
Pod Save America
1,197 episodes — Page 18 of 24
Ep 183Iowa Episode 3: Endorsements, surrogates and criticisms of Iowa
In episode three of this five-part miniseries on the Iowa caucuses, we dive into the all-important race to lock down the state’s key endorsements. These campaign surrogates, always critical, loom particularly large for the five US Senators running who may have to spend the bulk of January in impeachment hearings. We’ll also dig into all the criticisms of the Iowa caucuses, from the demographics of the state to the charge that the caucuses themselves are undemocratic. Plus: a ukulele. The series is hosted by Tommy Vietor and produced by Pineapple Street Studios.
Ep 182“The Great Impeachment Bake Off.”
The next phase of impeachment begins as the Judiciary Committee plans hearings, the 2020 primary is wide open with two months until Iowa, and Pete Buttigieg debates his opponents over free college.
Ep 181“Thanksgiving mailbag.”
Jon, Jon, and Tommy answer your questions on impeachment, 2020, politics, Thanksgiving, and more. Then Ady Barkan checks in with Jon F. about his endorsement of Elizabeth Warren and his fight to achieve Medicare for All.
Ep 180Iowa Episode 2: The history and the rules
In episode two of this five-part miniseries on the Iowa caucuses hosted by Tommy Vietor and produced by Pineapple Street Studios, we’ll learn how violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention led to Iowa becoming the first contest of the campaign season. We’ll take you to a house party with undecided voters and to an actual caucus location from 2016 to explain how the process works. And we’ll watch field organizers in action and learn how they hustle to get Iowans to commit to caucus.
Ep 179“Everyone was in the loop."
The impeachment inquiry moves to a new phase, Republican Congressman Devin Nunes may be implicated in the scandal he’s supposed to be investigating, and Michael Bloomberg officially enters the Democratic primary. Then Democratic digital strategist Tara McGowan talks to Dan about why Democrats need to focus more on digital advertising.
Ep 178“All that pizzazz.” (Debate recap special!)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down a week of pizzazz-filled impeachment hearings and the fifth Democratic primary debate in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ep 177Iowa Episode 1: The Stakes
This is the first episode of a five-part miniseries on the Iowa caucuses hosted by Tommy Vietor and produced by Pineapple Street Studios. In episode one, Tommy looks back at Barack Obama's 2008 Iowa operation to explain how he won, how that victory propelled him to the White House, and why Obama says his Iowa caucus victory was more meaningful than the night he was elected president. Tommy also heads to the Iowa State Fair to talk with 2020 candidates and introduces you to some young campaign field staffers who we'll follow for the next few weeks.
Ep 176“He loves your ass.”
Rep. Adam Schiff joins to break down all of the latest impeachment news, Pete Buttigieg takes the lead in Iowa, and Elizabeth Warren offers her own Medicare for All plan. Then Senator Sherrod Brown talks to Jon F. about impeachment, health care, and his new book, Desk 88: Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America.
Ep 175“Welcome to the Schiff-show.”
Bill Taylor drops a bombshell on the first day of the impeachment hearings while Republicans peddle conspiracies, Democratic presidential candidates prepare to be Senate jurors, and Deval Patrick enters the primary. Then former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal offers his legal and Constitutional analysis of the hearing and talks about his new book, “Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump.”

Ep 174On The Ground in Iowa (coming 11/19)
A five episode limited series by Pod Save America host Tommy Vietor on the Iowa Caucuses. Tommy takes the listener to Iowa to spend time with the candidates, staffers and undecided voters who will determine who wins. Tommy will explain why Iowa is first, how the caucuses work, and try to figure out what it takes to win. And finally he'll explore the question: is this really the best way to pick a president?New episodes drop on Tuesdays right here in the Pod Save America feed. Produced in partnership with Pineapple Street Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Ep 173“Lights, camera, impeachment!”
Democrats and Republicans telegraph their strategies for the first public impeachment hearings, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg prepares to enter the Democratic primary. Then veterans’ advocate Paul Rieckhoff talks to Tommy about veterans policy and how America treats those who serve.
Ep 172“The greatest defeat in history.”
Democrats win big victories in Virginia and Kentucky, a new Crooked Media/Change PollerCoaster 2020 survey shows majority support for impeachment, and the Medicare for All debate between Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden gets heated. Then Run for Something’s Amanda Litman talks to Dan about all the new candidates who won on Tuesday.
