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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.
Ad-Free Pod Save America episodes available NOW through Friends of the Pod subscription. Head to crooked.com/friends to join today!
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email [email protected] (edited)
“Legislative cosplay.”
William Barr lies to Congress and angers Bob Mueller, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer decide to play along with the latest Infrastructure Week, and Democrats are in need of Senate candidates for 2020. Then Senator Bernie Sanders talks to Tommy about the Senate vote to end America's support for the war in Yemen, and activist Ady Barkan talks to Jon about his appearance at the first-ever Congressional hearing on Medicare for All. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:26:5002/05/2019
2020: Tim Ryan on the working class and yoga
Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan sits down with Dan Pfeiffer at Crooked HQ in Los Angeles to discuss his economic agenda, how Democrats can retake the Midwest and his passion for mindfulness.
54:1530/04/2019
“The pundit gap.”
Another white nationalist targets a synagogue in California, voters believe Trump is guilty of obstruction but aren’t ready for impeachment, and Beto O’Rourke rolls out the first detailed climate plan of the 2020 campaign. Then former Obama pollster Cornell Belcher talks to Jon F. about the state of the race, and what Democratic voters are looking for. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:17:3429/04/2019
2020: Seth Moulton On Patriotism And Beating Trump On National Security
Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton joins Tommy Vietor to discuss the threat of nuclear war, his time in the Marine Corps and the need for a new generation of leadership in the White House.
48:5826/04/2019
“Make America 2016 Again?”
The President ignores the law and Congress in an effort to shut down further investigations, the federal government is woefully unprepared for future election sabotage, and former Vice President Joe Biden officially enters the Democratic primary. Then Mother Jones’s Ari Berman talks to Dan about the Supreme Court case over Trump’s effort to rig the Census in favor of Republicans. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:24:0325/04/2019
“Impeach ‘em if you got ‘em.”
Congress debates whether to begin impeachment proceedings against the President, Elizabeth Warren proposes free college and student debt relief, and Seth Moulton enters the field. Then Jessica Yellin, author of Savage News, joins to talk about political media coverage in the Trump Era. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:31:2423/04/2019
2020: Kirsten Gillibrand on Medicare for All and speaking truths (From Jan. 22)
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sits down with Jon Favreau to talk about Medicare for All, building a green economy, immigration, and more. (Previously released on January 22, 2019)
46:1922/04/2019
“This is the end of my presidency. I’m f*cked.”
Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report is finally public, and it’s not great! Politico’s Natasha Bertrand joins to talk about all the explosive revelations, the fallout, and what comes next. Then we discuss Bernie Sanders’s decision to hold a Fox News town hall, and hear from comedian Chelsea Handler about her crush on Robert Mueller and her political awakening.
01:28:1618/04/2019
2020: Kamala Harris on American identity and secret recipes
California Senator Kamala Harris talks with Jon Favreau about her record as a District Attorney and Attorney General, how she’d get her priorities through Congress, what drives her crazy about the Democratic Party, and her views on immigration, health care, Israel, and more.
55:5317/04/2019
2020: Jay Inslee on climate change and beating Donald Trump
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee joins Dan Pfeiffer from the campaign trail in New Hampshire to talk about why climate change is the defining issue of his presidential campaign, what he’s learned from running a state government and his plan to beat Donald Trump.
38:3216/04/2019
“Live Free or Run for President.” (LIVE in New Hampshire)
Trump and conservatives target Ilhan Omar, red states restrict abortion, Mayor Pete’s meteoric rise continues, Cory Booker kicks off his campaign in Newark, and the new primary calendar may have unintended effects. Washington Governor Jay Inslee joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Alyssa Mastromonaco live on stage in Concord, New Hampshire. Check out more Pod Save America tour dates for 2019: crooked.com/events.
01:14:5615/04/2019
"Fascist cosplay." (LIVE in Boston)
Trump embraces lawlessness on immigration, congressional Democrats press for Trump's tax returns, and the 2020 candidates hit the trail in an economy that is growing while growing more unequal. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan and Demos's Heather McGhee live on stage in Boston.
