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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)
“Owned in the Oval.”
Trump throws a tantrum over the wall in the Oval Office, Michael Cohen is sentenced to three years in prison, and more Democrats throw their support behind a Green New Deal. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Jon about her race for governor in Georgia, her new lawsuit to uphold voting rights, and her future plans.
01:13:5313/12/2018
“Hot tub crime machine.”
The Department of Justice effectively accuses the President of directing an illegal scheme to manipulate the 2016 election, Mueller uncovers more connections between the Russian government and Trump’s campaign, and the President struggles to keep his Administration staffed. Then Congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar talks to Tommy about Democratic plans for the new Congress, and her support for the BDS movement.
01:07:0610/12/2018
“Tariff Man without a plan.”
Michael Flynn’s cooperation is rewarded, Republicans subvert democracy in Wisconsin, Trump’s tweets tank the markets, and Democrats begin the battle for the 2020 nomination. Then Senator Sherrod Brown joins Jon and Dan to discuss his conversation with Trump about GM, the Green New Deal, how he won Ohio, and his plans for 2020.
01:11:0606/12/2018
“Quid pro penthouse.”
George H.W. Bush leaves a complicated legacy, Michael Cohen’s guilty plea pieces together a conspiracy that implicates Trump, and Republicans respond to their midterm defeats with power grabs in Wisconsin and Michigan. Then Congressman Hakeem Jeffries talks to Jon F. about his new position as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, as well as the party’s message and strategy in 2019.
01:00:2103/12/2018
“Yo, collusion!”
Marcy Wheeler joins Jon and Dan to break down Individual-1’s very bad day and discuss the future of the Trump investigation, Pelosi wins her caucus vote for Speaker, Schumer kicks off shutdown negotiations, and Sherrod Brown shows Democrats how to talk about Trump and the economy.
01:02:4629/11/2018
“Subpoena cannon.”
The Border Patrol fires tear gas at unarmed migrants, Trump threatens to shut down the government over the wall, Mike Espy looks to pull an upset in Mississippi, and Democrats ponder their rural strategy. Then Vox’s Dave Roberts talks to Jon L. about the Trump Administration’s climate report, and the push for a Green New Deal.
49:2626/11/2018
“Podsgiving mailbag!”
Dan and Jon answer questions about the midterms, 2020, Never Trump Republicans, Iowa, the Senate, Fox News, the plutocracy, and our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Then Doris Kearns Goodwin talks to Jon about her new book on presidential leadership.
01:14:5221/11/2018
“That’s Chairman Schitt to you.”
Orange County turns blue, Stacey Abrams delivers a non-concession speech, and Democrats debate whether Nancy Pelosi should be Speaker. Then Congressman Adam Schiff joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about his new role as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the future of the Mueller investigation.
47:1919/11/2018
“A hit Trump will holler.”
Trump lashes out at everyone after his midterm defeat, Democrats see opportunities and challenges in the Midwest and Florida, and the party debates how best to take on Trump in 2020. Then Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum talks to Jon and Dan about the recount effort, and what he learned by running against America’s mini-Trump.
01:09:3915/11/2018
“Wet president.”
The Blue Wave is real, Kyrsten Sinema wins in Arizona, Trump takes a pass on honoring veterans because it rained, and House Democrats put voting rights at the top of their agenda. Then Stacey Abrams’ campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo talks to Tommy about the effort to count every vote in Georgia's governor’s race.
01:02:4513/11/2018
“We won.”
Democrats flip the House, Republicans keep the Senate, and Donald Trump fires Jeff Sessions. Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the results of the midterm elections, and talk about what they mean for the future.
51:2208/11/2018
“The election is nigh!”
A final discussion about the state of the 2018 midterms, including our thoughts on why it’s close, the closing arguments, what races we’ll be watching on Tuesday, what’s making us nervous, and what’s making us hopeful. Then Democratic candidate Colin Allred talks about why he got into politics, and his race to flip the Texas 32nd on Tuesday.
59:0105/11/2018
"Every state is a swing state."
With six days to go before Election Day, Trump floats repealing the 14th amendment via executive order, the most racist member of the Republican caucus, Steve King, faces a backlash, and we enter the home stretch with a huge number of districts in play. Plus, one of Trump’s dumbest supporters attempts to frame Robert Mueller, which goes poorly for him. And Kentucky congressional candidate and former fighter pilot Amy McGrath joins to talk about her experience and her race for the House.
