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Pod Save America

Pod Save America

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 transcripts@crooked.com.

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2026-04-19 09:55:00 1:10:41

FAILED MAGA Media Turns on Trump (feat. David Pakman)

Political commentator David Pakman joins the show to talk with Dan about the war brewing on the right between Trump and the MAGA influencers who once supported him. The two discuss whether this MAGA revolt is actually real, Trump's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, and whether the White House's pivot back to the economy is their best message to win the midterms. Then, Dan asks David how the media ecosystem has changed over his career — and what it'll take for Democrats to build a media ecosystem that rivals the one built by the right.
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2026-04-17 09:55:00 1:37:54

FAILED The Gospel According to Trump

JD Vance and Mike Johnson defend Donald Trump's fight against the pope, while Trump says "he's all about the Gospel" and Defense Secretary Hegseth leads soldiers in prayer using a fake Bible quote from "Pulp Fiction." More troops are on their way to the Middle East as the United States and Iran look for a short-term agreement before the ceasefire expires Tuesday. Republicans worry that Trump's "nonsense" is distracting from their midterm affordability message, and a New York Post reporter publishes an excerpt from Health Secretary Kennedy's diary in which he recalls cutting off the penis of a roadkill raccoon. Then, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan stops by the studio to talk to Tommy about her campaign for Senate, how ICE's operations in her state have reshaped the race, and what she wants to see from Democratic leadership in the Senate. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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2026-04-14 09:55:00 1:44:38

DOWNLOADED The Audacity of Pope

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed discussion on national and international political developments. The hosts dive into JD Vance's ineffective diplomatic negotiations, which have allegedly led to increased tensions and a naval blockade involving the Strait of Hormuz. The episode further analyzes political dynamics within the United States, specifically focusing on developments in the California governor's race, and the recent allegations against Eric Swalwell that have resulted in his resignation. Additionally, the episode explores Trump's controversial portrayal of himself as an AI Jesus and his escalating conflict with the Catholic Church, as well as its political implications.

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Original Description
President Trump attacks Pope Leo as "weak on crime" in a long social media screed before posting an AI-generated photo of himself as Christ healing the sick. JD Vance fails to broker a peace deal with Iran, Trump announces plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by blockading it, a horrifying scandal upends the race for California governor, and Democrats' Senate hopes show signs of life. Then, LA councilmember Nithya Raman stops by the studio to talk about her campaign for LA mayor and how she plans to tackle the city's most pressing crises: housing and homelessness.
2026-04-12 07:05:00 1:12:04

DOWNLOADED Hasan Piker Has Thoughts on the Hasan Piker Discourse

AI Insights

This episode includes a conversation with a well-known political commentator who shares his thoughts on democratic politics and activism, including his involvement with progressive candidates and his views on class consciousness. The discussion also delves into contentious topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, anti-Zionism, and the implications of rhetoric surrounding these issues, as well as the role and responsibilities of media figures in shaping public discourse.

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Original Description
Political commentator Hasan Piker stops by the studio to talk to Jon about his move into electoral politics and the discussion inside the Democratic Party about whether candidates should associate themselves with him and his audience. Then they debate Hasan's views on Israel and Hamas, and Jon asks him about how he thinks about the words he chooses and his theory of political organizing.
2026-04-10 07:05:00 1:55:42

DOWNLOADED Trump Blasts "Third Rate Podcasts" 15 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a discussion on the chaotic global and political situation stemming from Trump's erratic decisions, particularly concerning the war with Iran. The hosts analyze Trump's recent foreign policy moves, including his threats towards NATO, feedback from Republican allies, and how his actions might affect upcoming elections. They also touch on domestic political matters, including dynamics within the Democratic Party relating to foreign influence and the potential 2028 presidential contenders.

