Pod Save America
847 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 74.6K ratingsFour former aides to President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor—are joined by journalists, politicians, activists, and more for a no-b******t conversation about politics. They cut through the noise to break down the week’s news, and help people figure out what matters and how they can help. You can listen to new episodes twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Episodes
“Basket of Neanderthals.”
March 04, 2021 21:57 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBThe end of the pandemic may finally be in sight, the House passes historic voting rights legislation, and Joe Biden offers his support to unionizing workers at Amazon. Then Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick talks to Jon Favreau about his new proposal that's been called the most radical reimagining of policing in the post-George Floyd era. Subscribe to Crooked's new sports pod Takeline: apple.co/takeline For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For...
"Bienvenidos a Orlando (with Will Smith!)"
March 01, 2021 22:25 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBDemocrats debate a path for the minimum wage now that the Senate parliamentarian has ruled against using budget reconciliation. Donald Trump gives the first speech of his ex-presidency at CPAC, where Republicans spend more time talking about Mr. Potato Head than about the pandemic. And Will Smith joins Jon F. to talk about his new docuseries on the 14th Amendment, “Amend: The Fight for America.” For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a...
“The Clown Prince of CPAC.”
February 25, 2021 21:56 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBTrump tightens his grip on the GOP ahead of this weekend’s CPAC speech, Texas Democrats analyze why they came up short in November, and new Data for Progress/Vote Save America polling shows overwhelming bipartisan support for voting and democracy reforms. Then ProPublica’s Dara Lind talks to Dan about Biden’s immigration moves and the influx of unaccompanied minors at the border. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of th...
“When they Cuomo, we go high.”
February 22, 2021 22:29 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBHouse Democrats try to pass the American Rescue Plan by the end of the week, President Biden says he wants schools open five days a week by the end of April, and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Administration is under investigation for undercounting Covid-related nursing home deaths. Then Georgia State Representative Bee Nguyen talks to Tommy about her fight against a new round of voter suppression legislation from Republicans. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.co...
“Flyin’ Ted.”
February 18, 2021 21:53 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBThe MAGA vs. Mitch McConnell battle heats up with Trump’s return to public life, Joe Biden and progressives debate how much student debt to cancel, and Texas suffers from freezing storms and rolling blackouts while Ted Cruz jets off to Cancun. Then Dr. Anthony Fauci talks to Jon about variants, vaccination timelines, and what he’s learned from this pandemic. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please em...
“He did it. Not guilty.”
February 16, 2021 21:55 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBTrump is acquitted despite a bipartisan majority voting to convict and a few last-minute witness surprises, Republicans can’t quit Trumpism, and Democrats look to pass reforms that would save democracy. Then Heather McGhee talks to Jon Lovett about her new book The Sum of Us, What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked....
“Impeachment, Lies, and Videotape.”
February 11, 2021 22:01 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBHouse Democrats use video footage of the Capitol attack to make a powerful case against Donald Trump, Republican Senators look for excuses to acquit, and the Republican Party has been losing voters since January. Then Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal talks to Dan about Covid relief negotiations and the minimum wage. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
“Impeaching the Big Lie.”
February 08, 2021 22:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBThe second impeachment of Donald Trump begins, President Biden reins in ICE as part of an immigration overhaul, and Fox News is hit with a $2.3 billion defamation lawsuit for spreading election conspiracies. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
“Party of Q.”
February 04, 2021 22:12 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBDemocrats choose to go big and fast on Covid relief, Republicans choose applause over punishment for Marjorie Taylor Greene, and control of the House could hinge on the redistricting battles set to begin soon. Then journalist Farai Chideya talks to Dan about building a media that’s more representative and better connected to all communities. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@c...
“Katie Porter’s stock tips.”
February 01, 2021 22:04 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MBRepublicans make Joe Biden an offer he can refuse, the race to vaccinate America is on, and the new face of the GOP is a QAnon school shooting truther who believes that wildfires are caused by Jewish laser beams. Then Congresswoman Katie Porter talks to Jon Lovett about getting people access to mental health care during the pandemic and why the GameStop drama should lead to tougher Wall Street regulation.
“Go Big or Lose Small.”
January 28, 2021 22:27 - 1 hour - 81 MBSenate Republicans seem likely to exonerate the man who incited a mob that almost killed them, and our new Crooked Media/Change Research Pollercoaster series shows that Joe Biden’s agenda is extremely popular and MAGA media continues to radicalize its audience. Then Ezra Klein of The New York Times talks to Jon about ending the filibuster and the future of democracy.
