump Loses the Gerrymander War
Virginia voters approve a new congressional map that could net Democrats four seats, dealing what might be the decisive blow to Republicans in the redistricting war — but Republican groups have a huge advantage in money raised. How worried should we be? Donald Trump claims the military has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz right as Iran seizes two more ships. A series of new approval polls show the president hitting new lows, Kash Patel crashes out when asked about his alleged on-the-job drinking, and a top DHS official is placed on leave over a "sugar daddy" scandal. Then, The Atlantic's Mark Leibovich sits down with Jon and Dan to talk about the messy California gubernatorial primary and this weekend's White House Correspondents' Dinner.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Apr 24
1 hr 22 min
J. Edgar Boozer
FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for defamation after they publish a well-sourced article alleging he's frequently drunk on the job. Donald Trump celebrates the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — only to watch Iran close the strait and fire on two ships. The administration tries to win back Joe Rogan and his audience by fast-tracking a series of psychedelics for FDA approval. Potential 2028 contenders, including Jon Ossoff, Pete Buttigieg, and Kamala Harris, make high-profile appearances on the campaigns trail. Plus: J Street's Ilan Goldenberg talks to Tommy about what progressive, pro-Israel policy should look like.
Apr 21
1 hr 35 min
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