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Pod Save America podcast

Pod Save America

Four former aides to President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor—are joined by journalists, politicians, activists, and more for a no-b******t conversation about politics. They cut through the noise to break down the week’s news, and help people figure out what matters and how they can help. You can listen to new episodes twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Four former aides to President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor—are joined by journalists, politicians, activists, and more for a no-b******t conversation about politics. They cut through the noise to break down the week’s news, and help people figure out what matters and how they can help. You can listen to new episodes twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

#786

Should Democrats Save Kevin McCarthy?

Congress avoids a government shutdown after Kevin McCarthy caves to Democrats at the last possible minute—and now Matt Gaetz is trying to strip McCarthy of the speakership as a result. Will Democrats bail McCarthy out? Donald Trump begins his fraud trial with the unique legal strategy of threatening the judge, Joe Biden frames the 2024 election as extremism vs. democracy, and Gavin Newsom appoints Laphonza Butler as California's newest Senator. Later, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal joins the show to talk about House Democrats' strategy as the Speaker drama unfolds. ... Read more

20 hrs Ago

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:43

20 hrs Ago


#785

Trump Wins Another Debate

Seven Republicans take the stage for the second primary debate, and they all manage to lose to the guy who isn't there. Jon, Jon, and Dan react to all the canned lines, missed opportunities, and—yes—awkward sex jokes that made this a night to forget. Meanwhile, the front-runner grovels for the UAW endorsement in an appearance at a non-union shop—just a day after being found liable for massive fraud in New York.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/gw8Vma9FqZE) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

28 Sep 2023

48 MINS

48:40

28 Sep 2023


#784

Is Trump Really Up 10?

Trump goes on a crazy spree and demands a shutdown, suggests that America’s top general deserves to be executed, and promises to investigate media outlets if he wins. Meanwhile, his GOP opponents who trail him by more than 40 points prepare to duke it out on the debate stage for the second time. The Washington Post releases an outlier poll that triggers a freakout. House Republicans turn on each other as they bring the government closer to a shutdown. New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez gets indicted for bribery and corruption. And later, Tommy talks to Kal Penn about the youth vote and Hollywood writer’s strike.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/YgCX0SL2sVU) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

26 Sep 2023

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:24

26 Sep 2023


#783

Trump's General Election Pivot

With the first primaries still months away, Trump skips more debates and pivots to a general election strategy with a primetime speech to autoworkers in Michigan and an attempt to cast himself as more moderate on abortion. Will it work? Then, Politico Congressional correspondent Daniella Diaz joins the show to help make sense of the GOP’s shutdown shit show. Finally, the most divisive topic on Capitol Hill this week: what John Fetterman is allowed to wear.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/ZMprTMii5Cc) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

21 Sep 2023

56 MINS

56:06

21 Sep 2023


#782

Other Than That Ms. Boebert, How Was The Play?

The right dials up the heat on Donald Trump as he continues to make potentially incriminating statements. Republicans inch closer to a government shutdown. Mitt Romney takes his Senate exit stage left. Then, Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin joins the show to discuss the United Auto Workers' strike and her campaign for Senate. And Lauren Boebert is on an "apology tour" after the groping and vaping episode that got her booted from a performance of "Beetlejuice." For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/RUkBttieZQA) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

19 Sep 2023

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:43

19 Sep 2023


#781

Republicans Strap On for Biden Impeachment

With just two weeks left to avoid a government shutdown, Kevin McCarthy opens an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, even though Republicans have provided zero evidence that Biden did anything wrong. Trump outlines his radical vision for a potential second term as the President unloads on "Maganomics." Then, Representative Jamie Raskin joins to break down the House Democrats' counterattack plan on impeachment. And: strap-ons in the Senate! How a hearing on book bans turned X-rated. ... Read more

14 Sep 2023

57 MINS

57:18

14 Sep 2023


#780

Is Trump Snoozing on Iowa?