01:26:3312/04/2019
2020: Elizabeth Warren on dogs and capitalism (From Feb. 21, 2019)
Senator Elizabeth Warren sits down with Tommy to talk about Medicare for All, climate change, Venezuela, Israel, and more. (Previously released on Feb. 21, 2019)
42:1411/04/2019
“Chaos is a ladder.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is fired because she’s not extreme enough on immigration, Trump courts Jewish voters while accusing them of dual loyalty, Nancy Pelosi counsels pragmatism while predicting a House victory in 2020, and another 40 candidates enter the Democratic primary. Then Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen talks to Tommy about building effective social movements. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:07:2708/04/2019
2020: Julián Castro on Immigration and Beyonce
Tommy interviews former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary Julián Castro about his 2020 bid. They discuss immigration, Puerto Rico, housing policy, why Democrats have underperformed with Latino voters and how he plans to make the debates and win. On foreign policy, they discuss the rise of white extremists, whether Saudi Arabia is still an ally, China's muslim reeducation camps, North Korea and Beyonce.
41:3605/04/2019
“The clouds have not lifted.”
Trump announces that 2020 will be about health care, Mueller’s team starts leaking, House Democrats fire their subpoena cannons, Wisconsin signals trouble ahead, and Bernie Sanders leads the field in fundraising and polling. Then former White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett talks to Jon about her new book, “Finding My Voice.” Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:39:1004/04/2019
“Mueller purgatory.”
Barr’s summary hasn’t moved public opinion, Democrats haul out the subpoena cannon, Trump returns to demagoguing immigrants, Mulvaney’s political instincts are awful, and all the latest 2020 news. Then Planned Parenthood President Dr. Leana Wen talks to Jon Lovett about the latest legal assault on women’s health.
01:07:1601/04/2019
“Peak stupid.”
Trumpworld and the Washington media make sweeping conclusions over a report they’ve never seen, Democrats pivot to health care after the Trump Administration declines to defend the Affordable Care Act in court, and Democrats work to counter Trump’s 2020 message that they’re radical extremists. Then Andrew Gillum talks to Dan about his new effort to register voters in Florida and turn the state blue in 2020. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:30:5128/03/2019
“No exoneration.”
Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara joins to walk through Attorney General William Barr’s 4-page summary of Robert Mueller’s final report, as we talk about what it all means and what comes next. Then we discuss Kirsten Gillibrand’s announcement speech, Bernie Sanders’s big rallies and mosque visit, and Kamala Harris’s new plan to increase teacher pay. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:13:0125/03/2019
“The Electoral College is f*cking stupid.”
2020 candidates embrace a host of democratic reforms to give more people a bigger voice, Donald Trump eagerly awaits Robert Mueller’s report, Democrats work to maintain enthusiasm ahead of 2020, and Joe Biden strategizes about fundraising and a potential running mate. Then Congresswoman Lauren Underwood sits down with Jon Lovett about the change a new generation is bringing to the House. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:31:1721/03/2019
2020: Cory Booker on radical love and the filibuster
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker joins Jon Favreau in studio for a conversation about his presidential campaign, what he learned about politics as Mayor of Newark, and how he intends to pass his agenda and fix our politics if he wins.
01:05:0720/03/2019
“St. Paddy’s Day rage tweeting.”
The world grapples with the rise of white nationalism, Trump spends Sunday attacking everyone from John McCain to autoworkers, Beto reminds us that Twitter isn’t real life, Mayor Pete is having a moment, and Elizabeth Warren churns out another ambitious policy proposal on housing. Then Mehdi Hasan, host of the Intercept’s Deconstructed podcast, talks to Tommy about Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric from politicians. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:21:0618/03/2019
“To impeach or not to impeach.”
Nancy Pelosi throws cold water on the idea of impeaching Donald Trump, Paul Manafort had a very bad Wednesday, Beto O’Rourke launches his presidential campaign, and Peter Hamby warns Democrats not to run their campaigns via Twitter. Then Senator Sherrod Brown talks to Jon about his decision not to run, the dignity of work, the Senate’s dysfunction, and how Democrats can win in 2020. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:09:4114/03/2019
“Trump’s Medicare For None plan.”
Trump’s budget guts health care, education, and other programs to pay for his wall, Fox News personalities continue to be awful, House Democrats pass sweeping democracy reform, and a new poll shows that Democratic voters are less concerned about ideology than political reporters. Then Kara Swisher talks to Jon Favreau about Elizabeth Warren’s new plan to break up Amazon, Facebook, and Google. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:06:5211/03/2019
“Fox News-addled automatons.”