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Original Description
The MAGA media revolt over Iran is in full swing and Trump posts a nearly 500-word screed declaring "I no longer care" — before attacking each critic in obsessive detail. Meanwhile, the ceasefire hangs by a thread as it becomes clear that Trump has no idea what's in it, calls to invoke the 25th Amendment grow louder, JD Vance heads to Islamabad to negotiate with the Iranians, and Melania Trump makes a baffling appearance to defend herself against Epstein allegations that no one was asking about. Then, former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel stops by to talk about Iran and his widely rumored ambitions for 2028.
2026-04-07 07:30:00 1:36:53

DELETED Strait Up War Crimes 16 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a comprehensive look at the ongoing Iran war, focusing on President Trump's threats of war crimes, its economic consequences, and the administration's controversial defense budget increase alongside cuts to social programs. It also explores the continuing mass deportation campaign and features an interview with Congresswoman Sarah McBride about congressional dynamics, opposition to the war, and Democratic economic strategies. The hosts conclude with a discussion of Trump's unexpected influence on the California governor's race.

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Original Description
Donald Trump gives Iran until 8pm Tuesday night to "Open the Fuckin' Strait" or he'll level all of the country's power plants and bridges. In the meantime, he spends an hour in the White House briefing room congratulating himself for the rescue of the downed American airmen — spilling a bunch of sensitive details in the process. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy react to Trump's latest performance, his request for huge budget increases for defense and White House renovations, the latest with the mass deportation campaign, and why Trump decided to do California Democrats a huge favor by endorsing in the governor's race. Then, Rep. Sarah McBride stops by the studio to talk with Lovett about how Democrats should approach the Iran war debate, and why her Republican colleagues are so addicted to going viral.
2026-04-05 07:05:00 1:17:09

DELETED Taxing Cory Booker's Patience 9 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a wide-ranging conversation with Senator Cory Booker, who discusses the politicization of the Department of Justice, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the complexities of the Israel-Palestine relationship. He also outlines his "Keeping Your Pay Act" proposal, aimed at providing substantial tax relief to working and middle-class families by increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy. The discussion further touches on the need for big, bold ideas from the Democratic Party to address societal divisions, economic inequality, and the influence of money in politics.

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Original Description
Senator Cory Booker stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about his bold tax proposal that would see the majority of Americans pay no federal income tax. Jon and the senator debate what it means when both political parties become anti-tax and discuss Trump's war with Iran, AIPAC's role in the Democratic Party, and the president's sudden firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi. You can check out Senator Booker's new book, "Stand," wherever you shop for books. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-04-03 07:05:00 1:05:56

DELETED Bondi Gets the Boot 10 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes analyses of President Trump's recent prime-time address on the war in Iran, the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, and his executive orders on birthright citizenship and voting. Additionally, the hosts discuss the conclusion of the DHS shutdown, the Supreme Court's skeptical stance on Trump's actions, and the "bimbo vacation" allegations involving Christie Noem's husband.

Full Summary
Original Description
Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi and announces that Todd Blanche, his former personal attorney, will serve in the interim while he waits to appoint her replacement. Jon and Dan react to Bondi's sudden ouster and discuss the president's incoherent national address about his war with Iran. Then, they check in on Trump's long-shot bid to overturn birthright citizenship at the Supreme Court, his attempt to restrict mail-in voting via executive order, and what appears to be the endgame for the Department of Homeland Security shutdown — a deal House Republicans could've passed before they went on recess. Finally, Jon introduces Dan to 'bimboification' as they discuss Fox News' reaction to Kristi Noem's husband's double life.
2026-03-31 07:30:00 1:31:17

DELETED SHOCKING GOP Plan to Fund War with Health Care Cuts 7 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a discussion on Donald Trump's diplomatic strategy with Iran that involves both threats of military force and claims of negotiation progress, despite skepticism about these negotiations among U.S. officials. It also covers the potential economic fallout from ongoing conflicts, highlighting global energy and food supply disruptions expected to worsen, and discusses the political ramifications for Trump, including public disillusionment over health care cuts proposed to fund military efforts.