Ep 171“Fighting words in Des Moines.”
The House prepares for the public phase of impeachment, Republicans move towards a defense of foreign interference, and the Democratic candidates make their best case to Iowa voters as the race gets incredibly close. Then Brian Beutler talks to Jon F. about Crooked Media’s new podcast on the impeachment process, Rubicon.
Ep 170"Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Impeachment Inferno."
The House of Representatives votes to endorse the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, a parade of the President’s employees testify against him, and the Democratic candidates descend on Des Moines for the biggest event of the Iowa caucuses.
Ep 169“Trump’s crack legal team.”
President Trump announces the death of the Islamic State’s leader in the most Trump way possible. A federal judge gives a boost to the House’s impeachment inquiry. And Jon L. and Dan examine what Joe Biden’s apparent shift on Super PACs says about his campaign. Then, What a Day co-hosts Akilah Hughes and Gideon Resnick join Jon to talk about Rep. Katie Hill’s resignation from Congress.
Ep 168Announcing: What A Day
“What A Day,” Crooked Media’s new daily news podcast, is here! Hosted by comedian Akilah Hughes and politics reporter Gideon Resnick, “What A Day” cuts through the chaos and crimes to break down the biggest news of the day, help you understand what matters, and how you can fix it—all in 15 minutes or less. New episodes come out every morning, Monday through Friday, at 5 a.m. Eastern. Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.apple.co/whatadaycrooked.com/whataday
Ep 167“PizzaGaetz.”
New testimony from the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine all but assures the president will be impeached, while House Republicans stage a pizza sit-in to disrupt the ongoing impeachment inquiry. Jon F. and Dan also examine why some Democratic donors are freaking out about the party's current slate of potential presidential nominees, the importance of digital advertising to the race, and Elizabeth Warren's next moves on Medicare for All.
Ep 166“Pierre Delecto, Welcome to the Resistance.”
Trump cancels his plan to host the G7 at his struggling hotel amid growing Republican criticism on everything from Ukraine to Syria, Pete Buttigieg is making moves in Iowa, and AOC endorses Bernie. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes joins as a guest co-host, and then Susan Rice chats with Tommy and Ben about her new book, Tough Love.
Ep 165“Plans vs. Pipe Dreams.” (Debate recap special!)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down all the highs and lows of the fourth and largest Democratic debate hosted by CNN and The New York Times in Westerville, Ohio.
Ep 164“Yovanovitch-hunt.”
Multiple Trump officials agree to testify for the impeachment inquiry, Trump’s call with Erdogan leads to disaster in Syria, and the Democratic candidates prepare for their fourth and largest debate yet. Then Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow talks to Jon Lovett about his new book, Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.
Ep 163“Maddow!”
Rachel Maddow joins as guest co-host to talk about the White House announcement that they intend to obstruct the impeachment inquiry, Trump’s decision to abandon our Kurdish allies, and Facebook’s refusal to pull down false ads about Joe Biden. Then we talk to Rachel about her new book, Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth.
Ep 162“Where is the line?”
New evidence and whistleblowers further incriminate the President, Republicans are running out of believable excuses, and Joe Biden’s campaign weighs the best response. Then Federal Election Commission Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub talks to Jon about the crime of soliciting foreign interference in a U.S. election.(Production note: Dan's takes are recorded via phone this episode due to technical difficulties.)
Ep 161“Ukraine, if you’re listening.”
Trump commits the impeachable offenses he’s accused of on live television, Congress subpoenas the White House and its Cabinet co-conspirators, and our latest PollerCoaster 2020 shows that Arizona is a top-tier battleground state. Then Congressman Jamie Raskin talks to Dan about the Judiciary Committee’s next steps on impeachment, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks to Jon about the new Crooked Media podcast he’s hosting, America Dissected.Subscribe to Crooked's new podcast America Dissected: http://apple.co/americadissected
Ep 160“Drunk dialing for kompromat.” (LIVE from Seattle!)
New polls show a majority of Americans now support an impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, while the President’s campaign hones a re-election message based in conspiracy and grievance. Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and VICE News’ Shawna Thomas on stage in Seattle, Washington. Subscribe to Crooked's new podcast America Dissected: http://apple.co/americadissectedDonate to Fair Fight 2020: http://votesaveamerica.com/fairfight
Ep 159"Big Liddle’ Lies." (LIVE from Portland!)
