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
“Live and Let Die.”
May 07, 2020 20:55 - 1 hour - 134 MBTrump surrenders in the War Against the Invisible Enemy, pivots to a message about rebuilding the economy, and tries to make the race about Joe Biden. Then Jon and Dan break down the latest polls, answer some listener questions, and Dan interviews Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias about his legal battles to protect our right to vote in November.
“Veepstakes!”
May 04, 2020 20:43 - 1 hour - 111 MBThe President steps up his efforts to blame China for the coronavirus, the Trump campaign is divided over its re-election message, Joe Biden responds to Tara Reade’s allegations, and the Vice Presidential selection process begins. Then Austan Goolsbee, one of Obama’s top economic advisors, talks to Jon F. about how to dig ourselves out of this crisis.
“The Freedom to Kill Workers Act.”
April 30, 2020 21:37 - 1 hour - 107 MBRepublicans’ top priority is giving corporations the freedom to let their workers and customers get sick, former Republican Justin Amash explores a third party bid for president, and new reporting emerges about an allegation of sexual assault against Joe Biden. Then Congressional candidate Christy Smith talks to Jon about her May 12th special election in California’s 25th district.
“The Trump Pod Challenge.”
April 27, 2020 20:56 - 1 hour - 90.4 MBThe White House weighs cutting back on Trump’s daily briefings, Republicans start to worry about November, and Joe Biden’s campaign adjusts to life in the midst of a pandemic. Then Senator Brian Schatz talks to Jon L. about the next economic relief bill and the Senate map in 2020.
“Trump’s imaginary enemy.”
April 23, 2020 20:12 - 1 hour - 113 MBTrump responds to falling poll numbers with a temporary ban on some forms of immigration, Mitch McConnell wants to hit pause on economic relief, and we answer some questions from listeners. Then former White House Chief Technology Officer Jason Goldman talks to Dan about how Joe Biden and Democrats can get creative with their digital strategy ahead of November.
“High on Bernie.”
April 20, 2020 20:47 - 1 hour - 109 MBTrump encourages Trump supporters protesting against Trump’s social distancing guidelines, governors in both parties plead for help with testing, Congress nears a deal on another economic relief bill, and China becomes a 2020 issue. Then Senator Bernie Sanders talks to Jon and Jon about why our response to this economic crisis should be more ambitious, how progressive candidates can win, and what he hopes to see from Joe Biden.
“Dems in Array.”
April 16, 2020 21:26 - 1 hour - 104 MBDemocrats win a stunning upset in Wisconsin, Joe Biden wins the endorsements of Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, and Data for Progress polling guru Charlotte Swasey joins Jon and Dan to break down brand new polling that details which arguments about Trump’s handling of the coronavirus are most persuasive to voters.
“Trump’s Grand Opening.”
April 13, 2020 20:50 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBTrump reignites the debate over when to re-open the country against the advice of public health experts in his own administration, his campaign launches a Blame China strategy, and Democrats use their leverage to fight for a relief bill that helps workers and voters. Then Salon writer Amanda Marcotte talks to Tommy about her reporting on a sexual assault allegation against Joe Biden. Crooked non-medical masks, with proceeds going to the Coronavirus Relief Fund: crooked.com/store
“Biden v. Trump v. Coronavirus.”
April 09, 2020 20:27 - 1 hour - 142 MBThe general election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump begins as Bernie Sanders suspends his campaign, COVID-19 trutherism gets worse as Trump media tries to spin the death toll, and Democrats look for a way to make voting safe and easy despite opposition from Trump and his allies. Alex Wagner, the host of Crooked Media’s new podcast Six Feet Apart, joins to break down the news, and Stacey Abrams talks to Dan about protecting the right to vote, the coronavirus response, and 2020 veepstakes....
“More Warren, less Kushner.”
April 06, 2020 20:51 - 1 hour - 120 MBDonald Trump and Jared Kushner let the states fend for themselves, Republicans in Wisconsin fight Democratic efforts to make voting safer, and Bernie Sanders’s advisors encourage him to end his candidacy. Then Elizabeth Warren talks to Jon F. about her plans to fix our public health and economic crises, and how she’s thinking about the November election. Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, k...
“New tone, who dis?”
April 02, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 121 MBDonald Trump says he’ll have done a “great job” if the coronavirus death toll is between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans, some reporters praise his somber delivery of this news, and Nancy Pelosi begins to float ideas for a fourth economic relief bill as weekly jobless claims surpass six million. Then Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler talks to Jon about how he’s fighting to ensure a safe and fair election on April 7th, and the importance of voting by mail in November. Crooked has sta...
“Ratings to die for.”
