Pod Save America
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 and Friday. 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
Trump Joins the Streaming Wars
Dec 09, 2025The fate of Hollywood rests in President Trump's hands as Netflix and Paramount fight to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery—the home of HBO Max, Harry Potter, and Superman. Will Trump back Paramount's ...
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Pod Save America discusses Trump's attempts to address economic concerns through an affordability tour, a $12 billion farmer bailout, and an AI executive order, while Republicans refuse to extend ACA subsidies that will cause premium spikes for 20 million Americans. The episode also features an in-depth interview with Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw about the battle between Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, exploring the role of Trump, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, and what the deal means for Hollywood's future.
- Trump's Affordability Crisis and Economic Contradictions
- Republican Refusal to Extend ACA Subsidies Will Double Premiums
The Making of America's Most Prominent Anti-Vaxxer
Dec 07, 2025How did Robert F. Kennedy — once the heir-apparent to the Kennedy family's Democratic dynasty — become the Secretary of Health in the Trump administration and the nation's most important anti-vaccine ...
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Michael Scherer, an Atlantic staff writer, discusses his in-depth profile of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., exploring how Kennedy transformed from a celebrated environmental lawyer and Democratic prince into the nation's controversial HHS Secretary and prominent anti-vaccine advocate. The conversation examines Kennedy's psychological drivers, his relationship with Trump, and the dangerous public health implications of his crusade against vaccines and medical institutions.
- Kennedy's Journey from Democratic Prince to MAGA Ally
- From Environmental Activism to Conspiracy Theorist
Two Strikes. Is Hegseth Out?
Dec 05, 2025Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reacts defiantly to two scandals: his department's decision to murder the survivors of a September strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, and a Pentagon report that f...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss the week's major political developments, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial Venezuela strike and subsequent investigation, the Tennessee special election results showing Democratic momentum, Mike Johnson's leadership troubles, and Trump's struggles with messaging on affordability. The episode concludes with an interview with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about the 2026 midterms, Trump's pardons, and Democratic strategy moving forward.
- Hegseth's Venezuela Strike Controversy and Pentagon Investigation
- Tennessee Special Election Shows Democratic Momentum
Department of War (Crimes)
Dec 02, 2025The House and Senate Armed Services Committees launch an investigation into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after a report that he ordered a second strike on a boat in the Caribbean while survivors ...
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Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss the Trump administration's response to a Washington D.C. shooting by an Afghan veteran, allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered war crimes in the Caribbean, Trump's pardon of a Honduran drug trafficker, and various corruption scandals. The episode concludes with Tommy's interview with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand about flipping the state and addressing issues like trade wars and rising cancer rates.
- Afghan Shooting and Immigration Crackdown
- Pete Hegseth's Alleged War Crimes in Caribbean
Will There Be a Blue Wave in 2026?
Nov 30, 2025Can Democrats repeat their big 2025 wins in next year's midterms? Can the party win back the support of white working-class and Latino voters? Can high-quality candidates overcome an unfavorable Senat...
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Live from Crooked Con, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor, Dan Pfeiffer and producer Elijah Cone record a special episode of our subscriber-exclusive show Terminally Online. They blind-rank 2025's ...
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A live recording of Terminally Online at CrookedCon featuring the Crooked Media team playing a blind ranking game of the most online politicians of 2025, followed by an informal 2028 presidential straw poll with the audience. The hosts debate which politicians are most chronically online based on their social media behavior, posting frequency, and ability to engage in internet discourse.
- Blind Rankings Game: America's Most Online Politicians
- The Charleston Airport Incident: Nancy Mace's Online Meltdown
How Many Republicans Will Follow MTG?
Nov 25, 2025After a public fallout with the President, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene unexpectedly announces that she'll resign from congress on January 5. Could her decision spark a wave of resignations from her Re...
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In this episode, the hosts discuss multiple political developments including Trump's retaliation efforts, Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, the Venezuela situation, Ukraine peace negotiations, Mark Kelly's military investigation, and the Epstein files. Congresswoman Summer Lee joins to discuss ICE abuses and accountability. The episode also touches on the RFK Jr./Olivia Nuzzi scandal and Trump's changing stance on ACA subsidies.
- Trump's Failed Retaliation Cases and Illegal Appointments
- Pete Hegseth Targets Senator Mark Kelly in Intimidation Campaign
Live from Crooked Con, Alex Wagner hosts a discussion with Sen. Brian Schatz, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal about what America would look like with Democrats in charge of one or both ch...
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This Crooked Con panel features Senator Brian Schatz, Senator Ruben Gallego, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal discussing what Democrats would do with a majority in 2026, followed by interviews with New York mayoral transition co-chair Lina Khan about consumer protection and antitrust enforcement. The conversation covers Democratic strategy, policy priorities like affordability and voting rights, the filibuster debate, and threats to consumer protection under the Trump administration.
