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.
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
166 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 27min
Greetings from Occupied LA!
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, shares his insights on the chaotic deployment of National Guard troops amidst protests against ICE in Los Angeles. He discusses the implications of federal military involvement on civil liberties and how he's challenging Trump’s authoritarian moves, including threats aimed at him. The hosts also tackle the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the complexities of modern protest dynamics, offering a deep dive into how these instances shape political narratives.
48 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 1h 43min
Gay for Due Process: Live at WorldPride
Join Tim Miller, a political analyst from The Bulwark, and Sarah Longwell, a Republican strategist, along with Lindsay Toczylowski, an advocate for immigrant rights, and Congressman Robert Garcia, who champions LGBTQ+ and immigrant causes. They tackle the critical issues of due process for wrongfully deported individuals while sharing heartfelt stories and humor from World Pride. The conversation also dives into resilience in activism, the complexities of identity within the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of civic engagement amidst political challenges.
320 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 2h 6min
Trump v. Musk: Choose Your Daddy
Jake Tapper, a renowned journalist and author of 'Original Sin,' joins to discuss the tumultuous end of the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The duo's social media feud ignites hilariously with accusations of impeachment and questionable associations. They dive into Trump's latest executive orders, including a controversial travel ban and scrutiny of President Biden's health. Tapper also shares insights from his book, reflecting on Biden's decision to run for reelection and the complex dynamics shaping his presidency.
89 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
Can Trump's Health Care Cuts Be Stopped?
Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii joins the discussion, bringing his insights as a key player in healthcare policy. They dive into the dangers posed by Trump’s proposed tax bill, which threatens the health care of 10 million Americans. Schatz emphasizes the need for collective action and public pressure to combat these cuts. The conversation also touches on the divided Republican views on Medicaid, the impact of aggressive deportation policies, and the rising Democratic activism in response to the healthcare crisis.
125 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
High Crimes and Piss-demeanors
Join Erik Loomis, an author and labor history professor, as he delves into the capacity for mass mobilization in the U.S. He questions whether liberals genuinely prioritize worker issues and discusses the challenges of fostering solidarity in an increasingly individualistic society. The conversation also highlights the impact of historical labor strikes, emphasizing the need for public support in advancing labor rights today. Loomis's insights encourage listeners to reflect on the dynamics of collective action and the evolution of worker dignity.
76 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 20min
Trump Always Chickens Out
Liz Oyer, a former DOJ Pardon Attorney, dives into the controversial realm of Trump-era pardons and the political motivations behind them. She sheds light on her firing after advocating against restoring Mel Gibson's gun rights, illustrating the fraught atmosphere at the DOJ. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges surrounding Trump's tariffs, his erratic responses to criticism, and the broader implications for public trust in the justice system. Oyer's insights reveal the power struggles that define political appointments and the impact on accountability.
85 snips
May 27, 2025 • 59min
Trump Targets School JUST Outside Boston
The hosts dive into Trump's alarming tariff threats against the EU and Apple, blending humor with serious implications for international students at Harvard. They discuss the need for younger voices in the Democratic Party and critique the voting behavior of moderate senators. The conversation also touches on the evolving powers of a future Democratic president and the complexities of Trump interviews. Additionally, they delve into their experiences with the new social media platform Blue Sky and humorously tackle a wild scenario involving employees trying to take down a gorilla.
172 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
Did Republicans Just Lose the House?
LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey Representative facing felony charges, shares her insights on congressional oversight under increasing pressure. The discussion highlights how the Republican push for deep tax cuts favors the wealthy while harming the needy. McIver underscores the implications of the Justice Department's targeting of legislators and critiques the GOP's prioritization of loyalty to Trump over constituent needs. Key topics also include the fallout from Trump's controversial policies and the impact of recent legislative maneuvers on marginalized communities.
164 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
D.C. Reacts to Biden's Cancer News
President Biden faces an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, igniting a whirlwind of conspiracy theories and political criticism. The hosts dive into the implications for his re-election and the public's reaction, advocating for empathy in the discourse. They also critique the U.S. response to the Ukraine conflict and the fallout from recent credit downgrades on the economy. The conversation touches on harsh immigration policies affecting Venezuelan citizens and the murky intersection of conspiracy theories with political accountability, all while lightening the mood with humor and fundraising efforts.
189 snips
May 18, 2025 • 1h 12min
Why are Fundraising Texts SO Annoying?
Are you tired of incessant, unhinged Democratic fundraising texts and emails? Well, so are we. Tommy sits down with three experts in the party's digital fundraising space to talk about how this model became the norm, why it may be hurting Democrats more than it helps, and how that campaign — you know the one — got your cell phone number. Blue State Digital founder Joe Rospars joins to diagnose the problem, our own Dan Pfeiffer weighs in on its impact, and ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones explains why Democrats rely on the tactic and lays out what we stand to lose if Trump's attacks against her organization succeed. 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.