March 30, 2020 20:48 - 1 hour - 101 MBThe United States becomes the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, Trump blames everyone but himself for the bungled response, and public health officials persuade him to abandon his Easter deadline. Then PBS's Yamiche Alcindor talks to Jon L. about covering the Trump White House during this crisis. Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, kids who depend on school lunches, and others in need. ...
“Give me GDP, or give me death.”
March 26, 2020 20:42 - 1 hour - 112 MBThe Senate passes the largest economic relief bill in history, Trump spreads the deadly lie that letting the virus run wild will boost the economy, and the daily White House briefings get record cable ratings. Then Governor Gretchen Whitmer talks to Dan about Michigan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, kids who depend on school lunches, and others in ...
“Slush Fund Baby.”
March 23, 2020 20:50 - 1 hour - 103 MBTrump refuses to force the production of life-saving medical equipment, Democrats fight to eliminate a corporate slush fund from Mitch McConnell’s stimulus bill, and the coronavirus pandemic upends the 2020 campaign. Then, health care workers share stories about how they’re grappling with this crisis. Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, kids who depend on school lunches, and others in need. ...
“Where are the tests?”
March 19, 2020 21:13 - 1 hour - 136 MBTrump’s failures put the U.S. behind the rest of the world on testing, Congress debates the size and scope of the next economic relief package, and Joe Biden moves closer to clinching the Democratic nomination. Then Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, host of Crooked Media’s America Dissected, answers some of your questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, kids who depend ...
“The coronavirus debate.”
March 16, 2020 21:30 - 1 hour - 131 MBJoe Biden and Bernie Sanders hold a very unusual debate amid the coronavirus crisis, governments close public places across America, Trump refuses to take responsibility for testing failures, and lawmakers work to pass economic relief. Then Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) talks to Tommy about Congress’s response to the pandemic. Have questions/comments/concerns? Text us at (323) 405-9944
“Trumpism fuels a pandemic.”
March 12, 2020 22:39 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBDonald Trump’s disastrous Oval Office address fails to calm Americans, Republicans fight Democratic proposals to provide economic relief, Joe Biden inches closer to an insurmountable pledged delegate lead, and Bernie Sanders vows to debate on Sunday. Then Governor Gavin Newsom talks to Dan about what the state of California is doing to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Have questions/comments/concerns? Text us at (323) 405-9944
“Coronavirus doesn’t watch Fox News.”
March 09, 2020 21:11 - 1 hour - 191 MBThe coronavirus pandemic worsens and markets tank, Trump downplays the crisis and bungles the response, and Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders face off in another six states on Tuesday. Then North Carolina Senate candidate Cal Cunningham talks to Jon F. about his race to replace Republican Thom Tillis and flip the Senate. And the hosts of Crooked Media’s new podcast Hall of Shame, Rachel Bonetta and Rachna Fruchbom, talk to Jon L. about their first two episodes. Want some 2020 pep talks, the most...
“Joe’s Super Tuesday.”
March 04, 2020 21:43 - 1 hour - 90.6 MBJoe Biden’s victories on Super Tuesday mark the most dramatic political comeback in recent history, Bernie Sanders faces a tougher map and a need to expand his coalition, Mike Bloomberg ends his campaign, and Elizabeth Warren contemplates her future.
“Joementum!”
March 02, 2020 22:32 - 1 hour - 142 MBJoe Biden scores a decisive victory in the South Carolina primary, causing Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, and Tom Steyer to end their campaigns. As the last four candidates look to Super Tuesday, the Trump Administration continues to bungle the response to the growing threat of coronavirus. Then David Plouffe talks to Jon L. about what to watch for on Super Tuesday and his new book, A Citizen’s Guide to Beating Donald Trump.
“A toxic and unhelpful affair.” (Debate recap special!)
February 26, 2020 22:21 - 1 hour - 97.4 MBJon, Jon and Tommy talk about the chaotic Democratic debate that went down in South Carolina just days ahead of the Palmetto State’s primary, and where the candidates stand with just a week to go until Super Tuesday.
“Getting tense out there!”
February 25, 2020 02:35 - 1 hour - 116 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the results of the Nevada caucuses and the ensuing freakout that Bernie Sanders is now the prohibitive favorite to win the Democratic nomination.
“Honeymoon in Vegas.” (Debate recap special!)
February 20, 2020 22:06 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBJon, Jon, and Tommy break down the feistiest Democratic debate yet, hosted by NBC in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then Democratic candidate Jessica Cisneros talks to Tommy about her primary challenge to one of Congress's most conservative Democrats in Texas’s 28th district.
“Honeymoon in Vegas.” (Debate recap special!)
February 20, 2020 22:06 - 1 hour - 113 MBJon, Jon, and Tommy break down the feistiest Democratic debate yet, hosted by NBC in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then Democratic candidate Jessica Cisneros talks to Tommy about her primary challenge to one of Congress's most conservative Democrats in Texas’s 28th district. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Fear and Bloomberg in Las Vegas.”