House Democrats get moving on an impeachment strategy as a cascade of news reports sheds light on even more potentially impeachable behavior by President Trump and his goon squad. Student climate activist Ella Shriner joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan and Shawna Thomas of Vice News on stage in Portland, Oregon.
Ep 158“Do us a favor, though.” (LIVE from San Jose)
Donald Trump becomes the 4th U.S. President to face impeachment as an explosive whistleblower report is released, the Director of National Intelligence testifies, and Nancy Pelosi launches a formal impeachment inquiry. Housing activist Candice Elder joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Jessica Yellin on stage in San Jose, California.
Ep 157“Rudy likes club drugs.” (LIVE from Las Vegas!)
The President admits to using the powers of his office to target Joe Biden and his son by pressuring the Ukrainian government to fabricate a scandal, and the Des Moines Register poll shows Elizabeth Warren leading the Democratic field for the first time. Then former UN Ambassador Samantha Power talks to Jon F. and Tommy about her life as a journalist, activist, and public servant. Subscribe to America Dissected with Abdul El Sayed: apple.co/americadissectedVolunteer for Voter Registration Day: votesaveamerica.com/volunteerDonate to Fair Fight 2020: votesaveamerica.com/fairfight
Ep 156“Whistle while you spy.”
Trump promises a foreign leader something so alarming that an intelligence staffer becomes a whistleblower, Corey Lewandowski launches his Senate campaign during an impeachment hearing, and the President wages war on California. Then Obama campaign manager David Plouffe joins Jon and Dan to talk about the 2020 election and his new podcast, Campaign HQ.
Ep 155“Fair Fight 2020!”
An attack on Saudi Arabia leads to Trump saber-rattling on Iran, new allegations surface against Brett Kavanaugh, the United Nations convenes a Climate Action Summit next week, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren avoid direct confrontation, and Crooked Media partners with Stacey Abrams to fund Fair Fight 2020. Then Politico’s Natasha Bertrand talks to Tommy about the news that the President may have used government resources to prop up his struggling hotels. Learn more about our partnership with Fair Fight 2020 & donate: votesaveamerica.com/fairfight
Ep 154“Joe, put your records on.” (Debate recap special!)
Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down the highlights, lowlights, and weird jokes from the third Democratic primary debate hosted by ABC in Houston, Texas.
Ep 153“Taliban sleepovers and midnight cat videos.”
The President cancels secret negotiations with the Taliban in between tweeting cat videos, the House investigates whether the Defense Department has been propping up Trump’s businesses, and Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders start to pull away from the pack. Then Ady Barkan talks to Jon F. about his new video series on health care and his new memoir, Eyes to the Wind, which you can get at beaherofund.com.
Ep 152“High crimes and weather map misdemeanors.”
The House's impeachment inquiry ambles on as Trump’s crimes pile up, a North Carolina special election looms, and the Democratic presidential candidates talk about the climate crisis for seven hours on CNN.
Ep 1512020: Bill de Blasio on taxing the rich and rooting for the Red Sox
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joins Jon L. to talk about staying in the race, running a city, achieving universal pre-K, beefing with Cuomo, and why he's still a Red Sox fan.
Ep 150“Trump’s lost summer.”
Trump caps off a lost summer by golfing and rage-tweeting through a hurricane, and a debate begins about which states are most important in 2020. Then political strategists David Axelrod and Mike Murphy, co-hosts of the Hacks On Tap podcast, talk to Jon F. about the Democratic primary and upcoming debate.
Ep 149"Our lawless, wall-less president."
Alyssa Mastromonaco and Jon L. discuss reports that Trump has promised pardons if aides break the law to build his border wall, the winnowing of the Democratic presidential field, and a new Senate seat opening in Georgia. Then, Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins to discuss the House, the Squad, and the fight for gun control and policies rooted in empathy.
Ep 148"Nuke the Hurricane."
Trump makes an enemy of China and the chairman of the Fed while the Amazon rainforest continues to burn, Trump gets a new primary challenger, and the next Democratic debate might take place over two nights. Then, Dan talks to Ben Wikler, the chair of the Wisconsin Democratic party, about the organizing that is already going on in the state.
Ep 147“The Chosen One.”
