

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

Apr 16, 2020 • 1h 8min
“Dems in Array.”
Charlotte Swasey, Vice President of Polling and Data at Data for Progress, joins the discussion to unpack the surprising Democratic victory in Wisconsin amidst voting challenges. They explore critical endorsements for Joe Biden from icons like Obama and Sanders, emphasizing the need for unity within the party. Swasey shares insights from fresh polling data on how Trump's handling of COVID-19 influences voter sentiment and the effectiveness of various messaging strategies. The conversation underscores the importance of engaging voters, especially communities of color, during these pivotal times.

Apr 13, 2020 • 1h 1min
“Trump’s Grand Opening.”
Amanda Marcotte, a Salon writer known for her book "Troll Nation," joins to discuss serious sexual assault allegations against Joe Biden. The conversation delves into the media's handling of such claims and the societal pressures on victims. Additionally, the podcast explores Trump's controversial reopening strategies amid the pandemic and his administration's blame on China. The dynamics of Congressional negotiations for economic relief are scrutinized, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive support during this crisis.

Apr 9, 2020 • 1h 36min
“Biden v. Trump v. Coronavirus.”
Stacey Abrams, former Democratic leader and founder of Fair Fight, joins Alex Wagner, host of Crooked Media's Six Feet Apart, to discuss voting rights in the era of COVID-19. They dive into the challenges of mail-in voting amid partisan divides, highlighting the urgent need for safe elections. The conversation also touches on misinformation surrounding the pandemic and its impact on political narratives. Abrams shares insights on ensuring electoral accessibility while combating systemic voter suppression, making for a compelling discussion on democracy's resilience.

Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 21min
“More Warren, less Kushner.”
Elizabeth Warren, the Senior Senator from Massachusetts, joins to discuss her plans for addressing public health and economic inequality. She critiques the Trump administration's chaotic pandemic response, emphasizing the need for a coordinated federal strategy. Warren also highlights the importance of expanding voting access and unifying the Democratic party ahead of the election. Through insightful commentary, she stresses the critical role of consumer protection during this crisis and advocates for immediate economic relief strategies.

Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 21min
“New tone, who dis?”
Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, dives deep into the urgent issues of holding elections during a pandemic. He shares concerns about voter access and the fight for mail-in voting to ensure safety for all. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by Wisconsin's voters amid restrictive state legislation. Wikler emphasizes the importance of engaging communities to uphold democratic participation, especially for those underserved. He passionately advocates for innovative strategies to protect election integrity in these turbulent times.

Mar 30, 2020 • 1h 8min
“Ratings to die for.”
Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour's White House correspondent, known for her insightful reporting on the Trump administration, joins the discussion about the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the administration's mismanagement and political tensions during the crisis. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by journalists covering the White House, especially in maintaining safety while reporting. They also tackle the importance of accountability in leadership and its impact on public trust during unprecedented times.

Mar 26, 2020 • 1h 12min
“Give me GDP, or give me death.”
Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, discusses her state's challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. She emphasizes the urgent need for federal intervention and coherent messaging as COVID-19 cases rise. The conversation critiques the current administration's focus on economic reopening over public health. Whitmer highlights the psychological complexities of leadership during such crises and the importance of secure voting measures to maintain democracy. She also addresses the necessity of adequate resources and support for those impacted by the pandemic.

Mar 23, 2020 • 1h 5min
“Slush Fund Baby.”
The podcast dives into Trump's refusal to support crucial medical equipment production during the pandemic. It critiques the Democrats' fight against a corporate slush fund in the stimulus bill. Healthcare workers share their harrowing experiences, highlighting PPE shortages and emotional strains. The discussion also explores the challenges of campaigning in a pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. Finally, it addresses the ethical dilemmas faced by lawmakers and the urgent call for accountability in public health responses.

Mar 19, 2020 • 1h 36min
“Where are the tests?”
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former health officer for Detroit, joins the discussion on the U.S.'s testing failures during the pandemic. He critiques the government's response and compares it to other countries, highlighting significant challenges in achieving effective testing. El-Sayed emphasizes the necessity for economic relief and community support for those hit hardest by the crisis. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics affecting voting during these tumultuous times, showcasing how health issues intersect with electoral processes.

Mar 16, 2020 • 1h 32min
“The coronavirus debate.”
Congresswoman Katie Porter, representing California's 45th district, shares her insights on Congress's response to the pandemic. She discusses the critical need for economic relief amidst shutdowns, critiques the government's testing failures, and emphasizes the importance of paid sick leave for workers. The conversation touches on the challenges lawmakers face, the systemic inequities revealed by the crisis, and the urgent need for bold political action to address these issues.


