Pod Save America

Dozens of Republican lawmakers tell the press that they won't be attending Trump's midterm convention next week, citing a variety of unconvincing excuses, but the president seems unfazed by his party's lack of enthusiasm for more Trump, announcing Trump midterm ads, Trump coins, and the possibility he may rename the Strait of Hormuz to the Trump Strait. Dan and Jon preview the pity party and then react to Ed Markey's primary win over Seth Moulton, Kamala Harris brushing off red-state Democrats refusing her support, and the Democrats' new line of attack against the GOP — tying the construction of data centers to a tax provision in the Big Beautiful Bill. Then journalist Jasper Nathaniel stops by the studio to talk to Tommy about his reporting on violence in the West Bank.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

Weeks after a Republican campaign committee called AI data centers the "anchor hanging around" GOP candidates' necks, Trump weighs in to say that all Americans who oppose data center construction are "backwards and poor" — while he digs in on the trade war with Canada and the hot war with Iran. No wonder a leading Republican senator tells Politico that Trump — and the whole party — are "in serious trouble." Jon, Lovett, and Tommy try to make sense of Trump's choices at home and abroad, process the latest from the courts on mail-in voting and the White House ballroom, discuss Abdul El-Sayed's apology to Michigan's Jewish community, and react to the latest racist provocation from Laura Loomer. Then, Tommy sits down with Aaron Ford, the Democratic nominee for governor in Nevada.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

Jon sits down with legendary Democratic strategist David Plouffe to assess the race for the Senate and House and — why not? — look forward to 2028. The two talk through the new roster of early primary states and the political dynamics at play in each, and then do some (very) early handicapping of the rumored '28 contenders, from Kamala Harris to AOC and Jon Ossoff.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

With his approval rating 20 points underwater, Donald Trump previews his new midterm strategy: telling voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. Jon and Dan break down how that will play, react to the president renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” and preview the Republican Party’s midterm convention. They also discuss Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s handling of a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, new polling that has James Talarico up on Ken Paxton in Texas, and the unnerving number of Nazi-related scandals surrounding Mike Collins’s Senate campaign in Georgia. Then, Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee for Senate in South Carolina, talks to Dan about the momentum building for her campaign now that Darline Graham has won the Republican nomination.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.To watch this episode with subtitles, click here and turn on closed captions (CC).You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

As the Trump administration launches economic wars against Iran and Canada, the Washington Post reports on Trump's war with a third adversary: his weight. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett calculate Trump's BMI and then break down Scott Bessent invoking World War II when announcing new Iranian sanctions and Trump's new 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. They then turn to the midterms to discuss Susan Collins skipping out on a campaign event with JD Vance, Mike Rogers' attempt to distance himself from AIPAC, and Democrats' growing chances to flip Ohio blue. Then, Congressman Seth Moulton talks to Jon about the Massachusetts Senate primary and why he's decided to challenge Senator Ed Markey.

How can Democrats reach the elusive swing voter? Danielle Butterfield, executive director of Priorities USA, one of the most important PACs in Democratic politics, joins Dan to talk about Priorities' attempts to reshape how Democratic campaigns think about targeting voters on the internet. She breaks down their research into how voters are looking for information on search engines, why campaigns need to rethink how they talk to voters on YouTube, and how Priorities USA is getting out ahead of 2028 by trying to frame JD Vance and Marco Rubio in swing voters' minds before the presidential election begins. Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

MAGA world continues to express outrage over Jon Ossoff's "travel with Natalie" remarks, including an over-the-top rant from Scott Jennings that is being seen as the pundit's shameless audition for the open White House press secretary job. Dan and Jon react to Harp-gate, an MS NOW report that says Harp declined to seek a security clearance, and the New York Times reporting that Pete Hegseth brings his wife to highly sensitive meetings to "keep him out of trouble." They then turn to the midterms to unpack Angie Nixon's surprising defeat of Alexander Vindman in the Florida Democratic Senate primary, Dan Sullivan vs. Dan Sullivan in the Alaska general election, Darline Graham's historically embarrassing debate answer in South Carolina, and the impact the debate over data centers is having on the Ohio Senate election. Then, Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Iowa, stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about Democratic momentum in the Hawkeye State and how he convinced Barack Obama to shoot hoops in his viral endorsement video.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.To watch this episode with subtitles, click here and turn on closed captions (CC).You can request a transcript by emailing [email protected]. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

