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
Blue Tsunami!
Nov 04, 2026Holy sh*t! Democrats roll to commanding majorities in both the Senate and House, cruising to wins in deep-red Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas (and just about everywhere else) and picking up key gove...
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In this alternate timeline Pod Save America episode, the hosts celebrate an unprecedented Democratic victory in the 2026 midterms, with Democrats gaining massive majorities in both the House and Senate. They analyze Trump's catastrophic final two years, including an Iran war and economic mismanagement that led to historically high gas prices. The hosts discuss stunning Democratic wins in traditionally red states like Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas, while examining what this wave election means for Trump's remaining time in office and the 2028 presidential race.
- The Blue Wave Materializes
- Trump's Fatal Mistakes: Iran War and Economic Mismanagement
Last Call for Takes!
Nov 03, 2026Election Day is here at last. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy go through the final batch of polls and make the case for optimism (and pessimism) in each of the battlegrounds, from the Haley Stevens drama in Mi...
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In this final episode before the midterm elections, the hosts analyze the latest polling data showing Democrats with strong chances of retaking both the Senate and House. They break down key races state-by-state, discuss Trump's bizarre closing message about renovations and algae, and examine what various outcomes might mean for American politics. The episode features deep dives into competitive Senate races in Michigan, Kansas, Alaska, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Maine, with particular attention to late-breaking controversies and candidate dynamics.
- Trump's Bizarre Closing Message: Algae and Renovations
- Trump's Political Malpractice: Unforced Errors That Put the Senate in Play
What the Final Polls Tell Us
Nov 01, 2026CNN's Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten joins Tommy for one last deep dive ahead of Election Day. They break down the rising chance of a Democratic blowout in the House, how much to trust the polls, and ...
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Tommy Vietor sits down with CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten just two days before the 2026 midterms to break down the polling landscape, analyze competitive races across the country, and discuss the challenges facing pollsters in the Trump era. They examine everything from response bias concerns to specific Senate and House races, while Harry shares his trademark mix of statistical rigor and accessible humor about what the data is really telling us.
- The Historical Context and Trump's Approval Problem
- Polling Anxiety: The Response Bias Problem
Trump Puts the Mid in Midterms
Oct 30, 2026Trump campaigns in South Carolina as the polls show Democrat Annie Andrews tied with Senator Darline Graham. Jon and Dan react to the president's incoherent case for the nepo senator, and the White Ho...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer analyze the final days before the 2026 midterm elections, dissecting Trump's chaotic campaign rallies, the surprisingly competitive South Carolina Senate race, Obama's masterful Cheesecake Factory clapback, and what to watch for on election night. They discuss polling, the Alaska ballot confusion controversy, and offer reassurance to anxious Democrats heading into Tuesday's vote.
- Trump's Erratic Final Campaign Push
- South Carolina Senate Race Surprisingly Competitive
Let Them Eat Cheesecake
Oct 27, 2026Campaigning in Michigan, Barack Obama says Donald Trump's White House renovations look like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory" — touching off many rounds of fake conservative outrage. Jon, T...
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This episode of Pod Save America covers the final week before the 2026 midterm elections, with Barack Obama hitting the campaign trail, controversies over Trump's rhetoric and attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, DOJ interference in Alaska's election, the resurfacing of Jeffrey Epstein files, and Trump's bizarre 1,300-word rant about Bill Maher. The hosts analyze closing messages, voter turnout, and the high stakes of key Senate races.
- Obama's Campaign Trail and Cheesecake Factory Discourse
- Trump's Tone-Deaf Economic Messaging
Stopping the Steal with Eric Holder
Oct 25, 2026Former Attorney General Eric Holder joins Alex Wagner to game out the ways Trump might try to steal the midterms, from weaponizing the Department of Justice, to sending Homeland Security after suspect...
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In this episode, Alex Wagner interviews former Attorney General Eric Holder about election security and threats to democracy heading into the midterms. Holder discusses his work with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, tabletop exercises preparing for election interference, and the Trump administration's attempts to undermine election integrity through weaponizing federal agencies. Despite the serious threats, Holder remains optimistic about Americans' ability to defend democracy through engagement and civic action.
- Trump Administration's Election Interference Threats
- War Games and Preparation Strategies
Fake Polls, Real Wave?
Oct 23, 2026Polling's gold standard, the New York Times/Siena poll, releases new data showing Democrats surging far ahead of Republicans with an 11-point lead on the generic ballot, while another popular pollster...