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘Unity.’”
January 25, 2021 22:30 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBPresident Biden steers his Covid relief plan through bad faith whining about unity, Mitch McConnell tries to prevent Democrats from taking control of the Senate, and the MAGA extremists are winning the Republican civil war. Then White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki talks to Tommy about being back in the briefing room and the first week of the Biden Administration. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, pl...
“Joe Biden is President.”
January 21, 2021 22:22 - 1 hour - 61 MBJoe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, Kamala Harris is sworn in as the 49th Vice President, former game show host Donald Trump retires to Florida, and the new administration immediately gets to work.
“Trump who?”
January 19, 2021 22:42 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBIn the final pod of the Trump Era, Jon, Jon, and Tommy talk about the 45th President’s final days in office, how he’s changed the Republican Party and America over the last four years, and President-elect Joe Biden's new plans to fight the recession and the pandemic. Then Lovett and Favreau talk about what goes into writing an inaugural address as part of their Crooked Media YouTube series, Speechwriters React.
"2 Impeachment 2 Furious.”
January 14, 2021 22:10 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBDonald Trump becomes the first president in history to be impeached twice, ten Republicans break from the party over the vote, and Mitch McConnell weighs a conviction in the Senate. Then Stanford researcher Renée DiResta talks to Dan about online right-wing organizing and the spread of misinformation.
“Tweets and Reconciliation.”
January 11, 2021 22:24 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBThe fallout continues from last week’s Trump-inspired attack on the U.S. Capitol, as the House prepares to impeach Donald Trump for the second time, and the President’s personal Twitter account is banned forever. Then former Bernie Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir talks to Jon Favreau about how Joe Biden can get a progressive agenda through a closely divided Senate.
“Two Americas.”
January 07, 2021 22:44 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBDonald Trump incites a violent insurrection against the U.S. Capitol, and Democratic candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff make history in Georgia, wresting control of the U.S. Senate away from Mitch McConnell. Then New Georgia Project CEO Nsé Ufot talks to Dan about how years of grassroots organizing paved the way for Tuesday’s victory.
“Sedition: Impossible.”
January 04, 2021 22:30 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBJon, Jon and Tommy kick off 2021 by examining the last ditch attempts by Donald Trump and Republicans to subvert November’s election, the latest in the Senate races in Georgia, and what it will take to fix the Trump administration’s bungled vaccine rollout. Then, they share an installment of Alyssa Mastromonaco’s video series, “Let’s Break it Down,” exploring the presidential transition. For more episodes, check out: YouTube.com/CrookedMedia
"PSA Presents: The Pundies."
December 28, 2020 08:01 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBJon, Jon, and Tommy go over the worst takes of 2020 (including their own) during Pod Save America’s first annual Pundies! Then, they reflect on their 2020 New Year’s resolutions and make some new ones for 2021.
Introducing 'Gaining Ground: The New Georgia' (episode 1)
December 23, 2020 08:15 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBOur new podcast, “Gaining Ground: The New Georgia” is a co-production of Tenderfoot TV and Crooked Media. Episode 1: Wins and Losses As Georgia gears up for another Election Day, we take a look back at the significance of the 2018 Governor’s race that vaulted Stacey Abrams and Georgia politics onto the national stage. If you liked episode 1 of Gaining Ground: The New Georgia, you can listen to episode 2 right now wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stit...
“Melania’s Last Christmas” (Holiday mailbag!)
December 21, 2020 08:01 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBJon F. and Dan answer your questions on the Senate majority, redistricting, what they hate about Twitter and like about Taylor Swift’s new albums.
“Stimulus checks and balances.”
December 17, 2020 23:09 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBMitch McConnell agrees to stimulus checks because he’s worried about losing Georgia, Covid relief nears the finish line, and Democrats ponder why they lost the Senate race in Maine. Then, in an excerpt of his interview on this week’s Pod Save the World, Barack Obama talks to Tommy and Ben about his tensions with the Pentagon over Afghanistan and his thoughts about the rise of right-wing nationalism. Listen and subscribe to Gaining Ground: The New Georgia at gaininggroundpodcast.com.
“Drunk on Coup-laid.”
