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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)
“Drunk on Coup-laid.”
The U.S. launches the largest vaccination effort in history as the first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are delivered, the Electoral College meets to formalize Joe Biden’s victory, and the Republican Party chooses Donald Trump over democracy.
47:4914/12/2020
“The Mitch Who Stole Christmas.”
Mitch McConnell blocks bipartisan pandemic relief to help his corporate pals, Joe Biden continues to staff up his Cabinet and White House, and Republicans run their 2020 playbook in Georgia. Then messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio talks to Jon about why Democrats need to stop selling the recipe and start selling the brownie.
01:38:4610/12/2020
“Caught in the Trump trap.”
President-elect Biden makes announcements about his pandemic strategy and health care team, Trump asks Georgians to vote in an election he says is rigged, and then attacks Republicans who won’t support his coup. Then Rachel Maddow talks to Jon Lovett about Covid and her new book, Bag Man.
01:05:4407/12/2020
“Pardon me?”
Covid relief has new life after a bipartisan group of Senators announces a new plan that wins the support of Joe Biden and Democratic leaders, and Donald Trump prepares to leave the White House by potentially handing out pardons and announcing his 2024 presidential campaign. Then Obama data guru Dan Wagner talks to Dan Pfeiffer about why the polls were so wrong in 2020 .
01:10:4003/12/2020
“Certified Loser.”
Donald Trump’s attempted coup fizzles out after an impressive streak of losses, and President-elect Joe Biden announces an experienced and diverse set of picks for his national security, economic, and communications teams. Then Congressman Joaquin Castro talks to Tommy about the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientists and the prospects for diplomacy under the incoming Biden Administration.
01:02:5230/11/2020
"The ads that defined 2020."
Jon F. and Dan connect for a special crossover installment of the hit YouTube series "Campaign Experts React" and break down the best and worst of the Trump and Biden campaign ads. Check out youtube.com/crookedmedia for more of the show.
53:4226/11/2020
"Have you tried role playing?" (Thanksgiving mailbag!)
Jon, Jon, and Tommy answer your questions about the 2020 election, incoming Biden administration, Thanksgiving dishes, and more.
49:5623/11/2020
“My Cousin Rudy.”
Trump and Republicans continue their failing scheme to steal the election, Joe Biden makes his first round of White House hires, and Democrats figure out how to keep Georgia blue. Then Reverend Raphael Warnock talks to Jon about how he plans to win his pivotal Senate race in Georgia.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.
01:14:5219/11/2020
“Transition to greatness!”
The outgoing president's antics consume attention that should be focused on the raging pandemic, while President-elect Biden looks to make progress on climate change, immigration, student debt, and other issues. Then Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha talks to Jon Favreau about how the party can improve its performance among Latino voters.
01:04:3816/11/2020
“One Flew Over the Coup-Coup’s Nest.”
Donald Trump and Republican leaders are still refusing to acknowledge that Joe Biden won, the Trump campaign strategy to steal the election is failing, and a purge at the Pentagon raises concerns. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Dan about how Democrats can win in Georgia and all over the country.
01:01:2212/11/2020
“President-elect Joe Biden.”
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris deliver victory speeches after the race is called, two-time popular vote loser and soon-to-be one-term President Donald Trump refuses to concede, and Democrats debate how to govern and win in a divided Washington. Then Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown talks to Jon Lovett about the power of organizing and the Georgia Senate runoffs.
01:12:2709/11/2020
"We won.”
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan discuss Joe Biden’s victory over one-term President Donald Trump, and what comes next in the fight for democracy.
54:3706/11/2020
“Nauseously optimistic.” (Election update)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan discuss the clusterf*ck of an Election Night that has ended with votes still being counted in several states, and Joe Biden on the cusp of defeating Donald Trump.
49:2304/11/2020
“See you on the other side.” (Pre-election special!)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the closing arguments and strategies from Donald Trump and Joe Biden, answer your questions, and offer some final thoughts on the 2020 election. Then, a few of Vote Save America’s incredible volunteers will talk about why they got into political organizing.
01:37:3430/10/2020
“One last ride on the pollercoaster.”