Trump 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 and Dan react to Trump's plans for Independence Day, including a Guinness World Records fireworks display, a marathon speech in 107-degree heat, and a plan for "250 pardons for 250 years." Then, the guys discuss the administration's desire to ban pregnant tourists from entering the country, Tuesday's progressive primary wins in Colorado, and the new New York Times/Siena poll that shows Democrats effectively tied in the states needed to retake the Senate.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Trump'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 of the fair and then discuss Monday's Supreme Court rulings on independent agencies and mail-in ballots, Trump losing interest in Congress's housing bill, and the momentum Democratic Socialists are feeling after last week's primary wins in New York City. Then, Heather Williams, the president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, stops by the studio to talk to Jon about building Democratic majorities in state houses across the country.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Donald 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 citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. Jon and Dan react to the President's decision and the Republican caucus's angry reaction to it, then turn to Tuesday's primary elections, where three DSA-aligned candidates won in New York City, and discuss JD Vance's attempts to charm Rupert Murdoch … and his own wife. Then, Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Texas, stops by the studio to talk to Jon about what it'll take to unseat Governor Greg Abbott.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock stops by the studio to talk to Jon about the Supreme Court's dismantling of the Voting Rights Act, his visit to an ICE detention facility, and whether the Democratic Party is doing enough to fight back against Trump. Then Jon and the senator, who serves as senior pastor at the congregation Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once led, discuss JD Vance lecturing Pope Leo on theology, increasing political violence in America, and what lessons from Dr. King can help us build a sustained political movement at this moment.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Congressional Republicans plan to spend $1 billion in taxpayer money on Trump's ballroom, claiming the money is necessary for "security" — and creating a huge political problem for themselves. The president and his cabinet make a show of ignoring the pain Americans are feeling at the gas pump, as the US and Iran circle around an underwhelming peace deal. JD Vance's 2028 stock slides as Republican voters turn their attention to Marco Rubio. Dan and Jon discuss the latest, including how Democrats should respond to a new wave of Republican gerrymandering in the South and a new report from The Atlantic that Kash Patel has been handing out personalized bottles of bourbon while on the job. Then, Tom Steyer stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about his race for California governor.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Just like the ceasefire with Iran, Trump's standing in the polls has effectively collapsed, but Democrats aren't performing better on the generic ballot. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss why, and what Democrats can do about it. They also react to the latest chaos in the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration's effort to blame the demise of Spirit Airlines on Joe Biden, and whether Republicans really might convince John Fetterman to switch parties. Then, Jon talks to Strict Scrutiny's Melissa Murray about the recent court rulings on mifepristone, new threats to safe and legal abortion, and Melissa's new book "The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader."Friends of the Pod subscribers on Apple Podcasts will receive today’s ad-free episode a few hours later than the regular release due to a technical issue. Thanks for your patience!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Lovett sits down with Senator Bernie Sanders about what we need to do rein in AI, getting super PAC money out of Democratic politics, and building support for stopping weapons sales to Israel. Then, Lovett speaks with Puck Political writer Peter Hamby to talk about his reporting on the embrace of political violence and conspiracy theories in certain corners of the political left, the big news in the Maine Senate race and the latest in the California governor's race.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court guts the Voting Rights Act, setting the stage for Republicans to grab more Democratic seats — but will they be able to do it in time for the midterms? Dan and Alex Wagner tackle all the latest with redistricting, Pete Hegseth's testy appearance on the Hill defending the war in Iran, and Trump's new pursuit of some very familiar enemies. Then, Iowa Senate candidate Zach Wahls stops by to talk to Tommy about the primary there and what's at stake for farmers in Trump's America.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin wanted to come on and respond to criticisms about his refusal to release the 2024 "after-action report" — despite his promise to do so — and about the Committee's fundraising struggles. In this bonus episode, he talks to Jon about why he thinks the report is a distraction, and why the fundraising numbers — in his view — tell a misleading story.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.

Polls showing dropping support for Trump are one thing, but what do his voters actually say when you get them together in a room? Tommy talks to Sarah Longwell, host of The Focus Group Podcast and publisher of The Bulwark, to get the latest on what she's hearing in the field: who GOP voters blame for high prices, what they really think about the Iran war, and the surprising candidate capturing their interest for 2028.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Virginia voters approve a new congressional map that could net Democrats four seats, dealing what might be the decisive blow to Republicans in the redistricting war — but Republican groups have a huge advantage in money raised. How worried should we be? Donald Trump claims the military has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz right as Iran seizes two more ships. A series of new approval polls show the president hitting new lows, Kash Patel crashes out when asked about his alleged on-the-job drinking, and a top DHS official is placed on leave over a "sugar daddy" scandal. Then, The Atlantic's Mark Leibovich sits down with Jon and Dan to talk about the messy California gubernatorial primary and this weekend's White House Correspondents' Dinner.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Trump nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, escalates his trade war with China, and gets played by North Korea. Then former Supreme Court clerk and White House lawyer Karen Dunn talks to Jon, Jon, and Tommy about how Democrats should approach the coming Supreme Court battle.

