Pod Save America
Politics
Pod Save America is a no-b******t 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, Friday and Sunday. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts. For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email [email protected].
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Recent Episodes
From Pirro to Zero
Aug 04, 2026Trump trashes Jeanine Pirro — and may be on the brink of firing her — for admitting in court that his narrative about "vandalism" in the Reflecting Pool is a lie. Todd Blanche secures his path to conf...
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Pod Save America discusses Trump's latest Iran strike threats and pullback, the confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General despite concerns about the January 6th slush fund, the reflecting pool vandalism prosecution scandal, Ken Martin's troubled DNC autopsy report, Michigan's Senate primary, and features an interview with Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong about her progressive policy positions and primary race.
- Trump's Iran Threats and Empty Bluster
- Todd Blanche Confirmation and the January 6th Slush Fund
A Unified Theory of Trumpism
Aug 02, 2026Jonathan V. Last, editor of The Bulwark, stops by the show to talk to Lovett about his "Grand Unified Theory of Trumpism" — that Trump's opponent "will always choose surrender over discomfort." Togeth...
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John Lovett sits down with Jonathan V. Last of the Bulwark for a wide-ranging conversation about Trump, authoritarianism, and the decay of democratic norms. They discuss Trump's theory that people will always choose comfort over confrontation, how Republican senators capitulate despite knowing Trump is wrong, the question of voter culpability versus elite failure, and what it means to rebuild a politics centered on virtue and kindness in a post-Trump era.
- Trump's Grand Unified Theory: Surrender Over Discomfort
- The Todd Blanche Confirmation Farce
Abolish Bad Tweets
Jul 31, 2026Progressive candidates have serious momentum going into the upcoming primaries in Michigan and Wisconsin — but they'll have to figure out how to explain away some problematic old tweets. Meanwhile, ...
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In this episode, Dan Pfeiffer and John Favreau discuss Trump's historically low approval ratings, the deteriorating situation with the Iran war and economy, and Democratic prospects in key Senate races. They analyze heated primary battles in Michigan and Wisconsin, debate the implications of AI safety incidents, and discuss the broader challenges facing the Democratic Party as it heads into the final stretch before the midterm elections.
- Trump's Approval Ratings Hit Record Lows
- DOJ Corruption and Vindictive Prosecution
Phones and Blame Fly at the DNC
Jul 28, 2026A slew of new reporting details big problems at the DNC, from deepening financial woes to leaks, paranoia, and an allegation that Chairman Ken Martin threw his phone at a staffer. Jon, Tommy, and Lo...
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This Pod Save America episode features an in-depth discussion of the DNC's new 2028 primary calendar placing South Carolina first, financial troubles at the Democratic National Committee under Chair Ken Martin, Trump's evolving Iran war strategy, and an interview with Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wickler about his book 'This Is the Plan' for rebuilding Democratic power at all levels of government.
- New 2028 Democratic Primary Calendar Revealed
- South Carolina First: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Kamala Harris
The Search for an Exciting Moderate
Jul 26, 2026What does a positive vision for the center-left look like? Can moderation still excite the Democratic base? Matt Yglesias, who writes the Slow Boring newsletter and hosts The Argument podcast, talks t...
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Jon Favreau interviews Matt Yglesias about the future direction of the Democratic Party, specifically examining the case for center-left politics and moderation heading into 2028. They discuss why Democrats have struggled in recent elections, the importance of issue positions versus candidate charisma, how to navigate cultural issues, and which candidates might be positioned to win in 2028. The conversation explores the tension between getting attention through bold progressive messaging versus winning swing voters through disciplined moderation.
- The Case for Center-Left Politics and Presidential Campaigns
- The Democratic Party's Leftward Shift Since Obama
Trump's Wars Are Bankrupting America
Jul 24, 2026The White House doubles down on both of Trump's wars — the war against Iran and his trade war — sending Pete Hegseth to the Hill to request a $70 billion cash infusion for the Pentagon and imposing ne...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Trump's escalating Iran war, devastating tariff policies, and tone-deaf focus on gaudy White House renovations as Democrats see surging poll numbers ahead of the 2026 midterms. Dan then interviews Jennifer Palmieri about her new series examining how Democrats can rebuild power across the South, featuring insights from Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina.
- Trump's Iran War Spirals as Americans Pay the Price
- Tariffs and Terrible Timing: Trump Doubles Down on Economic Pain
The Primaries Will Continue Until Morale Improves
Jul 21, 2026Troy Jackson locks down the nomination to replace Graham Platner in Maine, Wisconsin's gubornatorial primary devolves into chaos as the governor wades in with an unexpected endorsement, and Bernie San...
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In this episode, the hosts discuss Trump's intrusion into the FIFA World Cup final ceremonies, the ongoing conflict with Iran that has killed American soldiers, ICE killings in Texas and Maine, and several Democratic primary races including Michigan's Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, Maine's Senate race, and Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary.