Trump shows up in Iowa to flip burgers before a football game, but his allies worry that photo-ops won't be enough to win the Hawkeye State. Republicans in Wisconsin prepare to impeach a judge before she's heard her first case, while their counterparts in DC lurch closer to forcing a government shutdown. Then, constitutional law scholar Laurence Tribe talks to Lovett about why the 14th Amendment might bar Trump from serving another term, and Hallie Kiefer joins the guys to test out the latest in right-wing classroom propaganda.    For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/w63FRbJ4R9w) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

12 Sep 2023

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:22

12 Sep 2023


#779

Age Against the Machine

Does Biden really have an "age problem"—and how should he solve it? Jon and Dan dive into the latest polling to see why Biden is neck and neck with a guy facing 91 felony counts. Plus, Congress is back in session, and their first order of business is—you guessed it—impeachment! Later, Franklin Foer stops by to talk about his exhaustively reported new book on Biden, "The Last Politician."    For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/HciQ-cTWR-c) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.     ... Read more

07 Sep 2023

1 HR 21 MINS

1:21:46

07 Sep 2023


#778

A Very Online Summer (Friends of the Pod Preview)

We're off for Labor Day! Please enjoy this exclusive episode of Terminally Online, our new Subscription show and loosest pod here at Crooked Media. Every week Pod Save America hosts are joined by your favorite Crooked producers and staffers to commiserate about being way too online as they make their shows. Get episodes of Terminally Online, ads free Pod Save America and so much more by signing up for Friends of the Pod at  [crooked.com/friends] (http://crooked.com/friends) . ... Read more

05 Sep 2023

32 MINS

32:03

05 Sep 2023


#777

Are Republicans About To Impeach Biden?

Friend of the Pod Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to discuss the latest impeachment madness from the Kevin McCarthy, the Right's plan to destroy government as we know it, and whether Trump miiiight be exaggerating about being more popular than Michael Jackson. Then, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono joins the show to talk about recovery efforts in Maui, and Alyssa and Dan answer questions from listeners. To support people impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii, visit the [Hawaii Community Foundation] (https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong) ,  [The People’s Fund of Maui] (https://www.eifoundation.org/peoples-fund-of-maui/) , and the [Maui Humane Society] (https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/) .   ... Read more

31 Aug 2023

56 MINS

56:36

31 Aug 2023


#776

Trump Mugshot-enfreude

Friend of the pod Addisu Demissie joins to discuss the latest Trump indictment news, including the mugshot seen around the world, Saturday’s horrific hate crime in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy’s bizarre response, and how abortion access will be a key part of upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. Then White House Economic Advisor Dr. Heather Boushey stops by to talk about Bidenomics and how the White House is taking on inflation, student loans, and housing prices. And later, Halle Kiefer quizzes Tommy and Addisu on cringe mugshot merch in a game called The Price Is Wrong, Bitch.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/kv0MoDUJC54) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

29 Aug 2023

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:33

29 Aug 2023


#775

Who won the first Republican debate?

Ramaswamy dominated, DeSantis dodged, Christie attacked the wrong guy—and Trump and Tucker Carlson talked about Jeffrey Epstein. Tommy and Dan recap the lowest lows of the first Republican debate, and Republican strategist Sarah Longwell joins to explain whether any of this matters to real-life voters.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/WoVVTGq9v_U) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

24 Aug 2023

53 MINS

53:52

24 Aug 2023


#774

The JV Republican Debate (Preview)

The Republican candidates try to figure out how to debate when the front-runner isn't on stage. The Bulkwark's Tim Miller joins the pod to talk about prep, bad candidates, and whether it's too late for anyone to consolidate the anti-Trump Republican vote. Plus, Vivek Ramaswamy's tennis moves, and our first-ever round of "I'm so Indicted"! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/7Rcj9GOwbCM) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   Show Notes NEWS ROUND UP  --- [Des Moines Register] (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/caucus/2023/08/21/iowa-poll-shows-how-much-gop-support-donald-trump-ron-desantis-tim-scott-have-in-state-2024-election/70638832007/) : How every GOP presidential candidate performed with likely caucusgoers in new Iowa Poll --- [NYT] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/20/us/politics/desantis-stump-speech.html) : DeSantis Tweaks His Messaging and Tactics After a Tough Campaign Stretch --- [NY Post] (https://nypost.com/2023/08/20/desantis-calls-maga-supporters-in-congress-listless-vessels/) : DeSantis calls MAGA supporters in Congress ‘listless vessels,’ says Trump didn’t drain swamp --- [CNN] (https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/politics/asa-hutchinson-republican-debate-cnntv/index.html) : Asa Hutchinson says he has qualified for the Republican debate --- [WaPo] (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/21/presidential-candidates-first-republican-debate/) : What to watch for in the first Republican debate --- [NYT] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/us/politics/gop-republican-debate-democrats.html) : Democrats, Popcorn in Hand, Root for a Rowdy G.O.P. Debate --- [The Atlantic] (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/08/vivek-ramaswamy-gop-election/675041/) : Vivek Ramaswamy's Truth --- [NBC] (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-already-recorded-debate-night-counter-programming-interview-tuck-rcna100994) : Trump has already recorded his debate-night interview with Tucker Carlson, sources say --- [NYT] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/20/us/politics/biden-trump-republican-primary.html) : How G.O.P. Views of Biden Are Helping Trump in the Republican Primary ... Read more