Full Summary
Original Description
Congressional Republicans consider massive cuts to federal healthcare spending in order to raise $200 billion to fund Trump's war in Iran. Jon and Lovett discuss how that plan could affect Republicans in the midterms, Trump's ballooning economic crisis, and his desperate attempt to calm the markets by saying negotiations have made "great progress" while simultaneously threatening Iran with war crimes. Then, the guys check in on how the war is playing among young Republicans at CPAC, House Republicans' fight with Senate Republicans over funding DHS, and Trump's real top priority — the construction of his poorly designed ballroom. Then, Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Iowa, stops by the studio to talk to Tommy about "prairie populism" and the president's disdain for disabled Americans. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-29 07:05:00 1:14:49

DELETED When Life Gives You Don Lemon 1 play

AI Insights

This episode includes a conversation with a journalist facing federal charges after covering an ICE protest, exploring how these actions represent an assault on the free press and democracy. The discussion highlights the racially charged nature of the charges, the importance of journalistic integrity in holding power accountable, and the evolving landscape of independent media.

Full Summary
Original Description
Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor turned independent journalist, talks to Alex Wagner about the charges the Department of Justice brought against him for covering an ICE protest inside a Minnesota church. Don shares new details about the days leading up to his arrest and the administration's war against a free and independent press. Then, they talk about the differences between independent and mainstream journalism, how MAGA media differs from the media on the left, and what's next for Lemon and the "Lemon Heads." Could it be a run for president?
2026-03-27 07:05:00 1:09:42

DELETED Blue Wave Building in the Strait of Hormuz 2 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes discussions on the ongoing war and its economic impact, which is affecting President Trump's approval ratings and leading to rising gas prices and airport disruptions. The hosts also examine Republican lawmakers' growing concerns about the conflict following classified briefings and recent Democratic victories in state special elections. Finally, the episode delves into the California gubernatorial primary, where a crowded Democratic field risks two Republican candidates advancing.

Full Summary
Original Description
Donald Trump's approval rating hits historic lows as voters react to soaring gas prices caused by his war of choice with Iran. Dan and Jon discuss what those new figures mean for the upcoming midterms and react to Florida Democrats flipping the state legislative seat that includes the president's home at Mar-a-Lago. Plus: the new report that Trump is tiring of the war even as he plans a ground invastion, his likely illegal attempt to pay TSA workers by executive order, and the election crisis facing Democrats in California.
2026-03-24 07:15:00 1:33:30

DELETED TACO Tuesday in Tehran 2 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes discussions on President Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, including his claims of peace talks and the debate over war funding, plus his decision to deploy ICE agents to airports amid a TSA funding dispute. It also covers allegations of corruption against a former Trump official, internal Democratic party leadership challenges, and the Supreme Court's deliberations on post-election day mail-in ballot counting.

Full Summary
Original Description
Donald Trump backtracks on his threat to obliterate Iran's power plants, saying the administration has begun talks with Iran to end the war, despite Iran's insistence that no talks are underway. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett react to the reversal and debate its validity, discuss the White House's decision to lift sanctions on 140 million barrels of Iranian oil, and check in on the Pentagon's request for an additional $200 billion to wage this war. Then, they react to Trump's plan to send ICE agents into airports to assist the TSA, a Wall Street Journal report about a revolt brewing inside the Democratic Party over Chuck Schumer's leadership, and the president's disgusting comment on the death of Robert Mueller. Finally, Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman stops by to talk to Lovett about the major mail-in voting case before the Supreme Court and the drama inside the New Jersey US Attorney's office.
2026-03-22 04:15:00 1:13:12

DELETED Trump’s Wartime Messaging Disaster (feat. Jen Psaki) 3 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed discussion with a former White House staffer about the Trump administration's messaging and policy on the ongoing war in Iran, examining its political and economic impacts, including rising gas prices. It also delves into the dynamics of recent Democratic primaries, analyzing internal party divisions, communication strategies, and the effectiveness of "fuck Trump" messaging for candidates.