59:0531/10/2018
“From Charlottesville to Pittsburgh.”
Right-wing conspiracies echoed by Trump and some Republicans help fuel an anti-Semitic massacre in Pittsburgh, and the President responds by attacking Democrats and the media. Then Tommy talks to Democratic candidate J.D. Scholten about his race for Congress against white nationalist Steve King.
48:1229/10/2018
"Caravan of Lies."
Tommy and Lovett discuss Trump's closing argument of lies and why the media needs to stop repeating them, they inexplicably have to explain why nationalism is bad, offer a health care policy update and the latest on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Then, Jon Favreau interviews Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for governor in Florida.
46:3024/10/2018
“Pollercoaster.”
With 15 days to go, Jon and Dan give a midterm update, Trump uses caravans and voter fraud to scare people, Democrats try to flip state legislatures, and the Trump Administration wants to define transgender Americans out of existence. Then Democratic Congressional candidate Aftab Pureval talks to Jon about his race to flip the Ohio 1st, and why we need a new generation of leaders in Washington.
01:00:2322/10/2018
“They’re coming for your health care.”
Trump goes on a media tour to rev up the base, Republicans admit that they’re coming after health care and retirement programs if they win, and Democrats look to flip a slew of key governorships. Then Democratic congressional candidate Lucy McBath talks about the gun violence that took her son’s life, and her campaign to win the Georgia 6th.
01:00:0317/10/2018
"Ride or die with dictators."
Tommy and Lovett discuss Senator Elizabeth Warren's October surprise, Democrats carping about Beto O'Rourke's fundraising, GOP voter suppression tactics, Kushner's taxes and the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Then they talk with the Democratic candidate for Florida’s 26th congressional district, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
47:3615/10/2018
"Democracy in a headlock."
Tommy and Lovett talk about Nikki Haley’s abrupt departure from her UN role, a frightening new report about climate change, and where the battles for the House and Senate stand just a few weeks before Election Day. Then they speak with Kansas congressional candidate Sharice Davids.
48:5310/10/2018
“November is coming.”
In the aftermath of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Republicans feel energized, Democrats debate what’s next, and both parties hone their messages in the final month of the midterms. Then Democratic candidates Jesse Colvin, Abigail Spanberger, and Lauren Baer talk to Tommy about running for Congress with national security and military backgrounds.
01:07:4708/10/2018
“Fred Trump’s bootstraps.”
The President mocks and lies about Dr. Christine Blasey Ford at a political rally, Republicans energize their base by attacking #MeToo, and Trump is exposed as a tax cheat by the New York Times. Then Democratic candidate Katie Hill talks to Dan and Alyssa Mastromonaco about her race to become the next Congresswoman for California’s 25th district.
01:07:2004/10/2018
"Hold the door!"
Jon, Jon, and Tommy discuss the renewed FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh, Jeff Flake's change of heart, and the shifting politics of Supreme Court nominations. Then Jon F. talks to Ana Maria Archila about confronting Jeff Flake in an elevator and the importance of direct engagement.
59:4702/10/2018
"We believe Christine Blasey Ford."
Jon, Dan, and Erin Ryan discuss the testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Then Katie Couric talks to Jon about her new podcast documentary that reflects on the tenth anniversary of her famous interviews with Sarah Palin.
01:20:1128/09/2018
“A little hiccup.”
Republicans respond to a second credible allegation of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh by accusing Democrats of a smear campaign, and The New York Times may have given Trump the excuse he’s been looking for to fire Rod Rosenstein. Then Lovett and Dan talk to The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich about politics, Paul Ryan, and his new book “Big Game: The NFL in Dangerous Times."
01:16:5325/09/2018
“Unfazed and determined.”
Republicans refuse to allow an independent investigation into credible claims of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and Democrats worry about Latino turnout in the midterms. Then Chef Jose Andres talks to Jon and Tommy about his hurricane relief work and new book “We Fed An Island,” and Julissa Arce talks to Jon about giving Steve Bannon a copy of her new book, “Someone Like Me: How One Undocumented Girl Fought For Her American Dream."
01:20:1420/09/2018
“You can’t trust Brett Kavanaugh.”