22 Aug 2023

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:10

22 Aug 2023


#773

Awkward Americans For DeSantis

Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants prepare to turn themselves in to Fulton County jail. Jen Psaki joins to preview the first debate, laugh about Ron DeSantis’s ongoing struggle to appear human, and talk about how Joe Biden and Democrats should handle Trump’s courtroom campaign. And later, Jon, Dan, and Jen play a round of 2 Takes and a Fake.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/yvWcGPdgCmk) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

17 Aug 2023

1 HR 15 MINS

1:15:14

17 Aug 2023


#772

Indictment (Georgia's Version)

Donald Trump gets indicted for the fourth time for racketeering and other felonies in Georgia. Republican presidential candidates descend on the Iowa State Fair. Merrick Garland gives special counsel status to the U.S. Attorney investigating Hunter Biden. RFK Jr. floats a national abortion ban. And later, Representative Ruben Gallego stops by to talk about extreme heat in Arizona, and his campaign to unseat Kyrsten Sinema. ... Read more

15 Aug 2023

1 HR 26 MINS

1:26:39

15 Aug 2023


#771

My Ohio, My Choice

Ohio voters resoundingly defeat a Republican ballot initiative that threatened democracy and abortion rights. Donald Trump is headed back to court while he awaits a fourth indictment and possibly even more criminal charges. Ron DeSantis shakes up his campaign, again. Donald Trump debates debating. And later, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stops by to talk about the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and everything happening on Capitol Hill.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/5e8eOPjDcr4) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

10 Aug 2023

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:26

10 Aug 2023


#770

Judge May Shush Trump….in America??

Donald Trump threatens witnesses and attacks Jack Smith while his lawyer tests out some novel defense arguments on all five Sunday shows. Mike Pence says he’s open to testifying against Trump. Ron DeSantis finally admits that Joe Biden won the election. Then, Desiree Tims from Innovation Ohio joins to talk about the crucial abortion rights vote happening on Tuesday. And later, Elijah is back for another round of Take Appreciators.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/_io0KisWWdc) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

08 Aug 2023

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:24

08 Aug 2023


#769

Trump's Triple Crown

Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon as guest host, and Strict Scrutiny’s Leah Litman breaks down the strength of the legal case behind Trump’s third indictment. Trump’s Republican opponents react to the new felony charges. A New York Times poll has Trump tied with Joe Biden. And later, Halle Kiefer joins for another round of Well, Well, Well, Looks Like Everyone’s A Fucking Lawyer All Of A Sudden.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/lHUcgh6zVSs) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

03 Aug 2023

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:32

03 Aug 2023


#768

BONUS: The Jan. 6 Indictment Drops

The January 6 grand jury hands up its indictment of Donald Trump, detailing how he and six co-conspirators knowingly peddled lies in an effort to obstruct the most important function of our democracy—and deprive you of your right to have your vote counted. Jon, Jon, and Tommy react to the indictment's most damning evidence and look at where the investigation could go next.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/6hUpj6gnBB0) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

02 Aug 2023

29 MINS

29:32

02 Aug 2023


#767

Mar-a-Lago's Funniest Home Videos

Donald Trump is still waiting to get indicted for his attempted coup but got a few more charges in the meantime. The Republican presidential primary contenders wake up to the fact that they’re running against a criminal defendant who is still nearly 40 points ahead of them. Sam Alito flips off Congress in the Wall Street Journal while a House Republican screams at some kids. Kevin McCarthy almost comes to blows with Eric Swalwell and Congress investigates if aliens might exist. And later, Tommy talks with Lydia Kiesling about her new novel Mobility, the very first book from  [Crooked Media Reads] (http://crooked.com/mobility) .   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/m4JIN-IEh8M) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

01 Aug 2023

1 HR 12 MINS

1:12:48

01 Aug 2023


#766

Indictment Excitement (with Chris Christie!)