Full Summary
Original Description
Jen Psaki, Joe Biden's former White House Press Secretary and host of MS NOW's The Briefing with Jen Psaki, talks to Dan about the ways the Trump administration is trying — and failing — to sell its war with Iran to the American people. The two discuss the White House's meme-forward messaging campaign, MAGA media's break with the president over the war, and how Trump's cell phone interview habit is shaping media coverage. Then, Dan and Jen discuss how a series of contentious Senate primaries are reshaping the Democratic Party and whether "fuck Trump" is a strong enough message heading into the midterms. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-20 07:15:00 1:28:20

DELETED The Worst Way to Spend $200 Billion 1 play

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed discussion on the escalating war in Iran, its severe economic impact on global energy markets and inflation, and the Pentagon's substantial funding request for the conflict. It also covers controversies within the Trump administration, a DHS nominee's contentious confirmation hearing, and an interview with Illinois' Democratic Senate nominee, touching on progressive policies, campaign finance, and the influence of super PACs.

Full Summary
Original Description
The Pentagon requests an additional $200 billion in funding for Trump's war in Iran. Jon and Dan discuss how Democrats in Congress should respond to the request, the administration's insistence that rising gas prices are nothing to worry about, and the resignation of a high-ranking intelligence official, Joe Kent, over the administration's decision to go to war with Iran. Then, they talk about Tulsi Gabbard's and Markwayne Mullin's explosive hearings on the Hill, AIPAC's impact on Tuesday's Democratic primaries in Illinois, and Trump's latest money-making venture — putting himself on a commemorative gold coin. Then, Juliana Stratton, the new Democratic nominee for Senate in Illinois, talks to Dan about her simple, effective anti-Trump message. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-17 07:30:00 1:11:15

DELETED Trump Desperate for Strait Allies 2 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed discussion on the ongoing conflict in Iran, including President Trump's rhetoric, the reluctance of allies to support the U.S., and the resulting energy crisis. It also covers internal political squabbles among right-wing media figures over the war, the administration's threats against critical news coverage, and allegations of corruption involving fundraising off fallen soldiers and presidential family members. The episode concludes by noting President Trump's unprecedented accessibility to reporters through his personal phone number.

Full Summary
Original Description
President Trump calls on U.S. allies to send warships to the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but no one seems interested in answering his call. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss the United States' decreasing global standing, the deployment of an additional 2,500 Marines to the region, and Trump's interesting word selection at a Kennedy Center turned Iran war press conference on Monday morning. Then, the guys discuss Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's threats against the media over its Iran war coverage, the vicious fight happening on the right over the war, and check in on corruption coming out of the administration, including a shocking Trump fundraising email, Jared Kushner's investment fund, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin's suspicious stock trading. Finally: the guys jump in on the latest trend taking over the political media — cold-calling President Trump. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-15 07:05:00 1:07:44

DELETED Josh Shapiro Is Calm but Not Cool 3 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a conversation addressing the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, the need for leaders to exhibit moral clarity, and distinguishing between criticism of Middle East policies and hate. It also covers the governor's evolving stance on the death penalty and his administration's focus on efficient governance, exemplified by the rapid I-95 repair. The discussion further delves into critiques of recent U.S. foreign policy regarding the war in Iran and the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Full Summary
Original Description
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stops by the studio to talk to Jon Lovett about Trump's war in Iran, growing antisemitism and Islamophobia in America, and what it'll take for Democrats to learn how to do big things again. The two then unpack what it takes for a politician to honestly change their mind, ask the Governor's sister — who was sitting in the studio — to fact-check his claims about growing up as a troublemaker, and debate whether a calm, collected approach to politics can also be cool in our current political moment. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-13 07:05:00 1:13:25

DELETED Trump Celebrates High Gas Prices 2 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed discussion on the ongoing war with Iran, criticizing the administration's lack of strategy, high costs, and confusing public statements, particularly regarding rising oil prices and potential domestic threats. The hosts also analyze Republican struggles with immigration messaging and Trump's impossible demands for voting legislation, highlighting internal party conflicts. Finally, the episode touches on growing anti-Muslim bigotry among some elected officials, as well as the bizarre actions of government staffers and the president's obsession with gifting shoes.