Congress launches investigations into Donald Trump that could lay the groundwork for impeachment, Democrats decide against allowing Fox News to host a primary debate, and five potential Democratic contenders decide against running for president in 2020. Then John Legend joins Jon Lovett in studio to talk about his new song and mini-documentary series that features the stories of activists and community leaders. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:24:3207/03/2019
“I’m gonna regret this speech.”
Trump is off-script and unhinged at CPAC, the 2020 race starts as a toss-up, Bernie Sanders kicks off his campaign in Brooklyn, and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper join the Democratic field. Then Daily Beast reporter Asawin Suebsaeng talks to Tommy about the right-wing craziness that is CPAC. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:16:3904/03/2019
2020: Pete Buttigieg on freedom and farting cows
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg joins Dan in the studio for a conversation about his presidential campaign, how Democrats can win back the Midwest and what he's bringing to the table as the youngest candidate in the race.
01:01:3401/03/2019
“A very revealing Cohenoscopy.”
Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon and Dan to talk about the fallout from Michael Cohen’s explosive and incriminating testimony. Then, Elizabeth Warren makes a big fundraising move, Biden keeps waiting, and Beto makes a decision. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:04:1028/02/2019
“The Green Book New Deal.”
Trump hates the dictator in Venezuela but loves the one in North Korea, Mueller is nearing his end game with a lot of questions still unanswered, and Senator Dianne Feinstein debates the Green New Deal with some student activists. Then one of the architects of the Green New Deal, Rhiana Gunn-Wright, talks to Jon Favreau about why the ambitious proposal is such an urgent necessity. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:07:1325/02/2019
“Elizabeth Warren talks dogs and capitalism.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren sits down with Tommy to talk about Medicare for All, climate change, Venezuela, Israel, and more. Before that, Jon and Dan talk about Mueller’s end game, Trump’s latest attacks on the media, and the future of the Supreme Court. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:29:5621/02/2019
“Let a thousand obstructions bloom.”
Trump’s fake national emergency gets legal and legislative challenges, Andrew McCabe reveals the panic at the FBI and DOJ over the president’s potential criminality, and Bernie Sanders enters the 2020 race. Then the Washington Post’s Dave Weigel talks to Jon Lovett about Bernie and the 2020 primary. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:15:2919/02/2019
“Donald Trump’s coffee man.”
The President loses his wall but keeps the issue, kicks off his re-election campaign in El Paso with a new screed against Democrats, and gets a boost from potential independent candidate Howard Schultz. Then journalist Marcy Wheeler talks to Dan about the latest Paul Manafort revelations, Andrew McCabe’s return to the spotlight, and whether we’ll see a Mueller report. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:09:2514/02/2019
“Dan’s imaginary SuperPAC.” (LIVE in Durham)
Shutdown negotiations falter as Trump takes his demagoguery to El Paso, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar formally launch their presidential campaigns, and “The Best of Enemies” star Taraji P. Henson joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live on stage in Durham, North Carolina.
01:15:5011/02/2019
“Who dat obstructing justice?” (LIVE in New Orleans)
Trump lashes out as investigators close in, Democrats introduce a Green New Deal, and former Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Brittany Packnett live on stage in New Orleans.
01:12:0410/02/2019
“Organize the rage.” (LIVE in Charelston)
We like Stacey Abrams’s speech more than Trump’s. Virginia’s political scandals throw control of the statehouse into question. The Democratic presidential field takes shape. And Jaime Harrison joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Brittany Packnett live on stage in Charleston, South Carolina to announce his exploratory committee to challenge Senator Lindsey Graham.
01:25:3208/02/2019
“Donald Trump’s halftime show.”
The President prepares to deliver a not-very-anticipated State of the Union, Governor Ralph Northam refuses to resign after a racist photo of him surfaces, and Senator Cory Booker announces his campaign for president. Then Adam Serwer of The Atlantic talks to Jon Favreau about the Northam fallout, as well as race and politics in the Trump Era. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:00:2604/02/2019
“The neocon recycling program.”
Trump attacks the threat assessment from his own intelligence chiefs, and a debate breaks out in the Democratic primary over Medicare for All and taxing the wealthy. Then the New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner talks to Jon Lovett about his interviews with Trump aides Rudy Giuliani and Cliff Sims.
55:1231/01/2019
“America runs on Dunkin.”
Trump trades his wall for a cave, Roger Stone becomes the sixth Trump advisor to be indicted, Republicans weigh a primary challenge to the president, and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz flirts with an independent presidential bid. Then CNN’s Maeve Reston talks to Tommy about Kamala Harris’s campaign kickoff in Oakland. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:11:0228/01/2019
“The state of our union is a clusterf*ck.”