Mehdi Hasan joins Jon as a guest host. Republicans respond to Trump’s multiple indictments by threatening to impeach Joe Biden based on right-wing conspiracies and no actual evidence. Ron DeSantis fires one-third of his campaign staff including a speechwriter that shared Nazi propaganda online. Joe Biden gets good economic news that could affect his political prospects. And later, the Republican primary comes to Pod Save America as Jon Lovett and Chris Christie sit down to discuss his campaign for president and criticisms against Trump.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/g8DDzsoKVZs) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

27 Jul 2023

1 HR 17 MINS

1:17:59

27 Jul 2023


#765

Trump's Legal Eras Tour

Trump gets a trial date for his second indictment as his legal problems get worse. A pair of Iowa and South Carolina polls show Trump still crushing the field and officially qualify multiple candidates for the first debate. The DeSantis campaign has finally landed on a "Let Ron Be Ron" strategy. Joe Biden’s campaign builds an unconventional operation to take on the Republican nominee. And later, New York Congressman Dan Goldman stops by to talk about prosecuting Donald Trump and the latest Republican antics around Hunter Biden and RFK Jr.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/G9x721cRr7M) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

25 Jul 2023

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:42

25 Jul 2023


#764

Third Crime's The Charm

Donald Trump faces a third indictment—his most serious yet. Ron DeSantis’s reset isn’t off to a great start and other Republican candidates are climbing the polls in New Hampshire. Joe Biden’s campaign fires its first shots. And later, Mueller investigation prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins to break down the week’s big legal news. Crooked Media Reads' first book, Mobility by Lydia Kiesling, is out now! Get your copy at  [www.crooked.com/mobility.] (http://www.crooked.com/mobility)   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/Iuey0aqtsGo) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.   ... Read more

20 Jul 2023

1 HR 13 MINS

1:13:44

20 Jul 2023


#763

DeSantis DeShakeUp

Ron DeSantis gives us the first campaign shake up of 2024. Joe Biden gets good news on fundraising and the economy. RFK Jr. is caught on tape at his infamous fart dinner saying covid may have been targeted to spare the Jews. And later, Rahna Epting from MoveOn and Matt Bennett from Third Way stop by to talk about the diverse coalition that’s trying to stop No Labels from a third party bid that could elect Donald Trump.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/3ENIM0ao3Uk) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. ... Read more

18 Jul 2023

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:51

18 Jul 2023


#762

The GOP Culture War on the Troops

Donald Trump sees winning the presidency as his best chance to stay out of jail. Rupert Murdoch turns on Ron DeSantis and other presidential candidates are now paying voters for the chance to get on the debate stage. Then Dan talks with Pro-Choice Ohio’s Kellie Copeland about the effort to enshrine abortion access into Ohio’s constitution. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/10lZcbjDQ5M) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. To support reproductive freedom in Ohio, visit [ohioansforreproductivefreedom.org] (https://ohioansforreproductivefreedom.org/) . ... Read more

13 Jul 2023

52 MINS

52:42

13 Jul 2023


#761

Biden Shifts Into Thigh Gear

Republicans set a date for the Iowa caucuses and the sprint to January begins. Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie try out different lines of attack on Donald Trump. President Biden takes on his two biggest political challenges: the economy and his age. And later, Delaware congressional candidate Sarah McBride chats with Lovett about her campaign and her chance to make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress.   For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click  [here] (https://youtu.be/rHCzCSIPlK8) . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Want Pod Save America ad-free? Subscribe to Friends of the Pod: [crooked.com/friends] (http://crooked.com/friends) .   ... Read more

11 Jul 2023

1 HR 11 MINS

1:11:53

11 Jul 2023