The Trump-McConnell Supreme Court gets involved in the election, and the results of the final Crooked Media/Change Research Pollercoaster series show Biden in the lead and Trump voters in a Fox News bubble. Then TargetSmart CEO Tom Bonier talks to Jon about the most promising trends in the early vote data.
01:01:1628/10/2020
“Covid, covid, covid.”
The pandemic dominates the final week of the election, the dueling candidate schedules reflect their most likely paths to 270, and what the early vote can and can’t tell us about the election. Then Wisconsin organizer Dakota Hall talks to Tommy about how Democrats can turn out as many young voters as possible.
01:02:1426/10/2020
"We got Joe!"
Dan and Jon L. talk with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden about what’s at stake for our democracy in the 2020 election, his final debate with Donald Trump, his plans for tackling the climate crisis, Vote Early Day, and what everyone can do to help in the final days of the campaign.Full transcript: https://crooked.com/podcast/joe-biden-pod-save-america-interview/
28:0324/10/2020
“Abraham Lincoln over here.” (Debate recap special)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down what will hopefully be the last presidential debate ever to include Donald Trump.
50:1623/10/2020
“Trump’s secret Chinese bank account.”
Trump whines about the rules, moderator, and topics in advance of the final presidential debate. Democrats inch closer to a Senate majority. Dan and Jon discuss what you can do about tightening polls, and answer some of your questions. Then disinformation expert Jiore Craig talks to Dan about how to handle right-wing smears in the final weeks of this election.
01:12:4721/10/2020
“How Trump can win.”
Trump attacks Dr. Fauci and science as his campaign descends into chaos and recriminations, but both the Trump and Biden campaigns still see a path to victory for the President. Rudy Giuliani recycles smears against the Biden family, and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes talks to Jon Favreau about how the race looks in one of the most important battleground states.
56:5919/10/2020
“America’s Crazy Uncle.” (Town hall recap)
Donald Trump and Joe Biden participate in dueling town halls on ABC and NBC, Covid hits the Biden-Harris campaign, and Jon and Dan answer some listener questions. Then Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman talks to Dan about the final weeks of the race in what may be the tipping point state.
01:23:0016/10/2020
“Barack Obama on 2020.”
Former President Barack Obama joins Jon F. and Tommy to talk about the stakes of the 2020 election up and down the ballot, make his case for Joe Biden and share his vision for creating lasting progressive change in 2021 and beyond.For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://crooked.com/podcast/barack-obama-on-2020/.
44:0514/10/2020
"Willy Wonka and The Covid Factory.”
The Trump-Covid ticket returns to the campaign trail despite unanswered questions about the President’s condition, Senate Republicans revolt against Covid relief negotiations between The White House and Nancy Pelosi, and Democrats make the first day of the Amy Coney Barrett hearings about her opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Then Congresswoman Katie Porter talks to Jon Lovett about the pandemic, inequality, and the 2020 election.
01:03:5512/10/2020
“Kamala at me, bro.” (Debate recap!)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the vice presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence, and discuss Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the second presidential debate. Then Beto O’Rourke talks to Jon Favreau about his efforts to turn Texas blue through his grassroots organization, Powered by People.
01:18:4108/10/2020
“Trump's Covid Joyride.”
A hospitalized Donald Trump takes a spin outside Walter Reed Medical Center and tells America not to be afraid of Covid, hundreds of people are exposed to the virus because of a White House superspreader event, and the Biden and Trump campaigns grapple with the political fallout with just 29 days left in the campaign. Then Senator Cory Booker talks to Tommy about how Washington’s Covid outbreak might affect the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
01:03:1505/10/2020
“Trump gets Covid.”
The President and First Lady test positive for Covid-19 after flouting public health precautions and exposing countless others to the virus. Joe Biden, who has so far tested negative, resumes limited in-person campaigning and canvassing. Then Andre Banks of Win Black / Pa'lante talks to Dan about how we can handle the flood of disinformation being directed at black and brown voters.
58:1302/10/2020
“Will you shut up, man?” (Debate recap special)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the lows and lower lows of the worst presidential debate in history between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
01:01:4530/09/2020
“The 750 Dollar Man.”