February 18, 2020 22:22 - 1 hour - 106 MBDemocrats weigh how to confront Trump’s post-impeachment lawlessness, Mike Bloomberg buys himself and his record a lot of attention, and Bernie Sanders looks for another win in Nevada. Then Jon Ralston of the Nevada Independent talks to Jon F. about the caucus ground game and how he’s preparing to moderate the next Democratic debate.
“New Hampshire feels the Bern.”
February 12, 2020 23:06 - 1 hour - 111 MBBernie Sanders wins a narrow but crucial victory in New Hampshire, the rest of the candidates compete to be the Bernie alternative, and Donald Trump’s Tuesday massacre reminds us of the stakes in November. Then chip in to help build the much-needed ground game in battleground states: votesaveamerica.com/field
“Send your calculators to Manchester.”
February 10, 2020 22:56 - 1 hour - 124 MBDemocrats try to break out of the pack in the last debate before the New Hampshire primary, Joe Biden hits Pete Buttigieg on his experience, Bernie Sanders coasts, Mike Bloomberg rises, and Donald Trump hands Democrats a gift with his budget. Then Bernie Sanders’ campaign manager Faiz Shakir talks to Jon F. about their strategy for the rest of the primary.
“Get it together.”
February 06, 2020 22:26 - 1 hour - 111 MBIowa is still too close to call as the candidates try to break through in New Hampshire, Mitt Romney votes to convict as Trump is acquitted, and the President’s State of the Union should be a wake up call for Democrats. Then Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg talks to Dan about his post-Iowa strategy.
“Iowa, you had one job."
February 05, 2020 00:01 - 51 minutes - 73.3 MBAs they wait for Iowa caucus results, Jon, Jon, Tommy and Dan talk about what went wrong in the first contest in the nomination process, what it means for the caucus moving forward and how the candidates move on from here, even as they learn more about the delegate counts.
"Secret poll results."
February 03, 2020 03:30 - 1 hour - 103 MBRepublicans block witnesses, sealing up President Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. The Des Moines Register cancels its highly anticipated Iowa poll the weekend before the caucus. Then, Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan talk about what they've seen and heard observing candidates on the ground in Iowa over the past few days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"Secret poll results."
February 03, 2020 03:30 - 1 hour - 64 MBRepublicans block witnesses, sealing up President Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. The Des Moines Register cancels its highly anticipated Iowa poll the weekend before the caucus. Then, Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan talk about what they've seen and heard observing candidates on the ground in Iowa over the past few days.
“Democracy dies with Dershowitz.”
January 30, 2020 21:29 - 1 hour - 107 MBTrump's defense team argues that the President can do anything to get elected, Republicans close in on the votes to block witnesses, and a SuperPAC makes the case that Bernie isn’t electable. Then Senator Amy Klobuchar joins to talk about impeachment and her closing argument, and Crooked Media Content Chief Tanya Somanader discusses the new and improved VoteSaveAmerica.com
Iowa Episode 5: Voting is not enough
January 28, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIn the final episode of this five-part series on the Iowa caucuses, we take you back to Iowa one last time for the final sprint before caucus day. We explore how impeachment is impacting the campaigns, attend events with major surrogates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and talk with Iowa elected officials about who they will endorse. Finally, we’ll walk you through the results of our exclusive Iowa poll, map out possible paths to victory for the leading candidates, and check in one last time ...
Iowa Episode 5: Voting is not enough
January 28, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 111 MBIn the final episode of this five-part series on the Iowa caucuses, we take you back to Iowa one last time for the final sprint before caucus day. We explore how impeachment is impacting the campaigns, attend events with major surrogates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and talk with Iowa elected officials about who they will endorse. Finally, we’ll walk you through the results of our exclusive Iowa poll, map out possible paths to victory for the leading candidates, and check in one last time w...
“Bolton’s bombshell.”
January 27, 2020 21:41 - 1 hour - 148 MBJohn Bolton’s explosive new book upends Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, Adam Schiff joins to talk about what happens next, and Bernie Sanders extends his lead in Iowa as other candidates raise electability questions. Then Ezra Klein talks to Dan about his new book, “Why We’re Polarized.”
“Davos confessions.”
January 23, 2020 21:48 - 1 hour - 99.2 MBSchiff makes the case against Trump, Trump confesses to obstruction and floats cuts to Medicare and Social Security in Davos, and Bernie gains momentum with less than two weeks until Iowa. Then Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition talks to Dan about fighting the Republican effort to keep returning citizens from voting.
“Hillary endorses Bernie.”