Full Summary
Original Description
President Trump suggests that the high price of oil—surging upward because of his war in Iran—is a good thing, because the United States makes "a lot of money." Jon and Dan discuss the President's unique affordability message, his claim that the war has already been won, and what Joe Rogan, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Gen Z men are saying about Iran. Then, they check in on the GOP, including the party's mass deportation messaging "hiccup," the lengths some on the right are going to in order to pass the SAVE Act, and MAGA's full embrace of Islamophobia. Finally, they react to former DOGE staffers trying to explain DEI under oath, and to Marco Rubio allegedly lying about his shoe size to the President of the United States.
2026-03-10 07:30:00 1:18:29

DELETED Trump Says War Is Over, Vows to Keep Fighting 1 play

AI Insights

This episode includes a comprehensive look at the administration's war in Iran, detailing its contradictory statements, the rising economic costs and oil prices, and the potential for a dangerous escalation of conflict. It also examines domestic issues, such as alleged government abuses by DHS and ICE, the Trump family's reported war profiteering, and the Republican party's legislative challenges. An interview with a congressman offers a critical perspective on the war and the necessity of congressional oversight in opposing its funding.

Full Summary
Original Description
The war in Iran enters its second week and Donald Trump declares that it's about to end — and also that it's going to last a very long time. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett react to the president's conflicting statements, the cascading global energy crisis he created, and the way Republicans — especially warmonger Lindsey Graham — are reacting to the war. Then, they discuss why some Democrats are hesitant to cut off funding for the strikes, the administration's arrests of American citizens protesting its deportation campaign, and the Trump sons' new business venture: drone warfare. Then, Tommy talks to Congressman Pat Ryan, an Iraq War veteran, about our new war and what Democrats can do to oppose it. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-08 08:05:00 1:09:22

DELETED Gavin Newsom Is Finally Comfortable with Himself 3 plays

AI Insights

This episode includes an interview with Governor Gavin Newsom, who discusses his memoir, delving into his personal history, including a severe learning disability, his mother's sacrifices, and his unique experiences with extreme wealth. He also offers strong critiques of the former president's foreign policy actions in Iran and the US relationship with Israel. Additionally, he reflects on current California politics, the evolving role of tech leaders, and the personal costs of public service, advocating for Democrats to be more strategic in their approach to winning elections.

Full Summary
Original Description
California Governor Gavin Newsom sits down with Jon and Tommy before a live audience in Los Angeles to discuss Trump's war on Iran, the crowded California gubernatorial primary, and his new book Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery. The governor talks about his close childhood friendship with the Getty family, issuing the first same-sex marriage licenses nationwide as San Francisco Mayor, and his surprising childhood pet, Potter the otter. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
2026-03-06 08:05:00 1:40:35

DELETED Trump Deports Noem 1 play

AI Insights

This episode includes a detailed analysis of Kristi Noem's firing from Homeland Security and the appointment of her replacement, alongside the escalating and confusing "war" in Iran, including the administration's contradictory rationales and congressional funding debates. It also examines the implications of recent Republican primary results in Texas and Montana, highlighting Trump's continued influence and internal party dynamics.

Full Summary
Original Description
Trump abruptly fires Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Dan and Jon discuss the Congressional hearings that led to her dismissal, Trump's announcement that Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her, and the future of DHS. Then they react to the administration's ever-shifting justifications for their war with Iran, Republicans voting with Democrats to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files, how MAGA is already attacking James Talarico, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's new target: Dunkin' Donuts. Then, Dan talks to Politico senior political columnist Jonathan Martin about Tuesday night's results, the tense Republican runoff in Texas, and Jmart’s forthcoming podcast series, On the Road with Jonathan Martin.