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
“The 750 Dollar Man.”
September 28, 2020 21:32 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBTrump’s taxes reveal that he’s heavily in debt and doesn't pay income taxes, Republicans want to make Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination about her Catholicism instead of her opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and Joe Biden prepares to face off with Donald Trump in the first of three presidential debates. Then Obama campaign manager David Plouffe talks to Jon Favreau about prepping for debates and the battleground states that Joe Biden needs to hit 270 electoral votes.
“Trump’s Coup de Nah.”
September 24, 2020 20:47 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBTrump refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, Democrats fight to overcome mail-in voting shenanigans, and Republicans make appeals to QAnon supporters. Then Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer talks to Jon about the Democratic strategy around the coming Supreme Court battle.
“RBG and the fight to come.”
September 21, 2020 21:05 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBSupreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87 years old, setting up a nomination battle to fill her seat with just 43 days to go until the presidential election. Then Kate Kendell of Take Back the Court talks to Jon Lovett about the case for expanding the Supreme Court.
“Herd mentality.”
September 17, 2020 21:09 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBTrump publicly rebukes his CDC Director for testifying that masks are effective and a vaccine might take awhile, he faces tough questions from undecided voters in a live town hall, and the results of our new Pollercoaster survey with Change Research show that infrequent and undecided voters are most persuaded by Joe Biden’s plans on the economy, health care, racial justice, climate, and education. Then communications guru Anat Shenker-Osorio talks to Dan about the most effective ways to talk...
“50 Days to Joe.”
September 14, 2020 21:11 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBTrump finishes his weekend of superspreader rallies with a trip to California amid a climate disaster he thinks is a hoax, Mike Bloomberg says he’ll spend at least $100 million in Florida to help Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders urges Biden to talk more about his economic agenda with young and Latino voters. Then Reverend Greg Lewis talks to Tommy about Wisconsin’s Souls to the Polls initiative, which is aimed at making sure everyone in the state can vote.
“Trump’s Covid confessions.”
September 10, 2020 20:41 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBTrump confesses to Bob Woodward that he intentionally downplayed the severity of the virus for the last six months, the western United States is on fire because of climate change, and dueling advertising strategies tell us how the Trump and Biden campaigns see the race. Then Equis Research co-founder Carlos Odio talks to Jon about the Latino vote in Florida.
“Is hating the troops good for Trump?”
September 08, 2020 20:34 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBJoe Biden maintains a steady lead as the campaign enters the homestretch, Trump spends five days defending himself against disgraceful comments about U.S. service members, and the August jobs report shows slowing job growth and more permanent job loss. Then Fair Fight CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo talks to Jon Favreau about winning Georgia and fighting voter suppression.
“AirTifa.”
September 03, 2020 20:22 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBTrump deflates his convention bounce with a week of deranged conspiracies and potential felonies, a Pollapalooza shows the race largely unchanged by the conventions and Trump’s crime message, and Joe Biden’s record-breaking month of fundraising allows him to launch a homestretch advertising blitz. Then WNBA player Renee Montgomery talks to Dan about taking this season off to focus on activism and social justice.
“The Weakest Strongman.”
August 31, 2020 21:18 - 1 hour - 106 MBTrump cheers on violent supporters in Kenosha and Portland, Joe Biden gives a speech in Pennsylvania condemning violence and Trump, Covid outbreaks on college campuses get worse, and the White House weighs a strategy of herd immunity and a quick vaccine. Then Obama pollster Cornell Belcher talks to Jon Lovett about the state of the race after both conventions.
“Well that was terrible.”
August 28, 2020 22:06 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down Donald Trump’s acceptance speech and discuss how the Republican National Convention will shape the final 67 days of the 2020 campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Well that was terrible.”
August 28, 2020 22:06 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down Donald Trump’s acceptance speech and discuss how the Republican National Convention will shape the final 67 days of the 2020 campaign.
“Kenosha vs. Convention.”