January 21, 2020 22:17 - 1 hour - 120 MBTrump’s lawyers kick off his impeachment trial by arguing that the President can’t be impeached, Mitch McConnell is forced to make concessions on the rules, Biden and Bernie tangle on Social Security, and the New York Times endorses Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren. Then Chris Lidell-Westefeld talks to Tommy about his oral history of the 2008 Obama campaign.
“Bernie is my friend.” (Debate recap special!)
January 16, 2020 23:48 - 1 hour - 110 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan talk about Donald Trump’s impeachment trial and the final Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses, hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines. BIG NEWS. Pod Save America is going on tour. Presale is January 15-17 using code CROOKED2020 and public on-sale is Saturday January 18. Get tickets: http://crooked.com/events
“It's wide open!”
January 13, 2020 22:40 - 1 hour - 98.5 MBThe Trump Administration is caught lying about Iran, the public sours on the President’s handling of the crisis, and the Des Moines Register poll shows a very close race in Iowa between Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, and Joe Biden. Then Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement talks to Jon L. about climate change and the group's endorsement of Bernie Sanders.
The Wilderness, Season 2 (coming January 13, 2020)
January 12, 2020 17:13 - 4 minutes - 5.65 MBJon Favreau looks for the path to victory in 2020 by talking to voters, strategists, organizers, and candidates in the battleground states that will decide the election. Subscribe to The Wilderness: Apple Podcasts: apple.co/thewilderness Other Podcast Platforms: crooked.com/thewilderness
“All is not well!”
January 09, 2020 22:22 - 1 hour - 126 MBTrump gives his Mission Accomplished speech after a momentary pause in the crisis he started, Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans get ready to vote for a rigged impeachment trial, and the endorsements start piling up in the Democratic primary. Then Senator Elizabeth Warren talks to Jon about the Iran crisis and her campaign strategy in the weeks before Iowa.
“A little noise from Iran.”
January 06, 2020 21:49 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBTrump starts a new conflict in the Middle East by assassinating an Iranian general, John Bolton says he’s willing to testify in the Senate impeachment trial, and the primary is too close to call with less than 30 days until Iowa. Then Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) talks to Tommy about what Congress can do to restrain Trump’s actions towards Iran.
“Resolutions of the Pod for 2020.”
December 30, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBIn their second annual New Year’s resolutions pod, Jon, Jon, and Tommy react to resolutions from some of your favorite 2020 candidates. Then they hold themselves accountable for the resolutions they made a year ago - and make new resolutions for the big year ahead in 2020.
“Holiday mailbag!”
December 26, 2019 08:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBJon F. and Dan answer your questions on 2020, the Senate, campaign finance, their top Spotify picks, and more.
“Whine cave.” (Debate recap special!)
December 20, 2019 22:44 - 1 hour - 101 MBJon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan talk about the impeachment of Donald Trump and the final Democratic debate of 2019, hosted by PBS and POLITICO in Los Angeles, California.
“A jury of Trump’s peers.”
December 16, 2019 22:03 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MBThe House prepares to impeach Donald Trump as new polling shows an uptick in support, Chuck Schumer tries to prevent Mitch McConnell from rigging the Senate trial, and the Democratic presidential candidates prepare for their final debate of 2019.
“The Do Something Democrats.”
December 12, 2019 22:08 - 1 hour - 137 MBDemocrats are on the verge of voting to impeach Donald Trump and to approve his trade deal, Bernie Sanders is underestimated, Joe Biden contemplates serving one term, and Pete Buttigieg releases his McKinsey clients. Then Mike Isaac of the New York Times talks to Dan about Uber, Facebook, and tech industry culture.
Iowa Episode 4: The final sprint
December 10, 2019 08:03 - 33 minutes - 46.8 MBIn episode four of this five-part series on the Iowa caucuses, we take you behind the scenes as the campaigns prepare for one of the biggest nights of the primary season, the Liberty and Justice Dinner. Obama’s speech at the event back in 2007 gave his candidacy an enormous boost, but we’ll explain why the evening is as much about what you say as how well you’ve organized. Then we’ll consider proposals to change the primary process that would reduce Iowa’s influence as we continue to wrestle...
“Devin’s Gate.”
December 09, 2019 22:28 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBAlyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to discuss the Inspector General’s report, Donald Trump’s response to the shooting in Pensacola, Joe Biden’s confrontation with an Iowa voter, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg’s transparency debate, and Michael Bloomberg’s massive ad buy.
“A global laughingstock.”
December 05, 2019 21:57 - 1 hour - 133 MBHouse Democrats prepare to draft articles of impeachment, Trump embarrasses himself and America at NATO, and Kamala Harris ends her presidential campaign. Then Senator Cory Booker talks to Jon about his strategy to make the December debate and build momentum ahead of Iowa.