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Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer analyze the final stretch before the midterm elections, discussing surprisingly positive polling for Democrats, Trump's bizarre closing arguments, and the Ohio Senate race controversy. They also speak with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms about her Georgia gubernatorial campaign against a self-funded billionaire opponent.
- Polling Surge and Republican Defensive Spending
- Trump's Bizarre Rally Performances
Vance Bombs at Brutal Town Hall
Oct 20, 2026Vice President JD Vance tries and fails to act normal during a CBS town hall in Michigan — but struggles even harder to explain away his boss's policies. Donald Trump sells out Ukraine to Vladimir Put...
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Pod Save America discusses Trump's final weeks before the midterm elections, focusing on his Russia-Ukraine policy reversal, multiple corruption scandals, Katie Zachariah's brief tenure as press secretary, and key Senate races in Michigan and Maine. The episode includes an interview with Pennsylvania congressional candidate Mayor Paige Cognetti about her anti-corruption platform and race against incumbent Rob Bresnahan.
- Trump's Russia-Ukraine Policy Shift and Putin Appeasement
- Multiple Trump Administration Corruption Scandals
Have Republicans Already Blown the Midterms?
Oct 18, 2026With two weeks until the midterms, Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, sits down with Dan to break down what she calls the most brutal political environment Republi...
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Dan Pfeiffer interviews Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report to analyze the political landscape two weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. They discuss why this environment is historically brutal for Republicans, examining Senate and House races, Trump's impact, polling reliability, and various regional dynamics that could determine whether Democrats achieve a modest victory or a historic wave.
- The 2006 Parallel: A Brutal Environment for Republicans
- The Republican Messaging Failure: Why Attacks Aren't Working
Donald Trump: Ass Man
Oct 16, 2026Trump makes the case for Jon Husted in Ohio, praising the Republican senator's greatest asset: his athletic behind. Jon and Dan react to Trump's Ohio rally and his other messages to voters on the camp...
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Pod Save America hosts John Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss the state of the 2026 midterm elections with just 18 days to go. They analyze Republicans' retreat from competitive races, Trump's increasingly chaotic rallies, mounting corruption scandals in the White House, and the departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece. The episode concludes with Dan's interview with Senator Sherrod Brown about his tough reelection fight in Ohio against massive Republican spending.
- Republican Retreat: Trimming the Electoral Map
- Trump's Chaotic Closing Argument
One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Oct 13, 2026A right-wing conspiracy theory claiming that James Talarico, who has been off the campaign trail with the flu, was actually at a mental institution in Ohio is immediately debunked in humiliating fashi...
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A Pod Save America episode covering the collapse of the Republican-manufactured 'Talerico conspiracy' in Texas, the GOP's Islamophobic attacks on Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, Elon Musk's massive midterm spending, federal raids on Ilhan Omar's home, Pete Hegseth's execution livestream plans, and Kimberly Guilfoyle's scandal-plagued ambassadorship to Greece. The show features an interview with New Hampshire Senate candidate Chris Pappas.
- The Talerico Mental Health Conspiracy Collapses
- Republicans Go All-In on Islamophobia Against Abdul El-Sayed
Democrats' Closing Argument (with David Axelrod)
Oct 11, 2026As Democrats in competitive races across the country try to thread the needle on a closing argument, Jon and legendary political consultant David Axelrod discuss the most memorable exchanges from this...
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A wide-ranging conversation about the 2026 midterm elections between Jon Favreau and David Axelrod, focusing on competitive Senate races in Michigan, Maine, Texas, and Georgia. They analyze debate performances, discuss the political environment favoring Democrats due to Trump's unpopularity and economic concerns, and explore the qualities voters will seek in the 2028 presidential race. The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity, fighting corruption, and addressing people's real economic struggles rather than defending the status quo.
- The Political Environment and Trump's Impact
- Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed vs. Mike Rogers
MAGA's Big Fat Greek Scandal
Oct 09, 2026The Wall Street Journal reveals brazen corruption by Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host (and Don Jr. fiancée) now serving as ambassador to Greece — and the Daily Mail piles on with eye-poppi...
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Pod Save America hosts John Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer analyze the state of the 2026 midterm elections with 25 days to go, covering Republican panic, Trump's erratic campaign focus, key Senate debates, and the Kimberly Guilfoyle influence-peddling scandal. The episode includes an interview with Florida Senate candidate Angie Nixon about her grassroots campaign against Ashley Moody.
- Republican Midterm Panic and Trump's Declining Support
- Trump's Bizarre Campaign Focus and Bribery Attempts
Trump Plans to Shove What Where?