The Wilderness is a new documentary podcast from Crooked Media and Two-Up Productions about the history and future of the Democratic Party. Jon Favreau tells the story of a party finding its way out of the political wilderness through conversations with strategists, historians, policy experts, organizers, and voters. In fifteen chapters, the series explores issues like inequality, race, immigration, sexism, foreign policy, media strategy, and how Democrats can build a winning majority that lasts. Coming July 16th. Subscribe to The Wilderness now.

Democrats debate strategy after one of the worst months in Trump’s presidency. Then we answer some of your questions, and play an excerpt from Jon F.’s new podcast, The Wilderness.

Republicans try to hide the fact that Trump will nominate a justice who will overturn Roe v. Wade, and more Democrats join calls to abolish ICE. Then we interview people at Saturday’s Families Belong Together march in Los Angeles, including Senator Kamala Harris, Mayor Eric Garcetti, DeRay Mckesson and activist Ady Barkan.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy retires, Trump and McConnell look to fill the seat before the midterms, and Congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wins a major upset in the New York primary. Then Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Supreme Court fight and her recent trip to a detention center on the border. 

The political fallout from Trump’s immigration policy intensifies, and the midterm campaign heats up. Governor Roy Cooper and Rev. Dr. William Barber II join Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Symone on stage in Durham, North Carolina. 

Trump has no plan to reunite the children he separated from their parents, Republicans in Congress struggle to pass an immigration bill, and Democrats announce a new plan to mobilize young people, Africans Americans, Latinos, and other voters who don’t always turn out for midterm elections. Then Stephanie Teatro talks to Dan and Symone Sanders about her work as the co-director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. 

Trump partially reverses his family separation policy with an executive order that leads to more chaos and confusion, and Republicans take another run at repealing Obamacare and gutting Medicare. Then Democratic candidate for governor Stacey Abrams talks to Tommy and Dan about her historic candidacy and how she plans to turn Georgia blue.

Trump hits a new low by tearing infants away from their parents at the border, and looks for new ways to obstruct justice as his campaign manager goes to jail. Then Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Fahrenthold talks to Tommy about his reporting on the Trump Foundation. To learn what you can do to help fight the separation of families at our border, pitch in here: go.crooked.com/families

Ben Rhodes joins Jon and Tommy to talk about the aftermath of the North Korea summit, Trump’s family separation policy at the border, and why senior Republicans are calling their own party a cult.

Trump lashes out at our closest allies while kissing up to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Then, former Solicitor General Don Verrilli joins Jon and Dan to talk about the Trump Administration’s decision to stop defending the Affordable Care Act’s pre-existing conditions protections in court.

Tuesday’s primaries point to the importance of Democratic turnout in November, Trump escalates his trade war, and Paul Ryan is briefly reunited with his spine. Then former White House senior advisor Ron Klain joins Jon and Dan to talk about Mitch McConnell’s success in packing the courts with Trumpy judges. 

Trump and his legal team argue that the president is above the law, and voters say that health care and immigration are two of the most important issues in the very close 2018 midterms. Then, Rep. Luis Gutierrez calls from Puerto Rico to talk to Jon Favreau about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Roseanne’s racism reveals a reality about life in the Trump Era and the Republican midterm strategy, Trump is caught in a perpetual justice obstruction machine, and Democrats face real danger in the June 5th California primary. Then John Legend talks to Tommy about the work he’s doing to call more attention to elections for local prosecutors around the country.

Trump pretends a staffer doesn’t exist as his will-they-won’t-they drama with Kim continues, Customs and Border Patrol begins tearing away children from their parents at the border, and the trouble grows for Trump’s inner circle. Erin Ryan joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy on stage at Boston Calling, and then our interview at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute with Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Trump calls off the North Korea summit after Mike Pence was called a dummy, and the NFL restricts the right to free speech after threats from the president. Governor Deval Patrick and Ambassador Samantha Power join Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Erin on stage at the Wang Theater in Boston.