August 27, 2020 21:05 - 1 hour - 115 MBThe protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin after the police shooting of Jacob Blake provide the backdrop to a Republican National Convention where the party tries its hardest to stoke division and deny reality. Then Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes talks to Jon about police brutality, the protests, and what Joe Biden needs to do to win Wisconsin.
“The RNC: Now, With 5x More Trump!”
August 24, 2020 20:46 - 53 minutes - 87.5 MBThe Republican National Convention lineup is heavy on Trump and light on policy, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris see their favorability rise after last week’s convention, Trump touts another unproven Covid treatment, and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testifies before Congress. Then New York Times reporter Kevin Roose talks to Tommy about Trump’s embrace of the QAnon cult.
“It’s Joe Time.”
August 21, 2020 21:25 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan reflect on Joe Biden’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, reflect on the week of speeches and moments, and look ahead to next week’s Republican National Convention. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
“It’s Joe Time.”
August 21, 2020 21:25 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan reflect on Joe Biden’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, reflect on the week of speeches and moments, and look ahead to next week’s Republican National Convention. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“The Convention is good!”
August 20, 2020 21:07 - 1 hour - 132 MBThe first three days of the Democratic National Convention features a wide variety of locations, segments, and speakers, including major addresses from Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris. Then Elizabeth Warren talks to Dan about her convention speech and her efforts to save the U.S. Postal Service. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
“The Democratic National Couch-vention.”
August 17, 2020 21:20 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe Postal Service warns states that mail-in ballots might not be counted in time, Democrats plan an emergency hearing with the Postmaster General, and the first all-virtual Democratic National Convention begins with speakers ranging from John Kasich to AOC. Then voting rights attorney Marc Elias talks to Jon Favreau about his legal fight against Donald Trump’s efforts to sabotage the election. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa. For a transcript o...
“Kamala!”
August 13, 2020 21:05 - 1 hour - 118 MBJoe Biden selects Kamala Harris to be his Vice President, and Hysteria’s Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon and Dan to break down the choice, the rollout, and the reaction of Donald Trump. Then Black Voters Matter Fund co-founder LaTosha Brown talks to Jon about the historic nature of Kamala Harris’s selection, and how the Democratic ticket can organize and energize voters this fall.
“Art of the Steal.”
August 10, 2020 20:58 - 54 minutes - 88.3 MBDonald Trump announces a few fairly useless executive actions, forges ahead with his plan to steal the election, and dismisses new reports of foreign interference by Russia. Then New York State Attorney General Letitia James talks to Jon Lovett about her lawsuit aimed at shutting down the NRA.
“Debate me, coward.”
August 06, 2020 21:11 - 1 hour - 148 MBTuesday’s primaries lead to Missouri victories for Medicaid expansion and Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush, the Biden campaign announces the biggest advertising buy in history across 15 states, and the Trump campaign makes debate demands while lowering expectations for Joe Biden. Then Manny Garcia and Cliff Walker, the leaders of the Texas Democratic Party, talk to Dan about what it will take to turn the state blue in 2020. And Ben Rhodes talks to Tommy about his new Crooked Media podca...
“You’ve got (no) mail.”
August 03, 2020 21:03 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe Trump campaign smashes that reset button, the President tries to undermine the election by attacking mail-in voting and the Postal Service, Republicans refuse to extend unemployment benefits, and Joe Biden gets close to selecting his running mate. Then journalist Kara Swisher talks to Jon Lovett about Trump’s threat to ban TikTok and the tech CEOs who recently testified on Capitol Hill. Subscribe to Missing America: apple.co/missingamerica
"Sex Demons and Karaoke with Dan and Alyssa."
July 30, 2020 21:22 - 1 hour - 97 MBAlyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to talk about Trump's promotion of more conspiracy theories, jealousy of Dr. Anthony Fauci, inability to help himself politically, and failure to confront Vladimir Putin, even when American lives are at risk. Then, they take your most pressing questions on the VP selection process, the 2020 election, and whether karaoke is actually fun.