Trump’s taxes reveal that he’s heavily in debt and doesn't pay income taxes, Republicans want to make Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination about her Catholicism instead of her opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and Joe Biden prepares to face off with Donald Trump in the first of three presidential debates. Then Obama campaign manager David Plouffe talks to Jon Favreau about prepping for debates and the battleground states that Joe Biden needs to hit 270 electoral votes.
01:07:3128/09/2020
“Trump’s Coup de Nah.”
Trump refuses to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, Democrats fight to overcome mail-in voting shenanigans, and Republicans make appeals to QAnon supporters. Then Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer talks to Jon about the Democratic strategy around the coming Supreme Court battle.
01:02:3224/09/2020
“RBG and the fight to come.”
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87 years old, setting up a nomination battle to fill her seat with just 43 days to go until the presidential election. Then Kate Kendell of Take Back the Court talks to Jon Lovett about the case for expanding the Supreme Court.
01:08:1321/09/2020
“Herd mentality.”
Trump publicly rebukes his CDC Director for testifying that masks are effective and a vaccine might take awhile, he faces tough questions from undecided voters in a live town hall, and the results of our new Pollercoaster survey with Change Research show that infrequent and undecided voters are most persuaded by Joe Biden’s plans on the economy, health care, racial justice, climate, and education. Then communications guru Anat Shenker-Osorio talks to Dan about the most effective ways to talk to voters in the homestretch.
01:23:2017/09/2020
“50 Days to Joe.”
Trump finishes his weekend of superspreader rallies with a trip to California amid a climate disaster he thinks is a hoax, Mike Bloomberg says he’ll spend at least $100 million in Florida to help Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders urges Biden to talk more about his economic agenda with young and Latino voters. Then Reverend Greg Lewis talks to Tommy about Wisconsin’s Souls to the Polls initiative, which is aimed at making sure everyone in the state can vote.
01:11:2014/09/2020
“Trump’s Covid confessions.”
Trump confesses to Bob Woodward that he intentionally downplayed the severity of the virus for the last six months, the western United States is on fire because of climate change, and dueling advertising strategies tell us how the Trump and Biden campaigns see the race. Then Equis Research co-founder Carlos Odio talks to Jon about the Latino vote in Florida.
01:12:5710/09/2020
“Is hating the troops good for Trump?”
Joe Biden maintains a steady lead as the campaign enters the homestretch, Trump spends five days defending himself against disgraceful comments about U.S. service members, and the August jobs report shows slowing job growth and more permanent job loss. Then Fair Fight CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo talks to Jon Favreau about winning Georgia and fighting voter suppression.
54:2508/09/2020
“AirTifa.”
Trump deflates his convention bounce with a week of deranged conspiracies and potential felonies, a Pollapalooza shows the race largely unchanged by the conventions and Trump’s crime message, and Joe Biden’s record-breaking month of fundraising allows him to launch a homestretch advertising blitz. Then WNBA player Renee Montgomery talks to Dan about taking this season off to focus on activism and social justice.
01:04:5703/09/2020
“The Weakest Strongman.”
Trump cheers on violent supporters in Kenosha and Portland, Joe Biden gives a speech in Pennsylvania condemning violence and Trump, Covid outbreaks on college campuses get worse, and the White House weighs a strategy of herd immunity and a quick vaccine. Then Obama pollster Cornell Belcher talks to Jon Lovett about the state of the race after both conventions.
01:06:5231/08/2020
“Well that was terrible.”
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down Donald Trump’s acceptance speech and discuss how the Republican National Convention will shape the final 67 days of the 2020 campaign.
51:1828/08/2020
“Kenosha vs. Convention.”
The protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin after the police shooting of Jacob Blake provide the backdrop to a Republican National Convention where the party tries its hardest to stoke division and deny reality. Then Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes talks to Jon about police brutality, the protests, and what Joe Biden needs to do to win Wisconsin.
01:15:2627/08/2020
“The RNC: Now, With 5x More Trump!”
The Republican National Convention lineup is heavy on Trump and light on policy, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris see their favorability rise after last week’s convention, Trump touts another unproven Covid treatment, and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testifies before Congress. Then New York Times reporter Kevin Roose talks to Tommy about Trump’s embrace of the QAnon cult.
53:3124/08/2020
“It’s Joe Time.”