- Trump's World Cup Spectacle and Cash Patel's Self-Promotion
- Iran War Escalation Despite 'Victory' Claims
The Democratic Party's Civil War
Jul 19, 2026Amanda Litman, president and co-founder of Run for Something, joins Dan to talk about what the spate of divisive of primaries means for Democrats and how progressives should be feeling heading into th...
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Dan Pfeiffer sits down with Amanda Littman, co-founder of Run for Something, to dissect the dramatic Maine Senate race collapse, the heated Michigan primary battle, and the rise of Democratic socialism in deep-blue districts. They explore what went wrong with Graham Plattner's recruitment and vetting, debate electability versus authenticity, and discuss how AIPAC's unprecedented spending is reshaping Democratic primaries. Littman shares insights from recruiting over 100,000 candidates since Trump's second win and makes the case for why infrastructure investments matter more than last-minute TV ads.
- The Graham Plattner Disaster: What Went Wrong
- Vetting Failures and the Limits of Due Diligence
Trump's Explosive Diarrhea of the Mouth
Jul 17, 2026Trump delivers an incomprehensible prime-time address to push election interference conspiracy theories, both old and new. Dan and Jon attempt to make sense of the speech and discuss what Trump's focu...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer dissect Donald Trump's rambling primetime address on election fraud conspiracies, which relied on recycled claims and declassified documents that contradicted his statements. They also cover corruption in the Trump administration, including the teleprompter operator betting scandal, Trump Media selling access to presidential statements, and JD Vance's helicopter demands. The episode concludes with Alex Wagner's interview with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed about his progressive campaign platform.
- Trump's Primetime Election Fraud Speech Falls Flat
- Three Corruption Scandals in 48 Hours
Trump Honors Dead Friend, Restarts War
Jul 14, 2026Sen. Lindsey Graham unexpectedly dies and President Trump notifies Congress that the military has resumed strikes against Iran. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss Trump's announcement that the United Stat...
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Pod Save America discusses the deteriorating Iran ceasefire, Trump's toll plan for the Strait of Hormuz, Senator Lindsey Graham's death and legacy, Mitch McConnell's mysterious hospitalization, Trump's subpoenas of New York Times journalists, and the challenges facing both parties in Congress. The hosts also interview Brian Tyler Cohen about his new book on wielding power in a post-Trump world.
- Iran Ceasefire Collapse and Strait of Hormuz Crisis
- Lindsey Graham's Death and Legacy
Can Soccer Save the World?
Jul 12, 2026How is the world reacting to America's World Cup? Did Trump's red card interference ruin all the fun? And will the U.S. men's national team ever be good? Gary Lineker, host of The Rest Is Football and...
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Tommy Vietor interviews soccer legend Gary Lineker about the 2026 FIFA World Cup being held in the United States. They discuss the tournament's success despite initial concerns, the state of American soccer, FIFA's corruption issues, racism in the sport, and Lineker's legendary playing career including the famous 'Hand of God' game against Maradona.
- The 2026 World Cup Experience and Global Fan Culture
- The Unmatched Emotion of Playing in a World Cup
The Race to Replace Graham Platner
Jul 10, 2026Graham Platner announces he's ending his Senate campaign, and Maine Democrats scramble to replace him. Dan and Alex Wagner discuss the state of the race, what it'll take to get a new name on the ballo...
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In this episode of Pod Save America, Dan Pfeiffer and Alex Wagner dissect the collapse of Grayson Plattner's Maine Senate campaign following serious allegations, discuss the escalating Iran conflict, and interview former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper about his Senate race. The conversation includes an in-depth examination of what went wrong with Plattner's candidacy, the challenges ahead for Democrats in Maine, and the broader implications for Democratic politics.
- The Plattner Campaign Collapse and Democratic Reckoning
- Maine Senate Race: What Comes Next
Trump Works the FIFA Refs
Jul 07, 2026After FIFA unexpectedly overturns the red card handed to U.S. star Folarin Balogun, Donald Trump confirms that he personally called FIFA's president and asked him to "review" the penalty. Tommy and Lo...
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Tommy Vietor and John Lovett discuss Trump's intervention in FIFA's red card decision for US soccer player Flo Balogun, upcoming NATO summit tensions, major developments in Democratic Senate primaries including Grant Platner's sexual assault allegations and Mallory McMorrow dropping out in Michigan, the shifting politics around Israel and Gaza, Mitch McConnell's mysterious health status, Trump's chaotic July 4th celebration, and progressive New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani's patriotic speech that triggered conservative backlash.
- Trump's FIFA Intervention and World Cup Controversy
- NATO Summit: Europe's Growing Independence from America
Trump’s 4th Threesome
Jul 02, 2026Trump kicks off his Fourth of July celebration at the Theodore Roosevelt Library, where he muses about giving his two sons and himself the Medal of Honor — describing doing so as a "threesome." Jon an...