Mueller racks up 75 criminal charges in one year, Trump tries to shut the investigation down, and the White House goes after Planned Parenthood. Then Seth Meyers, Questlove, and the New York Times’ Nikole Hannah-Jones join Jon, Jon, Tommy, Brittany Packnett, and Alyssa Mastromonaco on stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 

Don Jr. met with a second set of foreign agents who offered help to the Trump campaign, Donald Trump orders an investigation into the investigation of himself, and new voter registration among young people and Democrats is on the rise. Then Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts joins Favs and Tommy to talk about the fight to end gun violence. 

Trump hits a bump in the road on his way to the Nobel Peace Prize, Republicans try their hardest to make 2018 about immigrant gang members, and 700 Trump investigation stories break in one day. Then Jason Kander joins Jon and Dan to talk about the midterms and the new season of Majority 54, and Inimai Chettiar of the Brennan Center for Justice talks about the prison reform bill moving through Congress.

Trump sends a couple of bigoted pastors to the opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem, prepares for his meeting with Kim Jong Un, and stands by a White House staffer who joked about John McCain’s brain cancer. Then Michael Avenatti talks to Jon Favreau about his view that Michael Cohen will get indicted and flip on President Trump. 

Michael Cohen’s shell company is a revealed to be a massive corruption scheme that involves Donald Trump’s mistresses, Russian oligarchs, and big corporations looking for presidential access. Then CNN’s Harry Enten talks with Jon and Dan about the midterms, Democrats’ chances, and the state of polling. 

Rudy gives an encore performance, Trump loves paying in (Russian?) cash, the Democrats try to break through the noise, Gina Haspel almost withdraws, and Eric Schneiderman is revealed as an abuser. Then actor and activist Yara Shahidi talks to Jon F and Tommy about her “Eighteenx18” initiative to register young people to vote.

Rudy Giuliani potentially incriminates Donald Trump during his first television appearance as the President's new lawyer, Mueller has many questions about crimes of collusion, and Marco Rubio and Tom Price cut a few very effective ads for Democratic campaigns. Then Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow joins Tommy Vietor to talk about his new book, “War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence."

Michelle Wolf destroys democracy with jokes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and Trump moves closer to withdrawing from the Iran deal. Then CNN’s Jake Tapper joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk about politics, the press, Trump, and his new book, The Hellfire Club. And DeRay Mckesson calls in to talk about Seattle’s move to abolish marijuana convictions, and the brand new season of Pod Save the People. 

Trump calls into his favorite program, Ronny Jackson withdraws, Mulvaney says the quiet part out loud, Kanye tweets, and Democrats find hope in a special election loss. Then Arizona Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema joins Jon and Dan to talk about her Senate race and her approach to politics. 

Trump hosts a state dinner for French President/bestie Emmanuel Macron, Democrats hope for an upset in an Arizona special election, and the California primaries are too crowded. Then Arizona teacher Kelley Fisher talks to Lovett about her role in organizing the teacher walkout this week. 

Trump’s own lawyer compares him to a mob boss, McConnell helps open the door for Trump to fire Mueller, Beto O’Rourke closes in on Ted Cruz, and Mike Pompeo meets Kim Jong Un. Then activist Ady Barkan joins Jon and Dan to talk about the special election in Arizona and his new project, beaherofund.com.

Comey renders his judgment on everyone, Cohen has a rough day in court, Hannity is Client #3, and Trump launches airstrikes. Then The New Yorker’s Adam Davidson talks to Jon about his piece, “The End Stage of the Trump Presidency.” 

Speaker of the House/Dan’s Favorite Politician Paul Ryan announces his retirement, Donald Trump has a televised meltdown over Mueller, and the Republican media goes all in on a conspiracy to obstruct justice. Then Stoneman Douglas students Delaney Tarr and Diego Pfeiffer talk to Dan and Tommy about the next steps in their efforts to prevent gun violence. 

Trump tries Twitter diplomacy with China and Syria, and Florida Democrats have a chance to help flip Congress. Then Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Alyssa on stage in Orlando to talk about gun control, immigration, and the 2018 midterms.

Mueller’s writing a summer blockbuster, Fox and Friends is making immigration policy, and Scott Pruitt is late for dinner. Then the Rev. Demetrius Jifunza of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan on stage in Clearwater, Florida to talk about voting rights and second chances.

Trump has a Twitter meltdown over immigration after a MAGA revolt over the wall, Sinclair Broadcast Group forces local news anchors to read their propaganda, and White House corruption becomes a campaign issue for Democrats. Then Sacramento activist Berry Accius talks to Tommy about the protests over the shooting of Stephon Clark, and Ana Marie Cox joins the pod to talk about the 2nd season of With Friends Like These.