Brett Kavanaugh is credibly accused of sexual assault by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, throwing his nomination into question, and Paul Manafort agrees to fully cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Then former Secretary of State John Kerry talks to Jon and Tommy about negotiating the Iran Deal, what Democrats should do if they take the Senate, and the lessons he learned from his 2004 presidential campaign.
54:4318/09/2018
“The hurricane truther.” (LIVE in LA)
Trump prepares for Hurricane Florence by denying the deaths caused by Hurricane Maria, and Democrats spend the final months of the midterms talking health care. Then Mike Levin, the Democratic candidate in the CA 49th, joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Erin Ryan on stage at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles.
45:5514/09/2018
“Barack to the future.”
Obama returns to the campaign trail, Kavanaugh lies to the Judiciary Committee, and Democrats see their chances of taking back the Senate improve. Then musician Jason Isbell talks to Tommy about music, politics, and when artists become activists.
01:13:0611/09/2018
"Anonymous cowards.”
Trump administration officials confirm that the president is unstable in the New York Times and Bob Woodward’s new book, Kavanaugh struggles under tough questioning from Senate Democrats, and we talk about Ayanna Pressley’s primary upset in Massachusetts, and Colin Allred’s tight race for Congress in Texas. Then Jon Lovett interviews New York gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon about her race against Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the future of the Democratic Party.
01:16:5506/09/2018
“Kava-not-cool, guys.”
The Kavanaugh hearings have begun and Senate Democrats came ready to fight. Do we have a shot at stopping his nomination? President Trump spent his Labor Day weekend attacking union leaders and slashing wages for workers, so that was cool. Then we read our favorite excerpts from Bob Woodward's new book, and Jon and Jon interview former President Jimmy Carter.
50:0104/09/2018
"Florida man."
The Florida race for governor will be a contest between the Republican mini-Trump and the Democrats’ future, Paul Ryan’s SuperPAC is blowing louder dog whistles, and Senate Democrats make a deal on judges that gets them nothing in return. Then EMILY’s List President Schriock joins Jon and Dan to talk about the record number of women candidates who are running and winning elections in 2018.
01:13:4930/08/2018
“McCain’s legacy.”
John McCain leaves behind a complicated legacy after a lifetime of service and sacrifice, Republicans worry that Democrats will investigate the scandals they’ve been covering up, and Democrats reform the party’s presidential nominating process. Then Democratic candidate for Governor Gavin Newsom talks to Jon and Jon about his vision for California and the future of the Democratic Party.
01:22:2228/08/2018
"It's Cohen down for real."
The President has been implicated by his lawyer in a crime that involves the cover-up of extramarital affairs through illegal campaign contributions, and Republicans in Congress refuse to do anything about it. Then CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin joins Jon and Dan to talk about what’s next for the Mueller investigation, the Kavanaugh confirmation battle, and his new podcast, “RBG: Beyond Notorious.”
01:32:4323/08/2018
“An orgy of corruption.”
Mueller gets another witness, Trump and Rudy become more unhinged, conservative donors reward the politicians who made them richer, and Republicans try to suppress the vote in Georgia. Then first-time candidate and 2016 Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes talks to Tommy about her race for Congress.
59:5921/08/2018
“A potpourri of stupid.”
Trump is acting like a guilty man who’s bad at covering up crimes, and Democrats are nominating history-making candidates while they decide on a message for the fall. Then Wesley Bell, the Democratic nominee for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, joins Jon and Dan to talk about his upset victory and his plans to reform the criminal justice system.
01:09:3216/08/2018
“The white nationalist variety hour.”
White nationalists fail to organize a rally but succeed in organizing the GOP, Omarosa has secret recordings, and Democrats decide whether to take money from corporate PACs. Then Democratic candidate Rashida Tlaib joins to talk about the history she’ll make as the first Muslim woman in Congress, and Ana Marie Cox talks about following Ted Cruz around Texas.
01:04:2014/08/2018
“Horseshoes and hand grenades.”
Tuesday’s special election and primaries deliver some Democratic victories and a warning against complacency, another Republican is indicted for corruption, and Dan offers tempered thoughts on Mark Leibovich’s Paul Ryan profile. Then Matt Rivitz of Sleeping Giants talks to Tommy about their success in persuading companies to remove ads from right-wing news outlets that promote bigotry and hate.
01:24:2009/08/2018
“The smoking tweet.”
