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
115 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 34min
Trump's Petro-Fascist Sugar Daddies
Joining the discussion is Beto O'Rourke, the former U.S. Representative and Texas gubernatorial candidate. Beto shares his insights on Trump's questionable dealings with Middle Eastern leaders and the troubling embrace of authoritarianism by some political figures. They also dive into the implications of proposed healthcare and tax reforms, emphasizing their impact on working-class Americans. O'Rourke stresses the importance of grassroots voter engagement and the need for a coherent political strategy in Texas as the 2024 elections approach.
102 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 26min
Mile High Bribe Club
Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, dives into his political journey and the challenges he faces in Iowa's evolving political landscape. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to connect with both rural and urban voters to boost their presence. The conversation touches on Trump's controversial acceptance of a luxury jet from foreign dignitaries and critiques the implications of Medicaid cuts threatening millions. Sand's insights provide a fresh perspective on Iowa’s future and accountability in governance.
145 snips
May 9, 2025 • 1h 21min
Pope Save America
Leah Litman, co-host of Strict Scrutiny and author of Lawless, dives into the Trump administration's attacks on the judicial system. She discusses how these actions have shaped the Supreme Court's current conservative leanings. The conversation touches on the implications for due process rights and the judiciary's evolving role in governance. Additionally, there’s a humorous critique of the political landscape, including reactions to the new Pope, ongoing Medicaid debates, and the complexities of Trump's recent appointments.
142 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
Trump's Trade War Hits Hollywood
Chasten Buttigieg, author of 'Papa's Coming Home' and advocate for LGBTQ representation, joins the discussion. He shares insights on the importance of diverse narratives in children's literature, especially during complex political times. The conversation touches on Trump's bizarre tariff proposals affecting Hollywood, highlighting the absurdity of his comments on American consumerism. Amid lighthearted banter, the team critiques the disconnect between politics and everyday life, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and support for marginalized voices in literature.
103 snips
May 4, 2025 • 1h 15min
Has the Media Surrendered to Trump? (feat. Chuck Todd)
Chuck Todd, a veteran journalist and former moderator of Meet the Press, shares his perspective on media's response to Trump's resurgence. He critiques cable news for its outdated tactics and discusses how sites like Craigslist influenced Trump's rise. Todd and the host also dive into the Democratic Party's messaging strategies for 2028, pondering how to reclaim voter trust amidst evolving challenges. They address the media's portrayal of President Biden and the implications of journalistic integrity in today's polarized political climate.
96 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump's War on Your Kids' Toys
The discussion kicks off with Trump declaring a new war on Christmas, which also hits the economy hard. Leadership changes are in the spotlight, especially with the temporary appointment of Marco Rubio. Economic impacts of toy tariffs are examined, revealing the disconnect between political rhetoric and consumer realities. A conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlights the complexities of political cooperation, even amidst backlash. Humor weaves through the serious topics as they address rising prices and the nuances of national security.
208 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 34min
100 Perfect Days
Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and former advisor to Biden and Obama, joins the conversation about the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump’s second term. They discuss the historic unpopularity of the administration and the unsettling impact of deportations on U.S. citizen children. Tanden highlights the unique dangers posed by Trump and his allies while advocating for a more humane approach to immigration policies. The talk reflects on political resilience and the importance of maintaining Democratic values in challenging times.
191 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 13min
Elon Gets DOGE'd
Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something and author of 'When We’re in Charge', dives into the challenges and triumphs of young leaders in politics. She discusses the surge of youth candidates addressing community issues and emphasizes the significance of grassroots support. The conversation also touches on finding work-life balance and the evolving nature of leadership for Millennials and Gen Z. Listeners will appreciate her insights into empowering the next generation to step up and take charge.
202 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 17min
Trump's Justices Turn On Him
Leah Litman, a Professor of Law at the University of Michigan and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the Supreme Court's recent ruling on deportations, highlighting unexpected alliances between conservative and liberal justices. The discussion covers the implications of Trump's immigration agenda and the MAGA base's radical backlash against judicial authority. They also touch on political antics involving a senator's risky visit to El Salvador and the chaotic intersection of serious immigration issues with outrageous narratives, painting a vivid picture of current legal battles.
82 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
Sarah McBride's Challenge to Democrats
In this engaging discussion, Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, shares her inspiring journey and challenges in Congress. She reflects on the GOP's attacks, emphasizing the importance of empathy and outreach in politics. McBride urges Democrats to abandon purity tests and connect with dissenting voices for effective social change. She advocates for inclusivity, sharing her insights on trans rights and the absurdities of identity policing, all while calling for courageous activism and community support.
