

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

83 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 31min
Biden Digs In
In this discussion, Rep. Ro Khanna, a progressive voice from California, dives into President Biden's campaign strategies and communication challenges as he gears up for re-election. Khanna sheds light on Biden's need to strengthen ties within the black political community and unions. The conversation also tackles media narratives surrounding Biden compared to Trump, highlighting age concerns and the urgency for a more resonant message to undecided voters. Ro underscores the importance of unity within the Democratic Party while navigating a complex landscape.

Jul 7, 2024 • 1h 13min
Why No One’s Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)
John Della Volpe, polling director at Harvard Kennedy School and Biden campaign advisor, joins Kristen Soltis Anderson, a leading New York Times pollster, and Anderson Clayton, the young Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. They delve into the alarming apathy among young voters, exploring their disillusionment with politics and skepticism towards government efficacy. The discussion reveals insights from focus groups on Gen Z’s economic anxieties, perceptions of education, and evolving rights, emphasizing the need to engage and empower this crucial demographic for change.

22 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 51min
Democrats Debate Biden's Future
Tensions rise as Democrats openly question President Biden's candidacy following a shaky debate performance. Polling indicates a troubling decline in support, especially in battleground states, raising concerns about Biden's age and fitness. Discussions around party unity become critical as alternatives are considered. Meanwhile, Supreme Court decisions add to the political stakes, affecting voter sentiment and the broader electoral landscape. Amidst this turmoil, the need for Biden to engage directly with voters is emphasized to restore confidence.

38 snips
Jun 29, 2024 • 1h 18min
Joe vs. The Unknown
Maura Healey, the Governor of Massachusetts, joins the discussion, bringing her insights on immigration and abortion rights. The conversation dives into the challenges facing the Democratic Party as they consider Biden's viability against Trump. Healey reflects on the importance of clear communication in campaigns and the urgency of addressing voter concerns. The hosts engage in a witty analysis of recent debates while also touching on the media's role in shaping public perception. It’s a blend of humor and serious political discourse!

31 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 40min
A Brutally Honest Debate Recap
The hosts dive into the fallout of a recent debate where Joe Biden struggled, missing golden opportunities to counter Donald Trump's theatrics. They critically analyze Biden's performance, raising concerns about his age and communication skills, while pondering the implications for the Democratic Party. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of the debate on House Democrats and emphasizes the urgent need for candidates to advocate for democracy amidst rising political stakes. Laughter and reflections on community unity round out this engaging discussion.

27 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 37min
The First (and Last?) Debate
Join Stacey Abrams, a powerhouse politician and voting rights activist, as she guest hosts and discusses the significance of the upcoming presidential debate. Melissa Murray, an NYU law professor, delves into recent Supreme Court rulings and their implications for democracy. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, emphasizes the importance of progressive candidates in local elections. The conversation explores strategies for voter engagement and the role of debates in shaping public opinion.

12 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 47min
This Is Your Debate on Drugs
Political satire takes center stage as Donald Trump mixes education cuts with controversial ideas like displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The hosts dive into Biden's debate strategies and highlight their new book's launch. They explore the absurdities of performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing, deftly tying it to broader political issues. The discussion becomes sharper as they tackle the implications of Roe v. Wade's reversal, emphasizing reproductive rights and the importance of voter engagement, all while maintaining a humorous tone.

Jun 23, 2024 • 1h 4min
How Democrats Can Win Latinos Back (Ep. 4)
Carlos Odio and Stephanie Valencia, co-founders of Equis Research, unpack the shifting dynamics of Latino voters, especially after recent elections. They delve into why some have leaned towards Trump, revealing concerns over Biden's immigration policies. Leo Murrieta adds insights on community engagement after his White House visit. The trio emphasizes the need for Democrats to rebuild trust and prioritize economic issues, while also acknowledging the vital role of local media in reaching these communities. A fascinating look at the landscape of Latino political affiliations!

13 snips
Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 20min
Trump Loses It Over Fox News Poll
Bob Bauer, former White House Counsel and debate prep strategist for Trump, discusses insights from his new book, The Unraveling. He shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Biden's 2020 debate preparations and analyzes current political dynamics as Trump reacts negatively to a Fox News poll showing Biden ahead. The conversation explores the challenges of expectations management before debates, implications of polling data, and concerns about third-party candidates impacting voter turnout in critical states.

4 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Plan to Fight Trump's Second-Term Agenda
Kate Shaw, a law professor at Penn and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the legal battles looming on the horizon with Jon and Lovett. They dissect Biden's immigration reforms and the Democratic pushback against Trump's alarming second-term agenda. The trio discusses the aftermath of a controversial Supreme Court decision, potential civil rights threats, and the imperative for voters to mobilize before the 2024 election. Shaw also highlights the urgent need for clear communication among Democrats to properly convey the stakes at hand.