The President potentially incriminates his son on Twitter, Republicans try to rush the Kavanaugh confirmation, and more Democratic incumbents face progressive challengers. Then Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks to Jon Lovett about her big upset and the future of the Democratic Party.
01:17:0907/08/2018
“Kochs, votes, and ostrich coats.”
Trump obstructs justice via Twitter, Manafort faces a jury, and the Koch brothers pick a fight with Trump Republicans on trade. Then Dan talks to Nick Thompson of Wired about the fantastic job Facebook has been doing lately. And Jason Kander joins Lovett and Dan to talk about protecting the vote and his new book, “Outside the Wire.”
59:0802/08/2018
“A fine mist of bullshit.”
Trump’s lawyer argues that collusion with a hostile government isn’t a crime after reports that Michael Cohen might implicate the president, and both parties fight to define the stakes of the 2018 midterms. Then Vox’s Dara Lind joins Jon and Jon to talk about the latest developments in the family separation crisis.
01:01:5631/07/2018
“The own goal presidency.”
A secret recording of Trump and Cohen conspiring about hush money is released, the President retreats from his own trade war, and he steps up his attacks on the media. Then Democratic candidate Danny O’Connor joins Jon and Dan to talk about his campaign to win the special election for Ohio’s 12th congressional district on Tuesday, August 7th.
58:5326/07/2018
“Putin’s Paperless Post.”
Trump spends the weekend rage-tweeting, the Nunes Memo is exposed as a fraud, and Jim Comey blesses us with punditry. Then students from Parkland, Florida and Chicago talk about their efforts to register young voters and reduce gun violence, and DeRay Mckesson joins to talk about his upcoming book, On The Other Side of Freedom.
01:11:1724/07/2018
“Crazy pills.”
Trump tries and fails to clean up his Putin mess, but Republicans in Congress make it clear that they won’t be doing anything about it. Then Crooked Contributor Tim Miller joins Jon and Dan to talk about the state of the Republican Party, and why it’s become a Trump cult.
01:16:0919/07/2018
“Helsinki warmed over.”
President Trump betrays America by siding with Vladimir Putin over the United States, a few days after our government indicted 19 Russian military operatives for sabotaging the 2016 election in order to help Trump win. Then journalist Marcy Wheeler joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about the next steps in the Mueller investigation, as well as her decision to go to the FBI and become a witness.
59:1317/07/2018
“America’s crazy old uncle.”
Democrats target Brett Kavanaugh’s views on presidential power, Trump blows up the NATO summit, and House Republicans defend Rep. Jim Jordan against accusations that he turned a blind eye towards sexual abuse allegations. Then Senator Dick Durbin joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Kavanaugh nomination and immigration.
01:07:0112/07/2018
“Kavanuts.”
Trump nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, escalates his trade war with China, and gets played by North Korea. Then former Supreme Court clerk and White House lawyer Karen Dunn talks to Jon, Jon, and Tommy about how Democrats should approach the coming Supreme Court battle.
48:1210/07/2018
Introducing The Wilderness (Trailer)
The Wilderness is a new documentary podcast from Crooked Media and Two-Up Productions about the history and future of the Democratic Party. Jon Favreau tells the story of a party finding its way out of the political wilderness through conversations with strategists, historians, policy experts, organizers, and voters. In fifteen chapters, the series explores issues like inequality, race, immigration, sexism, foreign policy, media strategy, and how Democrats can build a winning majority that lasts. Coming July 16th. Subscribe to The Wilderness now.
03:2909/07/2018
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of pod.” (Mailbag episode!)
Democrats debate strategy after one of the worst months in Trump’s presidency. Then we answer some of your questions, and play an excerpt from Jon F.’s new podcast, The Wilderness.
56:5805/07/2018
“Hot takes on ICE.”
Republicans try to hide the fact that Trump will nominate a justice who will overturn Roe v. Wade, and more Democrats join calls to abolish ICE. Then we interview people at Saturday’s Families Belong Together march in Los Angeles, including Senator Kamala Harris, Mayor Eric Garcetti, DeRay Mckesson and activist Ady Barkan.
01:06:2703/07/2018
“Fight like hell.”
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy retires, Trump and McConnell look to fill the seat before the midterms, and Congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wins a major upset in the New York primary. Then Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Supreme Court fight and her recent trip to a detention center on the border.
01:00:4128/06/2018