"99 days to the election (with Mehdi Hasan)."
July 27, 2020 22:27 - 1 hour - 128 MBThe Intercept’s Mehdi Hasan joins to discuss the state of the presidential campaign now that we’re less than 100 days out, how COVID reached deep into the White House and forced major changes to Trump’s campaign, the latest with COVID relief in Congress, how Trump’s message went from calling Biden soft on China to member of Antifa, and how the media can learn from the mistakes of 2016. Then Jon F. interviews Mother Jones' Ari Berman about voting during the pandemic. Make sure you're registe...
“Person, woman, man, camera… podcast.”
July 23, 2020 20:56 - 55 minutes - 84.8 MBDan and Tommy talk about the new tone that President Trump is not adopting now that daily White House coronavirus briefings have resumed, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling out a culture of misogyny after a Republican accosted her on the steps of the Capitol, the latest on the negotiations over pandemic relief in Congress, and the new plan Joe Biden has proposed to help caregivers and parents.
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”
July 20, 2020 21:12 - 1 hour - 116 MBDonald Trump’s 40-minute interview with Fox News’s Chris Wallace is perfection, the Administration is sending unidentified paramilitary troops to crack down on protesters in Portland, and America says goodbye to Congressman John Lewis and CT Vivian, two giants of the Civil Rights Movement. Then Voto Latino’s María Teresa Kumar talks to Tommy about organizing the Latino community ahead of November.
“Parscale finds something new.”
July 16, 2020 21:09 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBTrump replaces his campaign manager as his re-election bid hits a rough patch, Joe Biden rolls out an ambitious new climate plan, and his campaign decides whether to expand the map by competing in states like Texas and Georgia. Then Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks to Jon about his America Dissected interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, and his role on the Biden-Sanders health care task force.
“Parscale finds something new.”
July 16, 2020 21:09 - 1 hour - 121 MBTrump replaces his campaign manager as his re-election bid hits a rough patch, Joe Biden rolls out an ambitious new climate plan, and his campaign decides whether to expand the map by competing in states like Texas and Georgia. Then Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks to Jon about his America Dissected interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, and his role on the Biden-Sanders health care task force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Cold Stone Schemery.”
July 13, 2020 20:47 - 55 minutes - 90.8 MBRoger Stone is rewarded for covering up Trump’s corruption with a commuted prison sentence, the White House orchestrates a hit job on Dr. Anthony Fauci for telling the truth about the pandemic, and Congress debates the next round of pandemic relief as the economy stalls. Then Pod Save the People’s Kaya Henderson talks to Jon Lovett about the debate over re-opening schools this fall.
That's the Ticket Episode 3: The Decision
July 10, 2020 07:01 - 1 hour - 115 MBOn the third, and final, installment of That's the Ticket, Dan and Alyssa talk about what factors a candidate has to consider once they've vetted potential VPs, how the vice presidential announcement process has evolved over time, and finally who they think Biden will pick. Dan also talks to Perry Bacon Jr., a senior writer from FiveThirtyEight, about what polling does and doesn't tell us about the impact of a VP pick.
“SCOTUS Gives Trump Notice.”
July 09, 2020 21:04 - 1 hour - 110 MBThe Supreme Court rules on Native rights and Trump’s taxes, the President bullies schools to re-open, Joe Biden and progressive Democrats find common ground, and Kanye West flirts with a presidential bid. Oklahoma journalist Rebecca Nagle talks to Jon about the legal victory for tribal nations, and Color of Change’s Rashad Robinson talks to Dan about Facebook’s handling of hate speech and misinformation.
“Joe Biden, Antifa General.”
July 06, 2020 21:04 - 51 minutes - 82.4 MBThe President commemorates July 4th with a racist speech at Mt. Rushmore, the Biden and Trump campaigns focus on the pandemic response, and Senate Republicans weigh distancing themselves from Trump as they fall behind their Democratic challengers in the polls.