- Democratic Chances of Winning Back the Senate and House
- First Priorities with a Democratic Majority
Trump Calls for Democrats' Executions
Nov 21, 2025Trump calls for six congressional Democrats to be executed for treason because the group—all military and intelligence vets—dared to post a video reminding troops that they shouldn't follow illegal or...
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This episode of Pod Save America covers a week of major political developments, from President Trump's calls for Democratic members of Congress to be executed over their military ethics video, to crumbling retribution prosecutions, troubling poll numbers for the administration, and redistricting battles. The show also features a conversation with Swing Left's Executive Director Yasmin Raji about reimagining voter contact and organizing through their new Ground Truth program.
- Trump's Death Threats Against Democratic Members of Congress
- Crumbling DOJ Prosecutions and Incompetence
Live from Crooked Con, Jon Favreau talks to Jen Psaki, Faiz Shakir, Lis Smith, Rebecca Katz, and Adam Jentleson about the narrative we’re pitching—not just about why Trump and the MAGA loons are bad, ...
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Did Trump Blow It on the Epstein Files?
Nov 18, 2025After failing to pressure Republicans into voting no on releasing the Epstein files, Trump pulls an astonishing reversal and says they should vote yes—because he has nothing to hide. Jon, Lovett, and ...
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This episode covers the dramatic shift in Trump's position on releasing the Epstein files, the discharge petition that forced his hand, Marjorie Taylor Greene's break with Trump and surprising apology for toxic politics, Trump's struggles with economic messaging around affordability, and growing concerns about potential military action in Venezuela. The show features an interview with Congressman Ro Khanna about the successful bipartisan effort to force a vote on Epstein file disclosure.
- The Epstein Files Flip-Flop and Discharge Petition Victory
- Marjorie Taylor Greene's Break with Trump and Political Transformation
Live from Crooked Con, Dan Pfeiffer talks with Sarah Longwell, David Shor, Terrance Woodbury, and Carlos Odio about what the voters are telling us about what they’re looking for in this unprecedented ...
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This episode features live panels from CrookedCon analyzing the 2025 election results and Democratic messaging strategy. The first panel brings together top pollsters and opinion researchers to dissect Democrats' strong performance in Virginia and New Jersey elections, exploring what it means for 2026 and beyond. The second segment features Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear discussing how Democrats can win in red states by focusing relentlessly on affordability and everyday needs while still standing up for core values.
- 2025 Election Results: What Happened and Why
- Latino Voter Dynamics and Immigration Impact
Trump's Ballroom Reno Derailed by Epstein
Nov 14, 2025Democrats release a new batch of Jeffrey Epstein's emails—including messages suggesting that Trump knew what Epstein was doing and spent time with one of his victims. Republicans fire back with 20,000...
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Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss the latest bombshell Jeffrey Epstein emails implicating Trump, the end of the government shutdown, ongoing battles over Affordable Care Act subsidies, and Trump's struggles with the economy and his MAGA base. James Tallarico joins to discuss his Democratic Senate campaign in Texas, focusing on affordability, immigration, and mobilizing grassroots voters.
- Jeffrey Epstein Emails Expose Trump's Knowledge and Potential Blackmail
- Government Shutdown Ends with Democratic Surrender
Live from Crooked Con, Jon Lovett talks to Hasan Piker, Symone Sanders Townsend, Tim Miller, and Jessica Tarlov about why Democrats are the party of humorless scolds, how they let that happen, and how...
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A live recording from Crooked Con featuring two panel discussions examining the Democratic Party's identity crisis and path forward. The first panel explores whether Democrats are seen as 'pious and scolding,' featuring diverse perspectives on how to balance progressive values with electoral success. The second features Senator Chris Murphy discussing the ongoing government shutdown, election strategy, and the fight against authoritarianism.
- Democrats' Brand Problem and the Need for Authenticity
- The Challenge of Defending Values Without Being Seen as Scolds
Shutdown for What? (Schumer's Version)
Nov 11, 2025Eight Democratic senators break from the party to cut a deal with Republicans and end the shutdown without any meaningful concessions on health insurance premiums. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the t...
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Pod Save America discusses the recent government shutdown deal, where eight Democratic senators struck an agreement with Republicans to reopen the government. The hosts analyze the political fallout, Democratic infighting over the decision, and concerns about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's leadership. They also cover Trump's controversial pardons, his attendance at an NFL game where he was booed, and the recent successful CrookedCon event.
- The Shutdown Deal and Democratic Capitulation
- Why Democrats Caved and Why Now
Live from Crooked Con, Jon Favreau is joined by Skye Perryman and Norm Eisen to hash out a strategy for the most effective ways to fight back against the Trump administration’s grave abuses of power. ...
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A special episode featuring conversations from CrookedCon about fighting the Trump administration and lessons learned from successful 2025 Democratic campaigns. Features legal strategists Skye Perryman and Norm Eisen discussing their litigation efforts against Trump, followed by campaign managers from winning races in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia analyzing their victories and the future of the Democratic Party.
- Fighting Trump Through Litigation: Strategy and Impact
- The Role of Litigation in a Fractured Media Environment