December 14, 2020 22:10 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MBThe U.S. launches the largest vaccination effort in history as the first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are delivered, the Electoral College meets to formalize Joe Biden’s victory, and the Republican Party chooses Donald Trump over democracy.
“The Mitch Who Stole Christmas.”
December 10, 2020 22:52 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBMitch McConnell blocks bipartisan pandemic relief to help his corporate pals, Joe Biden continues to staff up his Cabinet and White House, and Republicans run their 2020 playbook in Georgia. Then messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio talks to Jon about why Democrats need to stop selling the recipe and start selling the brownie.
“Caught in the Trump trap.”
December 07, 2020 22:11 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBPresident-elect Biden makes announcements about his pandemic strategy and health care team, Trump asks Georgians to vote in an election he says is rigged, and then attacks Republicans who won’t support his coup. Then Rachel Maddow talks to Jon Lovett about Covid and her new book, Bag Man.
“Pardon me?”
December 03, 2020 21:52 - 1 hour - 65 MBCovid relief has new life after a bipartisan group of Senators announces a new plan that wins the support of Joe Biden and Democratic leaders, and Donald Trump prepares to leave the White House by potentially handing out pardons and announcing his 2024 presidential campaign. Then Obama data guru Dan Wagner talks to Dan Pfeiffer about why the polls were so wrong in 2020 .
“Certified Loser.”
November 30, 2020 22:57 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBDonald Trump’s attempted coup fizzles out after an impressive streak of losses, and President-elect Joe Biden announces an experienced and diverse set of picks for his national security, economic, and communications teams. Then Congressman Joaquin Castro talks to Tommy about the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientists and the prospects for diplomacy under the incoming Biden Administration.
"The ads that defined 2020."
November 26, 2020 08:02 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBJon F. and Dan connect for a special crossover installment of the hit YouTube series "Campaign Experts React" and break down the best and worst of the Trump and Biden campaign ads. Check out youtube.com/crookedmedia for more of the show.
"Have you tried role playing?" (Thanksgiving mailbag!)
November 23, 2020 08:02 - 49 minutes - 46 MBJon, Jon, and Tommy answer your questions about the 2020 election, incoming Biden administration, Thanksgiving dishes, and more.
“My Cousin Rudy.”
November 19, 2020 22:07 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBTrump and Republicans continue their failing scheme to steal the election, Joe Biden makes his first round of White House hires, and Democrats figure out how to keep Georgia blue. Then Reverend Raphael Warnock talks to Jon about how he plans to win his pivotal Senate race in Georgia. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.
“Transition to greatness!”
November 16, 2020 22:57 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBThe outgoing president's antics consume attention that should be focused on the raging pandemic, while President-elect Biden looks to make progress on climate change, immigration, student debt, and other issues. Then Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha talks to Jon Favreau about how the party can improve its performance among Latino voters.
“One Flew Over the Coup-Coup’s Nest.”
November 12, 2020 21:50 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBDonald Trump and Republican leaders are still refusing to acknowledge that Joe Biden won, the Trump campaign strategy to steal the election is failing, and a purge at the Pentagon raises concerns. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Dan about how Democrats can win in Georgia and all over the country.
“President-elect Joe Biden.”
November 09, 2020 22:26 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBPresident-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris deliver victory speeches after the race is called, two-time popular vote loser and soon-to-be one-term President Donald Trump refuses to concede, and Democrats debate how to govern and win in a divided Washington. Then Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown talks to Jon Lovett about the power of organizing and the Georgia Senate runoffs.
"We won.”
November 06, 2020 22:23 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan discuss Joe Biden’s victory over one-term President Donald Trump, and what comes next in the fight for democracy.
“Nauseously optimistic.” (Election update)
November 04, 2020 22:48 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan discuss the clusterf*ck of an Election Night that has ended with votes still being counted in several states, and Joe Biden on the cusp of defeating Donald Trump.
“See you on the other side.” (Pre-election special!)
October 30, 2020 21:50 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the closing arguments and strategies from Donald Trump and Joe Biden, answer your questions, and offer some final thoughts on the 2020 election. Then, a few of Vote Save America’s incredible volunteers will talk about why they got into political organizing.
“One last ride on the pollercoaster.”
October 28, 2020 21:24 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBThe Trump-McConnell Supreme Court gets involved in the election, and the results of the final Crooked Media/Change Research Pollercoaster series show Biden in the lead and Trump voters in a Fox News bubble. Then TargetSmart CEO Tom Bonier talks to Jon about the most promising trends in the early vote data.