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Dan Pfeiffer and Jon Favreau discuss Trump's 4th of July celebrations, his corruption scandals including making $2 billion while in office, the progressive wave in Colorado primaries, and extensive analysis of New York Times Senate race polls showing Democrats tied but not ahead in key battleground states including Maine, Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska.
- Trump's America 250 Celebrations and Corruption
- Birthright Citizenship Battle and Anti-Immigration Extremism
Trump Held a Fair And (Almost) No One Came
Jun 30, 2026Trump's "Great American State Fair" draws almost no visitors — except for a MAGA live-streamer who gets arrested for public masturbation. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett react to Fox News's cope-heavy coverage...
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Pod Save America discusses Trump's troubled Great American State Fair, Supreme Court decisions on voting rights and presidential power, the standoff over the bipartisan housing bill, and the debate within the Democratic Party following DSA primary wins. Heather Williams from the DLCC joins to discuss state legislative races and their importance as a firewall against election interference.
- Trump's Great American State Fair Disaster
- Trump's Monument to Himself: DC Renovations
The MAGA Supreme Court's Assault on America
Jun 28, 2026Dan is joined by Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman to talk about this week's big Supreme Court decisions giving Trump the right to kick out Haitian immigrants and deny asylum claims for people stopped jus...
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Dan Pfeiffer interviews law professor Leah Lippman about recent Supreme Court decisions on immigration and TPS, upcoming rulings on birthright citizenship and other critical cases, and the four-year anniversary of Dobbs. They discuss the Court's pattern of limiting legal remedies while protecting corporate interests, the troubling implications of recent immigration rulings, and Susan Collins' role in creating the Court majority that overturned Roe v. Wade.
- Supreme Court's Unprecedented Timeline Delays
- TPS Revocation: Legalizing Mass Deportation
Trump Sabotages Trump Agenda
Jun 26, 2026Donald Trump cancels the signing of a landmark bipartisan housing bill at the last minute, saying he won't approve it until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizensh...
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Dan Pfeiffer and John Favreau discuss Trump's chaotic week of sabotaging his own party, including canceling a housing bill signing over the failed SAVE Act, fighting with Senate Republicans, and demanding $88 billion for the Iran war. They analyze New York's Democratic primaries where three DSA-backed candidates won, sparking debate about the party's direction. They also mock JD Vance's awkward public appearances and interview Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa about her race against Greg Abbott.
- Trump Cancels Housing Bill Over SAVE Act Obsession
- The SAVE Act: Trump's Delusional Fixation
Pool Me Twice, Shame On You
Jun 23, 2026Donald Trump says the Reflecting Pool will need to be drained for repairs to the coating he said would "last for at least 50 years" — blaming vandals for the peeling and algae blooms that have turned ...
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Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss the Iran peace negotiations, the reflecting pool scandal, Trump's new Qatari jet, and rampant corruption in the administration. The episode features an interview with New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan about their explosive new book 'Regime Change,' which reveals how Trump's second term differs drastically from his first, marked by unprecedented corruption, chaotic decision-making, and a president who sees himself as a 'great man of history' comparable to figures like Napoleon and Genghis Khan.
- Iran Peace Negotiations and Trump's Lost Leverage
- Republican Responses: From Tucker's Exit to Lindsey's Threats
Heather Cox Richardson on Trump’s 250th Celebrations
Jun 21, 2026Historian Heather Cox Richardson joins Alex Wagner to discuss Trump's plans for America's semiquincentennial, put his fight on the White House lawn into historical context, and make sense of his missi...
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Historian Heather Cox Richardson joins Alex Wagner to discuss America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Trump's transformation of Washington D.C., and how Americans can reclaim authentic patriotism. Richardson contextualizes Trump's self-aggrandizing monuments and celebrations within historical precedent, explores the dangerous shift from creedal to blood-and-soil nationalism espoused by J.D. Vance, and introduces her new project '250 to 250' that centers marginalized Americans who fought to make the nation's founding ideals real.
- Presidential Ego vs. Democratic Legacy
- Teddy Roosevelt's Boxing vs. Trump's UFC Fight
LIVE(ish) from the Obama Presidential Center
Jun 19, 2026Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan record from Chicago after the dedication ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, reacting to Barack and Michelle Obama's speeches, what it felt like to walk through the ...
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The Pod Save America crew records from the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, reflecting on the museum's powerful exhibits, President Obama and Michelle Obama's speeches at the opening ceremony, and what their message of hope and civic engagement means in the current political moment. They also discuss Trump's Iran deal and the infamous reflecting pool debacle, finding both frustration and dark humor in the contrast between Obama's legacy and Trump's chaotic governance.
- Opening the Obama Presidential Center: Inspiration Meets Reality
- Michelle Obama's Powerful Speech: Carrying the Weight