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan reflect on Joe Biden’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, reflect on the week of speeches and moments, and look ahead to next week’s Republican National Convention.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa.For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
50:4321/08/2020
“The Convention is good!”
The first three days of the Democratic National Convention features a wide variety of locations, segments, and speakers, including major addresses from Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris. Then Elizabeth Warren talks to Dan about her convention speech and her efforts to save the U.S. Postal Service.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa.For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
01:27:4620/08/2020
“The Democratic National Couch-vention.”
The Postal Service warns states that mail-in ballots might not be counted in time, Democrats plan an emergency hearing with the Postmaster General, and the first all-virtual Democratic National Convention begins with speakers ranging from John Kasich to AOC. Then voting rights attorney Marc Elias talks to Jon Favreau about his legal fight against Donald Trump’s efforts to sabotage the election.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/psa.For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
01:05:3617/08/2020
“Kamala!”
Joe Biden selects Kamala Harris to be his Vice President, and Hysteria’s Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon and Dan to break down the choice, the rollout, and the reaction of Donald Trump. Then Black Voters Matter Fund co-founder LaTosha Brown talks to Jon about the historic nature of Kamala Harris’s selection, and how the Democratic ticket can organize and energize voters this fall.
01:14:0513/08/2020
“Art of the Steal.”
Donald Trump announces a few fairly useless executive actions, forges ahead with his plan to steal the election, and dismisses new reports of foreign interference by Russia. Then New York State Attorney General Letitia James talks to Jon Lovett about her lawsuit aimed at shutting down the NRA.
54:0010/08/2020
“Debate me, coward.”
Tuesday’s primaries lead to Missouri victories for Medicaid expansion and Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush, the Biden campaign announces the biggest advertising buy in history across 15 states, and the Trump campaign makes debate demands while lowering expectations for Joe Biden. Then Manny Garcia and Cliff Walker, the leaders of the Texas Democratic Party, talk to Dan about what it will take to turn the state blue in 2020. And Ben Rhodes talks to Tommy about his new Crooked Media podcast, Missing America.
01:35:4806/08/2020
“You’ve got (no) mail.”
The Trump campaign smashes that reset button, the President tries to undermine the election by attacking mail-in voting and the Postal Service, Republicans refuse to extend unemployment benefits, and Joe Biden gets close to selecting his running mate. Then journalist Kara Swisher talks to Jon Lovett about Trump’s threat to ban TikTok and the tech CEOs who recently testified on Capitol Hill.Subscribe to Missing America: apple.co/missingamerica
01:04:5203/08/2020
"Sex Demons and Karaoke with Dan and Alyssa."
Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to talk about Trump's promotion of more conspiracy theories, jealousy of Dr. Anthony Fauci, inability to help himself politically, and failure to confront Vladimir Putin, even when American lives are at risk. Then, they take your most pressing questions on the VP selection process, the 2020 election, and whether karaoke is actually fun.
01:02:1530/07/2020
"99 days to the election (with Mehdi Hasan)."
The Intercept’s Mehdi Hasan joins to discuss the state of the presidential campaign now that we’re less than 100 days out, how COVID reached deep into the White House and forced major changes to Trump’s campaign, the latest with COVID relief in Congress, how Trump’s message went from calling Biden soft on China to member of Antifa, and how the media can learn from the mistakes of 2016. Then Jon F. interviews Mother Jones' Ari Berman about voting during the pandemic.Make sure you're registered, request an absentee ballot, and get involved at votesaveamerica.com/everylastvote.
01:26:1427/07/2020
“Person, woman, man, camera… podcast.”
Dan and Tommy talk about the new tone that President Trump is not adopting now that daily White House coronavirus briefings have resumed, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling out a culture of misogyny after a Republican accosted her on the steps of the Capitol, the latest on the negotiations over pandemic relief in Congress, and the new plan Joe Biden has proposed to help caregivers and parents.
55:5523/07/2020
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”
Donald Trump’s 40-minute interview with Fox News’s Chris Wallace is perfection, the Administration is sending unidentified paramilitary troops to crack down on protesters in Portland, and America says goodbye to Congressman John Lewis and CT Vivian, two giants of the Civil Rights Movement. Then Voto Latino’s María Teresa Kumar talks to Tommy about organizing the Latino community ahead of November.
01:14:2420/07/2020