Oct 06, 2026With less than 30 days until the midterms, Trump hits the campaign trail, promising Republican voters that they're going to "win big" and "shove it up their ass." (Whose? He didn't specify.) Meanwhile...
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This episode of Pod Save America covers the rapidly shifting political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms. The hosts discuss stunning new polling showing Democrats leading or tied in Senate races across deep-red states like Texas, Alaska, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas, with Trump's approval rating at 40% in those states. They analyze the expanding House map, Ken Paxton's campaign troubles, and the Kristi Noem luxury jet scandal. The episode features an interview with Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, who discusses her path to victory against Greg Abbott, the data center controversy, and the fight over public school vouchers.
- Polling Shows Democrats Surging in Red States
- Why Red States Are Moving While Blue States Stay Close
Deep State Rebels v. Trump (with Michael Lewis)
Oct 04, 2026Michael Lewis, the New York Times bestselling author of "Moneyball" and "The Big Short," stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about "Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State," his latest book on the govern...
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Michael Lewis discusses his new book 'Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State,' examining how Trump's second administration and Doge aggressively seized control of federal agencies, dismantling nonpartisan civil service protections and attacking the government workers who tried to preserve institutional integrity. Through stories of dedicated public servants—from fire scientists to IRS employees—Lewis reveals both the critical work government does and the profound damage caused by Trump's transformation of the executive branch into a loyalist operation.
- The U.S. Institute of Peace Takeover: Setting the Tone
- Trump One vs Trump Two: From Neglect to Conquest
Beardos, Weirdos, and Donald Trump
Oct 02, 2026Pete Hegseth, in an unconventional speech, announces that beardos, weirdos, and wimps are no longer welcome at the Department of War as his boss officially hit the road to campaign for Senate Republic...
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A comprehensive discussion of Trump's midterm campaign activities, Republican candidates' reluctance to appear with him, his tech industry agreements on AI regulation, and Senator Eric Schmidt's embarrassing mix-up during congressional testimony. The episode features an interview with Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton about his competitive race.
- Trump Hits the Campaign Trail Despite Republican Resistance
- Trump's Economic Messaging Problems and Self-Awareness
Impeach Pete Hegseth?
Sep 29, 2026Senate Democrats signal they may be open to impeaching Pete Hegseth after the election if the House has the votes for it. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss why that trial would be a great use of a new ...
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Five weeks before Election Day, Pod Save America examines Trump's flailing economic messaging amid soaring gas prices, Republicans' data center problem, Pete Hegseth facing impeachment calls over the Iran war, OpenAI's rogue AI incidents, and Trump's illegal use of taxpayer dollars for campaign ads. The hosts dissect why Trump's 'best economy ever' claims fall flat when diesel hits $6.50 and consumer sentiment reaches historic lows.
- Economic Reality vs. Trump's Messaging
- Republicans' Data Center Dilemma
Choosin' Texas with Bobby Pulido
Sep 27, 2026Live from the Texas Tribune Festival, Jon, Tommy, Lovett, and Dan discuss the dream of a blue Texas and how the campaigns there are doing, from James Talarico's debate challenge to Ken Paxton, to Gina...
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A live episode of Pod Save America from Austin, Texas, covering the 2026 midterms with extensive discussion of competitive Texas races. The hosts analyze how Republicans are playing defense in deep red states while Democrats see unexpected opportunities in the House and Senate. They interview Bobby Polito, a Grammy-winning musician running for Congress in Texas's 15th district, who discusses his campaign against Trump-backed Republican Monica De La Cruz.
- Republican Panic and the Shifting Texas Map
- Ken Paxton's Toxic Brand and the Tallarico Challenge
Always Test Your Hopium
Sep 25, 2026The news is full of encouraging signs for Democrats. Is it all too good to be true? Dan and Jon react to Republican candidates running away from Trump on Iran, then break down the latest polls — inc...
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A Pod Save America episode covering the state of Senate and House races, Trump's media crackdown, Republican candidates distancing from Trump, and Tommy Vietor's interview with activist Colin Kaepernick about his NFL protest, blackballing, and new book.
- Trump's War on Media and White House Press Access
- Republican Candidates Running From Trump
Trump Bans Crooked Media
Sep 22, 2026Major television networks halt White House pool coverage after Trump announces that he's banning journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. Jon and Tommy react to Trump and JD Vance's justification...
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Pod Save America discusses Trump's ban of journalists from the White House, the expanding Iran war, AI policy debates, midterm election dynamics, and features an interview with Kate Conley, a Democratic candidate challenging vulnerable Republican Mike Lawler in New York's 17th district.
- Trump Bans Journalists from the White House
- Media Solidarity and White House Response