That's the Ticket Episode 2: Paving the Way
July 03, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBOn the second episode of That's the Ticket, Dan and Alyssa talk through Biden's pledge to select a woman as his running mate and how the candidacies of Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin got us to where we are today. Then, Alyssa talks to writer Rebecca Traister about what media challenges the eventual nominee will face.
“Trump’s Recovery Summer.”
July 02, 2020 21:09 - 1 hour - 104 MBTrump celebrates another month of double-digit unemployment and rising Covid infections, and Dan and Jon answer your questions about reopening schools, the Lincoln Project, DC statehood, Supreme Court vacancies, Pod Save America dance-offs, and more. Then political message guru Anat Shenker-Osorio talks to Dan about 2020 campaign ads and the race-class narrative.
"Statues over soldiers.”
June 29, 2020 20:54 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBTrump does nothing about reports that Russia put a bounty on American troops, shares a video of his supporters chanting “white power,” and asks the Supreme Court to end the Affordable Care Act. Then Biden adviser Ron Klain talks to Jon Favreau about the state of the pandemic, and the state of the 2020 campaign.
That's the Ticket Episode 1: Vet on It
June 26, 2020 07:01 - 57 minutes - 80 MBIn the first episode of this three part mini-series, Dan Pfeiffer and Alyssa Mastromonaco break down the vetting for vice presidential candidates - how it happens, why it's so secret, and what can go wrong. They'll talk you through the history of the vetting process, their experiences on the Kerry and Obama campaigns, and how they think the Biden campaign is approaching the process.
“Biden up, Trump down, Covid rising.” (with Alyssa Mastromonaco!)
June 25, 2020 20:53 - 1 hour - 123 MBAlyssa Mastromonaco joins as a guest host to talk about the Covid resurgence, what Tuesday’s progressive primary victories mean for the Democratic Party, and Joe Biden’s commanding lead over Donald Trump in the battleground states. Then Jamaal Bowman talks to Tommy about his upset victory in the primary for New York’s 16th Congressional district.
“Live, from the Tulsa overflow” (with Jon Stewart!)
June 22, 2020 21:40 - 1 hour - 117 MBTrump tanks in Tulsa with a small crowd and rambling speech, fires a U.S. Attorney who was investigating his allies, loses a legal battle to stop John Bolton’s book from being published, and loses the Supreme Court decision over DACA. Then Jon Stewart talks to Jon Favreau about money in politics, the media, and his new movie, Irresistible.
“Juneteenth.”
June 18, 2020 20:28 - 1 hour - 106 MBColor of Change Chair Heather McGhee joins as a guest host to talk about Trump’s speech on police reform, the Senate Republican bill, where Joe Biden and the Democrats stand, and how we can ensure that this moment becomes a durable political movement to fight systemic racism. Then Reverend William Barber talks to Dan about the Poor People’s Campaign and this weekend's Moral March on Washington.
“Trump, unmasked.”
June 15, 2020 21:28 - 1 hour - 122 MBPolice kill Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta as Republicans in Congress balk at reform proposals, Trump moves the date of his Juneteenth MAGA rally even as some advisors suggest he attack the Black Lives Matter movement, and Covid cases rise in 22 states as the President pretends the pandemic is over. Then ACLU attorney Chase Strangio talks to Jon L. about the landmark Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQ rights, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowrey discusses his reporting on the nationwid...
“Let the healing begin!”
June 11, 2020 21:01 - 1 hour - 65 MBTrump prepares for a potential speech on race and unity by attacking an elderly protester and defending Confederate-named buildings, Republicans feel the pressure on police reform, and Joe Biden opens up a big lead in the polls. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Jon about the voting disaster in Georgia and her new book, Our Time Is Now.
“Let the healing begin!”
June 11, 2020 21:01 - 1 hour - 103 MBTrump prepares for a potential speech on race and unity by attacking an elderly protester and defending Confederate-named buildings, Republicans feel the pressure on police reform, and Joe Biden opens up a big lead in the polls. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Jon about the voting disaster in Georgia and her new book, Our Time Is Now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Protest works.”
