Pod Save America
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Crooked Media
Pod Save America is a no-bullshit 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, Wednesday and Friday.
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For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email [email protected] (edited)
"Propaganda, foreign and domestic."
McConnell is down to a final few moves on health care. Don Jr. dissembles on yet another Trump campaign Russia meeting. Senator Al Franken stops by to talk about life in the Senate and his new book. And DeRay joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to preview this week's Pod Save the People.
01:07:0310/07/2017
"Making redistricting sexy again."
Trump holds a press conference in Warsaw in advance of the G20 conference, where he'll meet face-to-face with Vladimir Putin and talk to the leaders of Japan and South Korea about the nuclear crisis in North Korea. Then Jon and Dan talk to former Attorney General Eric Holder about his redistricting efforts, and Ana Marie Cox joins to discuss CNN vs. Trump.
01:12:2406/07/2017
"Tweet your feelings."
The President shares a video of him fake wrestling a CNN logo, Republicans face bad local headlines about their wealthcare bill, and a closer look at Trump's fraudulent voter fraud commission. Then Jon and Tommy sit down with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker to talk about health care, criminal justice reform, and how to maintain optimism in the Trump era.
01:10:4203/07/2017
“Never bet against Mitch McConnell.”
Jon and Tommy attend a health care rally outside the United States Capitol and talk to patients, doctors, activists, and politicians, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Brian Schatz, Congresswoman Debbie-Wasserman Schultz, Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Chris Murphy, and Senator Michael Bennet.
28:4101/07/2017
"Kill Bill Vol. 2."
McConnell delays the wealthcare vote after a horrendous CBO score, and the resistance ramps up the pressure on wavering Republican Senators. Then, Jon and Dan talk to Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III about his views on health care, public service, and the future of the Democratic Party.
57:2229/06/2017
"CBO Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Tommy and Jon discuss the ongoing efforts to ram Trumpcare through the Senate, and whether Obama did enough to respond to and deter Russian interference in our election. Then they discuss the impact of Trumpcare on West Virginia with Senator Joe Manchin.
44:5926/06/2017
"Same shitburger, different bun."
Guest host Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to discuss the Secret Senate Health care bill that is no longer secret, the aftermath of the the Democrats' loss in Georgia-06, and a ray of hope in Wisconsin. Then Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi talks to Lovett and Tommy about health care and next steps for the Democrats.
58:4622/06/2017
“We can win this fight.”
As McConnell moves toward a vote on the secret GOP health care bill, Lovett and Tommy are joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to talk about the Democratic strategy to defeat Trumpcare and what each of us can do to help. Plus, mounting tension between the US and Russia over Syria, the demise of the White House press briefing, and declining transparency across our government.
45:0120/06/2017
"Tiny, decent things."
The aftermath of the Alexandria shooting, the investigation of the President, and the Democrats' plan to stop health care. Then, former White House lawyer Danielle Gray joins Jon, Dan, and Tommy to talk about the travel ban, and Judge Tim Black discusses his ruling in the same-sex marriage case, Obergefell v. Hodges.
01:00:1416/06/2017
"All hands on deck."
The Comey fallout continues, the left is resurgent in Europe, and the final showdown is near on #wealthcare. Then, Vox's Sarah Kliff joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about the policy implications of the Senate health care bill, and DeRay McKesson joins to discuss his interview with Katy Perry.
01:00:3212/06/2017
"Comey came to play."
Jim Comey builds a case for obstruction of justice in testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff joins Jon and Dan to break it down. Then, Trumpcare 2.0 gets new life in the Senate, and Ana Marie Cox joins to talk about the Republican reaction to Comey's testimony.
01:07:4008/06/2017
“Some kind of decline.”
Trump responds to terrorism in London by attacking the city’s mayor and his own Justice Department, while Capitol Hill prepares for The Comey Show. Then, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) talks to Jon, Jon, and Tommy about a progressive foreign policy and how politicians can talk like normal human beings, and Pod Save the People’s DeRay Mckesson joins to preview this week’s episode.
01:02:2205/06/2017
“More fucked than we think.”
As Trump prepares to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, Jon and Dan talk about the consequences with one of the deal’s chief negotiators, Brian Deese. Then, they break down the politics of the decision, catch up on the latest Russia developments, and talk with Ana Marie Cox about Trump’s decision to rollback birth control coverage under Obamacare.
01:08:2401/06/2017
"The energy is in progressive politics."
Trump jeopardizes the NATO alliance on his “historically successful” foreign trip, Kushner conducts secret diplomacy with a Russian banker, and the Democrats hone their message after Montana. Then, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy in studio to discuss the fights Democrats should wage on behalf of working Americans.
01:13:3730/05/2017
“The cycle of bullshit.”