Donald Trump has a meltdown for the ages that includes snubbing Denmark because they refused to sell him Greenland, accusing American Jews of stupidity and disloyalty, caving to the NRA, and blaming everyone else for an economy that Trump says is the greatest. Then Stacey Abrams talks to Dan about her new effort to fight voter suppression and expand democracy.
Ep 146“Vote Save The Greek.” (LIVE from LA!)
The Democratic primary is relatively stable heading into the fall campaign, voters are still trying to define electability, and Stacey Abrams passes on 2020 to focus on protecting the right to vote. Jemele Hill of The Atlantic joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan on stage at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Amanda Seales joins for a special edition of OK Stop, and Maggie Rogers, Jim James and Best Coast play a round of Pollercoaster Tycoon: Family Feud Edition.
Ep 145“AOC calls BS.”
Our new Wisconsin poll shows Trump's strengths and vulnerabilities in a pivotal state, the economy shows warning signs of a possible recession, and the White House shows once again that their re-election strategy involves racist policies. Then Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks to Jon about immigration, race, the Green New Deal, and Democratic messaging.
Ep 144“Impeachment: we’re in it.”
Trump says he’s open to background check legislation, House Democrats announce they’re in the middle of an impeachment inquiry, Jeffrey Epstein’s apparent suicide is investigated, and the media focuses on Joe Biden’s latest gaffes. Then Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell talks to Jon L. about impeachment, immigration, and more.
Ep 143“America’s grief vs. Trump’s grievances.”
The President lashed out at multiple politicians and media figures while visiting mass shooting victims in Dayton and El Paso, Democrats in Congress make a renewed push for gun safety, and a number of House Republicans are heading for the exits before 2020. Then the New Yorker’s Jane Mayer talks to Dan about Fox News.
Ep 142“8chan in the White House.”
A white nationalist terror attack in El Paso, Texas and a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio focus the country’s attention on the President’s racism and America’s gun violence crisis. Then Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke talks to Jon F. about the terrorist attack on his hometown and what we can do about the threat of white nationalism.
Ep 141“Go to Pod Save America 3-0-3-3-0.” (Debate recap special!)
Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan break down all the highs and lows of the second set of Democratic primary debates hosted by CNN in Detroit, Michigan.
Ep 140“Charm city offensive.”
The President trashes the city of Baltimore because Rep. Elijah Cummings criticized his immigration policies, Trump advisors are telling reporters that racism is a good political strategy, the House Judiciary Committee effectively begins an impeachment inquiry, and 20 Democratic candidates prepare for the second round of debates. Then Pod Save the People’s DeRay Mckesson talks to Tommy about Trump’s criticism of his hometown.
Ep 1392020: Bernie Sanders on democratic socialism and Cardi B
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders sits down with Jon F. to talk about why he feels he's uniquely prepared to lead a movement for change in the 2020 presidential election, his Medicare for All plan, his strategy for getting an agenda through Congress and whether Cardi B will perform at his inauguration.
Ep 138“Mueller: The Season Finale.”
Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies for six hours before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, Democratic leaders remain hesitant on impeachment, and Joe Biden gets scrappy with his opponents over health care and criminal justice reform. Then House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff talks to Jon F. about the Mueller hearing and impeachment.
Ep 137“The Jackson Pollock of racism.”
Trump doubles down on his racist attack, the Administration proposes further restrictions on refugees and asylum-seekers, and the President heads into 2020 with an electoral college advantage. Then Adam Serwer of the Atlantic talks to Jon L. about Trumpism and the battle for a multiracial democracy.
Ep 136“Jerry Nadler’s Revenge!” (LIVE from Salt Lake City)
The House inches closer to impeachment after Trump’s racist week, CNN selects the Democratic debate lineups with an NBA lottery-style drawing, and Stacy Stanford from the Utah Health Policy Project joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Erin Ryan on stage in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ep 135“Get Mitch Or Die Trying.” (LIVE from Denver)
The House votes to condemn the President’s racism, Mitch McConnell’s job and the Senate are up for grabs in 2020, and Governor Jared Polis joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Erin Ryan on stage in Denver, Colorado. Check out: votesaveamerica.com/getmitch
Ep 134“Racist Hall of Fame.”
The President tells four Democratic Congresswomen of color to go back to the countries where they came from, House Democrats continue their intraparty feud, and Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders debate their health care plans. Then Politico’s Tim Alberta talks to Jon F. about his new book on how Donald Trump took over the Republican Party.