June 08, 2020 21:10 - 1 hour - 115 MBThe mass demonstrations against police violence and racism have ignited a debate about transformational change, Republican and military leaders start to abandon Trump, and the President celebrates double-digit unemployment. Then Los Angeles District Attorney candidate George Gascón talks to Tommy about progressive criminal justice reform.
“Your President of Lawlessness and Disorder.”
June 04, 2020 21:35 - 1 hour - 131 MBThe nationwide protest against racism and injustice shows early signs of progress, Trump’s presidency reaches a dangerous new low, and Joe Biden and Barack Obama remind us what a real president sounds like. Then LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund, talks to Dan about organizing and mobilizing black voters ahead of November.
“Justice for George Floyd.”
June 01, 2020 22:44 - 1 hour - 104 MBGeorge Floyd’s murder sparks nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, Donald Trump responds by hiding in the White House and tweeting, and Joe Biden ventures out to meet with protesters and black community leaders. DeRay Mckesson joins to talk about what police reforms actually work, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms talks to Jon F. about grappling with this crisis as a mayor and a mother.
“Biden grieves, Trump tweets.”
May 28, 2020 21:21 - 1 hour - 112 MBThe two candidates mark the pandemic death toll reaching 100,000 Americans in starkly different ways, a masked Biden emerges from his home, and both campaigns compete for black voters amid new incidents of racism and violence. Then Obama veteran Paul Tewes talks to Jon about recruiting an army of organizers to beat Trump in 2020. Adopt A State: http://votesaveamerica.com/adopt
“How we beat Trump.”
May 26, 2020 07:04 - 48 minutes - 69.8 MBSix battlegrounds will likely determine whether Trump or Biden wins in November, and Crooked Media content chief Tanya Somanader joins to talk about why you should Adopt a State and start organizing from home. Then Jon, Jon, and Tommy answer listener questions about the VP selection process, what a virtual convention might look like, how we’ll celebrate if Mitch McConnell loses, and when Ronan might cut Lovett’s hair. Adopt A State: votesaveamerica.com/adopt
“Trump hits the Hydroxy.”
May 21, 2020 20:38 - 1 hour - 119 MBThe President takes a dangerous drug to own the libs, Ted Cruz gets in a Twitter fight with the pod, our new Change Research poll shows Joe Biden with a small lead in Michigan, and Republicans are done with helping the economy. Then Dave Weigel of the Washington Post talks to Dan about the digital strategies shaping the Biden and Trump campaigns.
“Fired up and ready to Zoom.”
May 18, 2020 20:58 - 1 hour - 98.9 MBThe President continues his purge of government officials who expose corruption, the Trump campaign uses a kitchen sink strategy to define Joe Biden, Barack Obama reminds us of what a normal president sounds like, and House Democrats pass an economic relief bill with some defections. Then Senator Sherrod Brown and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz talk to Jon L. about Senate negotiations over the next stimulus bill, and what it’s like to quarantine together.
“OBAMAGATE!”
May 14, 2020 20:43 - 1 hour - 138 MBTrump tries to make the election about Barack Obama, Democrats come up short in a California special election, Joe Biden announces a set of policy unity task forces, and Democratic strategists offer his campaign plenty of advice. Then Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal talks to Jon about her Paycheck Guarantee Act and her role as the co-chair of Biden’s health care unity task force.
“1600 Covid Ave.”
May 11, 2020 21:13 - 1 hour - 120 MBThe White House’s robust testing and contact tracing program finds two cases inside the West Wing, Attorney General Bill Barr drops the charges against one of the President's convicted criminal friends, Barack Obama speaks out, and Trump falsely accuses California Democrats of rigging an election by allowing more people to vote. Then New Yorker writer Patrick Radden Keefe talks to Tommy about his new Crooked podcast Wind of Change, and CNN’s Harry Enten weighs in on the latest polling and th...