Trumpcare gets a CBO score so bad that it causes Republicans to lie, cry, and body-slam a reporter in Montana. Then, the Atlantic’s Annie Lowrey talks to Jon and Dan about Trump’s budget, and Ana Marie Cox joins with a look at the President’s foreign trip.
01:04:0825/05/2017
"Exhausted from Obstructing Justice."
Jon, Jon, and Tommy discuss Trump's semester abroad, the latest on the investigations, right-wing lies about a tragedy, and what's next for health care. With special guest: no one.
45:5122/05/2017
Pod Save America Takes Los Angeles
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan talk obstruction of justice and all the rest at the Ace Theater in Downtown LA. Plus Mayor Eric Garcetti joins to discuss the Democratic agenda and the lessons we can draw from success at the local level.
01:30:2118/05/2017
"Government by sucker punch."
In the aftermath of Comey's firing, what can Democrats do to hold Trump accountable? The Vice Chair of the Intel Committee, Senator Mark Warner, joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to discuss the latest on the investigation. Plus DeRay on Sessions, Snowden, and more.
01:02:2215/05/2017
“Literally farcical.”
Trump fires FBI Director Jim Comey in the middle of an investigation involving the Trump campaign’s potential collusion with Russia, and gets plenty of support from Republicans in Congress. Then, former White House Counsel Kathy Ruemmler joins Jon and Dan to talk about the legal implications of the Comey firing.
54:0711/05/2017
"Think globalist, act localist."
French elections, Sally Yates' testimony, Kushner family corruption, the latest on health care, and our interview with Senator Kamala Harris recorded live in front of a rowdy San Fransisco crowd.
01:06:0308/05/2017
Pod Save America Takes Seattle
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan hold a live show at Seattle’s Showbox SoDo Theater, where they’re joined by Washington Governor Jay Inslee to talk health care, activism, and the future of Democratic Party.
02:01:5207/05/2017
“The moment of truth for the resistance.”
House Republicans stake their careers on Trumpcare, and stopping the bill in the Senate becomes the biggest test yet for the resistance movement. Then, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Democratic Party’s economic vision, and Ana Marie Cox joins to talk about health care.
01:10:0304/05/2017
BONUS POD with Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, sits down with Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about how Trump changed comedy, his approach to political humor, and what he's trying to achieve with The Daily Show.
19:3803/05/2017
"Doris Trump Goodwin."
Zombie RyanCare won't die, Dickerson stumps Trump, the Times hires a conservative climate skeptic, the DCCC fails to invest in Montana, and Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about the Democratic message in the Midwest.
56:5301/05/2017
"A very 'Cuck You' week."
Trump looks for any kind of win before the 100-day mark, pushes Trumpcare 3.0, and proposes big tax cuts. Then, Pod Save the People host DeRay McKesson joins Jon and Dan to talk about his new podcast and the future of the Resistance.
54:2827/04/2017
"The odorless gas of misogyny."
Trump's first 100 days end with a fight over funding for the wall. Plus health care, tax reform, and Teen Vogue's Lauren Duca joins to discuss truth in the Trump era and the divides in the Democratic party.
01:04:4824/04/2017
“We’ll do it live.”
Chaffetz and O’Reilly take extended vacations, Ossoff heads to a runoff, and the 2018 map looks bluer. Then, Governor Deval Patrick sits down with Jon and Dan to talk politics and the future of the Democratic Party, and Ana Marie Cox joins to ponder the Case of the Missing Aircraft Carrier.
01:00:4020/04/2017
"When you open the canister, snakes pop out."
The latest on North Korea, the weekend's tax marches, and how the health care town halls are working. Then Jon, Jon, and Tommy answer questions in the first Friend of the Pod Q & A.
58:0617/04/2017
“Game of Cucks.”
Steve Bannon and pals have a bad week, Trump goes full Globalist, and still tries to hold health care hostage. Then, Obama pollster Cornell Belcher joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Democratic coalition, and Indivisible’s Ezra Levin talks about how you can get involved in the Tax March and Congressional Recess.
01:06:5613/04/2017
“The enemy of your enemy is your frenemy.”
Trump strikes Syria and cable swoons, while the White House plays the Game of Cucks. Then, the Washington Post’s Ashley Parker joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about covering the Trump Administration, and VEEP’s David Mandel stops by to talk about the show’s sixth season.
55:3910/04/2017
"Thanks for unmasking"
Ben Rhodes helps unmask the unmasking debate, Zombie Trumpcare makes a bad bill worse, Cecile Richards joins Jon and Dan to talk women and the resistance, and Ana Marie Cox discusses new Shadow President Jared Kushner.
01:01:1206/04/2017
"A garbage organization that protects harassers."
