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
Oct 4, 2022 • 1h 3min
"Best Wishes > Death Wishes."
Cody Keenan, former White House director of speechwriting for President Obama and author of 'Grace,' shares insights into the art of crafting impactful political speeches. He reflects on the challenges and emotional weight of writing in times of crisis, particularly during defining moments like the Charleston church shooting. The conversation also touches on the dynamics within the Republican party, with discussions around Trump and McConnell's fraught relationship, as well as the implications for upcoming elections amidst rising tensions and aggressive rhetoric.
Oct 3, 2022 • 52min
The Wilderness Chapter 3: Disconnected Democrats in Pittsburgh
Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQ person of color to run for a U.S. Senate seat, joins strategist Rebecca Katz and data expert Dan Wagner to tackle the disconnect between Democratic leaders and voters in Pittsburgh. They discuss how disillusioned Biden supporters feel let down by national politics, particularly on economic struggles. The conversation dives into strategies for Democrats to reconnect by addressing real-life issues like inflation, gun control, and the need for authenticity in candidates to genuinely resonate with the electorate.
Sep 29, 2022 • 1h 28min
“Mitch McConnell, Welcome to the Resistance.” (with John Legend and Senator Warren!)
Join Grammy-winning artist John Legend and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren as they tackle pressing issues ahead of the midterms. Legend shares his insights on criminal justice reform, while Warren delves into economic inequality and the importance of protecting democracy. They discuss the Senate's push for the Electoral Count Act and the vital role of civic engagement in light of recent political turmoil. Expect humor, heartfelt moments, and a spirited call to action for voters to engage in the democratic process.
Sep 27, 2022 • 58min
"Impeaching to the Choir."
Join David Plouffe, a savvy Democratic strategist and former Obama campaign manager, as he dissects the latest Republican policy agenda ahead of the midterms. He humorously critiques the vague 'Commitment to America' and its disconnect with public concerns. The conversation dives into political narratives, including tackling IRS claims and the implications of potential impeachment. Plouffe also discusses candidate strategies in key states, emphasizing the importance of authentic messaging to resonate with voters.
Sep 26, 2022 • 45min
The Wilderness Chapter 2: Party Switchers in Virginia
Anat Shenker Osorio, Sarah Longwell, and Tram Nguyen, all leading voices in political communications, delve into the surprising switch of Biden voters to Republicans in Virginia. They analyze the cultural controversies around education that fueled this shift and how personal stories reveal broader political trends. The trio discusses the impact of economic challenges and disinformation on voter perception, emphasizing the need for Democrats to engage with disenchanted citizens as they navigate an evolving political landscape.
Sep 22, 2022 • 53min
"The Special Master Baits Trump."
Carlos Odio, co-founder of Equis Research, shares vital insights into the Latino vote as it shifts in the lead-up to the midterms. He discusses key challenges Democrats face in garnering support from undecided Latino voters in key swing states like Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. The conversation also highlights the importance of addressing economic issues and immigration reform to resonate with this electorate, offering strategies for Democrats to foster inclusivity and engagement.
Sep 20, 2022 • 56min
"Trump's Pre-surrection Rally."
Tony Evers, the Democratic governor of Wisconsin, joins the discussion, shedding light on his campaign for re-election amid a GOP supermajority. He navigates the challenges of policymaking in a polarized environment, particularly surrounding education and abortion issues. The conversation also critiques Ron DeSantis' controversial political stunts, like transporting asylum seekers, and examines the contrasting styles of Trump and DeSantis. Additionally, the hosts engage in a playful pop culture game, adding humor to the political discourse.
Sep 19, 2022 • 40min
Introducing The Wilderness Chapter 1: The Divide
The podcast delves into the state of American democracy as the midterms loom. It highlights the stark divide between engaged voters and the majority who are politically apathetic. Personal stories from election workers reveal the harassment faced during the 2020 election. Experts discuss the need for grassroots activism to represent marginalized voices. The show emphasizes the importance of unity within the Democratic Party and the challenges it must overcome to mobilize voters and confront threats to democratic values.
Sep 15, 2022 • 1h 4min
"The GOP's One-Man Ban."
Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire, known for her bipartisan efforts, joins the conversation. They dive into the Republican proposal for a nationwide abortion ban and its implications for the upcoming elections. The discussion also highlights the political fallout from Ron DeSantis's controversial actions with migrants. Hassan shares insights from her own campaign against MAGA candidate Don Bolduc, emphasizing the importance of keeping women's rights at the forefront of political discourse. Humor and lighthearted games add a fun twist to the serious topics.
Sep 13, 2022 • 1h 4min
"Mitch Better Have Their Money."
Lindsay Owens, the Executive Director of Groundwork Collaborative and an economic expert, joins the conversation to dissect the intricacies of inflation and its real-life implications. The discussion touches on the Republican Party’s midterm jitters and the challenges around same-sex marriage protections, revealing tensions in political strategies. Listeners are entertained with a quirky game called 'Two Takes and a Fake', blending serious topics with light-hearted fun. The interplay between corporate profit and rising prices is also prominently explored.