“Covid, covid, covid.”
October 26, 2020 21:34 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBThe pandemic dominates the final week of the election, the dueling candidate schedules reflect their most likely paths to 270, and what the early vote can and can’t tell us about the election. Then Wisconsin organizer Dakota Hall talks to Tommy about how Democrats can turn out as many young voters as possible.
"We got Joe!"
October 24, 2020 07:01 - 28 minutes - 26 MBDan and Jon L. talk with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden about what’s at stake for our democracy in the 2020 election, his final debate with Donald Trump, his plans for tackling the climate crisis, Vote Early Day, and what everyone can do to help in the final days of the campaign. Full transcript: https://crooked.com/podcast/joe-biden-pod-save-america-interview/
“Abraham Lincoln over here.” (Debate recap special)
October 23, 2020 22:13 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down what will hopefully be the last presidential debate ever to include Donald Trump.
“Trump’s secret Chinese bank account.”
October 21, 2020 20:45 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBTrump whines about the rules, moderator, and topics in advance of the final presidential debate. Democrats inch closer to a Senate majority. Dan and Jon discuss what you can do about tightening polls, and answer some of your questions. Then disinformation expert Jiore Craig talks to Dan about how to handle right-wing smears in the final weeks of this election.
“How Trump can win.”
October 19, 2020 21:34 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MBTrump attacks Dr. Fauci and science as his campaign descends into chaos and recriminations, but both the Trump and Biden campaigns still see a path to victory for the President. Rudy Giuliani recycles smears against the Biden family, and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes talks to Jon Favreau about how the race looks in one of the most important battleground states.
“America’s Crazy Uncle.” (Town hall recap)
October 16, 2020 21:53 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBDonald Trump and Joe Biden participate in dueling town halls on ABC and NBC, Covid hits the Biden-Harris campaign, and Jon and Dan answer some listener questions. Then Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman talks to Dan about the final weeks of the race in what may be the tipping point state.
“Barack Obama on 2020.”
October 14, 2020 23:30 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBFormer President Barack Obama joins Jon F. and Tommy to talk about the stakes of the 2020 election up and down the ballot, make his case for Joe Biden and share his vision for creating lasting progressive change in 2021 and beyond. For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://crooked.com/podcast/barack-obama-on-2020/.
"Willy Wonka and The Covid Factory.”
October 12, 2020 21:36 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBThe Trump-Covid ticket returns to the campaign trail despite unanswered questions about the President’s condition, Senate Republicans revolt against Covid relief negotiations between The White House and Nancy Pelosi, and Democrats make the first day of the Amy Coney Barrett hearings about her opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Then Congresswoman Katie Porter talks to Jon Lovett about the pandemic, inequality, and the 2020 election.
“Kamala at me, bro.” (Debate recap!)
October 08, 2020 22:02 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the vice presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence, and discuss Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the second presidential debate. Then Beto O’Rourke talks to Jon Favreau about his efforts to turn Texas blue through his grassroots organization, Powered by People.
“Trump's Covid Joyride.”
October 05, 2020 22:03 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBA hospitalized Donald Trump takes a spin outside Walter Reed Medical Center and tells America not to be afraid of Covid, hundreds of people are exposed to the virus because of a White House superspreader event, and the Biden and Trump campaigns grapple with the political fallout with just 29 days left in the campaign. Then Senator Cory Booker talks to Tommy about how Washington’s Covid outbreak might affect the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
“Trump gets Covid.”
October 02, 2020 20:55 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBThe President and First Lady test positive for Covid-19 after flouting public health precautions and exposing countless others to the virus. Joe Biden, who has so far tested negative, resumes limited in-person campaigning and canvassing. Then Andre Banks of Win Black / Pa'lante talks to Dan about how we can handle the flood of disinformation being directed at black and brown voters.
“Trump gets Covid.”
October 02, 2020 20:55 - 1 hourThe President and First Lady test positive for Covid-19 after flouting public health precautions and exposing countless others to the virus. Joe Biden, who has so far tested negative, resumes limited in-person campaigning and canvassing. Then Andre Banks of Win Black / Pa'lante talks to Dan about how we can handle the flood of disinformation being directed at black and brown voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Will you shut up, man?” (Debate recap special)
September 30, 2020 21:43 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the lows and lower lows of the worst presidential debate in history between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.