Trump’s popularity and agenda falter, Senate Democrats filibuster Neil Gorsuch, and Fox News lets Bill O’Reilly get away with sexual harassment. Then, climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to explain what people can do to fight climate change.
48:5303/04/2017
"The outrage meter is on tilt."
Republicans flirt with Trumpcare 2.0, Trump flirts with a government shutdown, and no one knows what the hell is going on with Nunes. Then, David Axelrod joins Jon and Dan to give advice to Democrats and Donald Trump.
01:04:5430/03/2017
"Blitzkrieg of blame."
Repeal and go f*ck yourself fails, Trump blames everyone but himself, and learns how hard it will be to pass the rest of his agenda. Then, Former Obama adviser Yohannes Abraham joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about the power of just showing up.
52:2527/03/2017
"He'll run the country from jail like El Chapo."
The Russia story gets messier, Trump confirms the truth is dead, and Republicans try to take away health care from their voters. Then, new author Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon and Dan to reminisce, and Friends Like These host Ana Marie Cox stops by to talk health care.
01:03:0323/03/2017
"It's like late season Sopranos."
FBI Director Comey confirms a Trump-Russia investigation, Trump alienates more allies, and Paul Ryan has keg dreams of cutting health care. Then Jon Ossoff, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Georgia's 6th District, joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about what’s he’s learned from his race and what you can do to help.
46:5420/03/2017
Live @ SXSW: Crooked Media and Kara Swisher
The Crooked Media team talks live with notoriously tough interviewer Kara Swisher about their burgeoning media empire, Trump, and how to focus the resistance.
01:03:4717/03/2017
"Who pays for the wall? The elderly!"
Trump runs into trouble with his ban, his budget, and his health care bill. Then, Barack Obama’s former Deputy Chief of Staff and Health Care Czar Nancy-Ann DeParle joins Jon and Dan to talk about the fight to pass and now save the Affordable Care Act.
01:00:1616/03/2017
Pod Save America takes Austin
Health care lies dominate the Sunday shows, and Congress's biggest racist strikes again. Then, Congressman Seth Moulton joins Jon, Jon and Tommy to talk about the future of the Democratic Party.
01:04:2613/03/2017
"The dogs who caught the car."
Paul Ryan struggles to pass a tax cut for the rich disguised as health care reform, and Vox.com's Ezra Klein joins Jon and Dan to break down all the policy pitfalls of Trumpcare.
01:08:4109/03/2017
"The most damning conclusion of all."
Trump issues a new immigration ban, and peddles a deranged conspiracy about Obama tapping his phones. Then, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about his committee's investigation into the contacts between Trump officials and Russia.
47:1106/03/2017
"The greatest speech in history."
Sessions lies about meetings with Russians, and Trump snows the pundits with his speech. Then, former Republican operative Nicolle Wallace joins Jon and Dan to talk about Obama-Trump voters and the future of the Republican Party.
01:07:1202/03/2017
"It's making us dumber."
The latest on health care, Trump's joint address to Congress, and Peter Hamby of Snapchat joins to talk about press access and the changing media landscape.
59:4627/02/2017
"A conversation about our divides."
Trump's relatively tame week on Twitter, his orders on deportations and transgender policies, and the growing activism at town halls. Then Ana Marie Cox joins Jon and Dan to talk about her new Crooked Media podcast, With Friends Like These.
01:02:3623/02/2017
"Card-carrying badass."
Katie Couric joins for a freewheeling conversation about Trump's attacks on the media, persuading Trump voters and the future of the Democratic Party.
01:01:1320/02/2017
"Caps lock freakout mode."
General Flynn gets fired, the NYT's report on Trump-Russia contacts, and the White House's awful week. Then, the Atlantic's Julia Ioffe joins Jon and Dan to talk Russia, and MoveOn.org's Ben Wikler announces the launch of #ResistanceRecess.
58:3416/02/2017
"C'mon, Shinzo... they've paid me a fortune!"
Trump holds national security talks in a crowded Mar-a-Lago ballroom. Flynn and Priebus are on the ropes. And DeRay McKesson joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to discuss protest and activism.
52:0113/02/2017
Pod Save America Takes Brooklyn
Jon, Jon and Tommy pierce their liberal bubble by traveling to Brooklyn for a live podcast. They're joined by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Alex Wagner of CBS News.
02:10:0511/02/2017
"Can I call you Easy D?"
The threat posed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trump's battle against the judiciary, and the travails of Sean Spicer. Then, New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait joins Jon and Dan to talk about Obama's legacy and Trump's first few weeks.
01:04:4409/02/2017
"A moment of silence for Bowling Green."
Behind the scenes of Trump's first weeks, his attacks on the judiciary, and his not-so-populist revolution. Then Neera Tanden joins Jon, Jon and Tommy to discuss the fight to save ACA.
48:0606/02/2017