Trump’s shutdown has plunged the country into crisis with no end in sight, Michael Cohen refuses to testify because the President intimated his father-in-law, Mayor Pete Buttigieg announces for president, and Joe Biden has some Republican friends. Then we hear from listeners who called in to talk about how Trump’s shutdown is affecting their lives. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:14:1324/01/2019
“Crisis actor in the White House.”
Trump offers the Democrats a deal they can’t accept, Buzzfeed defends its story about Trump suborning perjury, and Kamala Harris announces her candidacy for president. Then Senator Kirsten Gillibrand talks to Jon Favreau about why she’s running for president, and what she’ll do if she wins. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events.
01:36:1022/01/2019
“The impeachment eagle soars.” (BONUS episode)
Jon, Jon, and Crooked Media editor-in-chief Brian Beutler break down the bombshell BuzzFeedNews story that President Trump committed a crime by directing Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about the Trump Tower Moscow deal.
35:3518/01/2019
“Nancy P and Cardi B try to open D.C.”
Pelosi tells Trump he can’t deliver the State of the Union until the government opens, Trump advisors tell him the shutdown is hurting the economy, Kirsten Gillibrand announces for president, Sherrod Brown announces he’s exploring a bid, and Beto O’Rourke takes a road trip to help him decide. Then the Atlantic’s Natasha Bertrand talks to Dan about Attorney General nominee William Barr’s confirmation hearings, and the latest in the Mueller investigation. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events
01:11:4017/01/2019
“Deleted scenes from Helsinki.”
Trump hides the details of his chats with Putin while the FBI investigates whether he’s compromised, the government shutdown becomes the longest in history, Julian Castro and Tulsi Gabbard announce their presidential campaigns, and Republicans might finally take action against white nationalist Steve King. Then Jon Lovett talks to Los Angeles teachers on the first day of their strike. Also – Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events
01:06:4314/01/2019
“Conspiracy of Dunces.”
Trump wastes America’s time with his primetime address, throws a temper tantrum during shutdown negotiations, and claims not to know that his campaign chairman was sharing internal polling with Russian intelligence. Then Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer talks to Jon and Dan about the Democratic strategy to end the shutdown. Also - Pod Save America is going on tour! Get your tickets now: crooked.com/events
52:1510/01/2019
“Impeach the motherforker.”
The human toll of Trump’s shutdown grows as he plans a primetime address, Democrats debate how to talk about impeachment, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez triggers conservatives by doing literally anything. Then the Washington Post’s Dave Weigel talks to Tommy about his coverage of Elizabeth Warren’s first trip to Iowa as a presidential candidate.
01:07:1707/01/2019
“Shutdown for what.”
Trump keeps the government shut down over his metaphorical wall, House Democrats bring back PAYGO, Elizabeth Warren kicks off her presidential campaign, and Mitt Romney writes a sternly-worded op-ed. Then Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal talks to Jon and Dan about the shutdown, immigration, and the priorities of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
01:16:5503/01/2019
“Pod Lang Syne.”
In a special New Year’s episode, Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, Erin Ryan, DeRay Mckesson, Ana Marie Cox, Ira Madison, and Louis Virtel discuss their resolutions for 2019.
01:02:2127/12/2018
"Pulling out of the War on Christmas.” (Holiday mailbag episode!)
Donald Trump's government shutdown doesn’t stop Jon F. and Dan from answering listener questions in this special holiday mailbag edition of the pod. Then Katie Porter joins Jon to talk about turning California’s 45th district blue and the work waiting for her once she’s sworn in to Congress.
01:15:1624/12/2018
“Crime after crime.”
A judge’s shock over Michael Flynn’s crimes destroys right-wing conspiracy theories, Trump is forced to shut down his fraudulent charity, Trump may get his government shutdown after all, and a criminal justice reform bill just may become law. Then CNN’s Van Jones talks to Jon and Dan about what’s in the First Step Act, and how a bipartisan coalition got it done.
56:4920/12/2018
"Rudy Giuliani, human tweet.”
A Texas judge rules in favor of Republicans trying to dismantle Obamacare, Trump and Rudy flail against a legal onslaught, and a bipartisan coalition tries to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Then former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro talks to Jon Lovett about his plans to run for president in 2020.
01:01:0017/12/2018