Pod Save America

White smoke! Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born prelate with a surprisingly political Twitter history, dons the papal vestments as Pope Leo XIV. Trump announces a trade deal with the United Kingdom and swaps out two key nominees for MAGA (and MAHA) favorites: tree-loving influencer Casey Means for Surgeon General, and Fox News’s Jeanine Pirro for US Attorney for DC. Senate Democrats clash with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel over the constitutional right to due process. And President Joe Biden attempts to rehabilitate his reputation, going on The View to talk about why he believes he would've won the 2024 election. Jon and Dan discuss MAGA's reaction to our new, possibly woke pope, House Republicans' internal debate over Medicaid cuts, and why Democrats should be honest about Biden's decline. Then, Jon talks to Leah Litman, co-host of Strict Scrutiny, about the Trump administration's attacks on the judicial system and her new book Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes.

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Donald Trump turns his attention westward, announcing new tariffs on any and all movies "produced in foreign lands" and pledging to reopen Alcatraz. In a long Meet the Press interview, the president admits that a recession would be "okay," defers to his lawyers when asked about his duty to uphold the Constitution, and doubles down on his message that American children have been spoiled with too many dolls, pencils, and strollers. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the absurdity of tariffing foreign films, how Trump's toy gambit has cost him the support of Karl Rove, and deliver another Corrupdate on Trump's memecoin scam. Then, Tommy talks to Chasten Buttigieg about his new children's book, Papa's Coming Home, and his husband Pete's journey to do battle in the manosphere.

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Chuck Todd, former moderator of Meet the Press and host of The Chuck ToddCast, joins Dan to assess how the news media has responded to Trump 2.0. His read? Not great. He and Dan lament cable news' tired playbook, discuss Craigslist's indirect role in electing Donald Trump, and question whether broadcast news may be in the early stages of a kleptocracy. Then, turning to the Democratic Party, Chuck and Dan debate which fights Democrats should focus on, what voters will want from the party in 2028, and whether the right is exploiting President Biden's decline to undermine the left's faith in journalism.

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Trump kicks off a new war on Christmas—this time as part of a broader assault on the U.S. economy and consumers. Meanwhile, in the first White House shakeup of his second term, Trump announces that Signal-happy National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is out, and Marco Rubio is in (at least on a temporary basis). Jon and Dan discuss why Trump made the move, his admission that his tariffs will probably lead to higher prices—and toy shortages—and that he could, in fact, get Kilmar Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador if he felt like it. Then, Jon speaks with Governor Gretchen Whitmer about why she thinks it's important to work with Trump sometimes, even if it means embarrassing photo ops—and getting flak from other Democrats.

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The good news: Trump's second term has already hit historic levels of unpopularity. The bad news: we're still only 100 days into it. The White House marks this milestone by bragging about its record on immigration and defending the arrest of a Wisconsin judge and the deportation of three very young American citizens, ages 2, 4, and 7. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy reflect on where the country stands at the 100-day mark and take stock of the opposition—as Democrats, media outlets, universities, and even some law firms all ratchet up their efforts to push back. Then, Dan sits down with Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and a former top advisor to Joe Biden and Barack Obama, about the unique dangers of Trump and his allies, and how to defend against them.

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You can watch Lovett's interview with Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Semafor and host of the Mixed Signals podcast, on our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@podsaveamerica. Check out Mixed Signals at www.semafor.com/hub/mixed-signals-media-podcast 

As Tesla's losses mount, Elon Musk promises to step away from his work at DOGE and focus on his flailing car company. Trump and his top advisers flip-flop on China tariffs, even as Trump steers more cash into his own pocket by raffling off White House access to the top investors in his memecoin. Exclusive new polling shows Trump's weaknesses on immigration, even as the administration continues its crackdown and the courts push back. Jon and Dan discuss if Elon is gone for good or merely taking a sabbatical, whether DOGE will hold any sway without him, and how a high-profile exit from CBS's 60 Minutes is a troubling sign for media everywhere. Then, Jon and Dan sit down with Amanda Litman, the co-founder of Run For Something, to talk about her new book for Crooked Media Reads, When We’re in Charge, a brilliant guide for young people looking to get into leadership positions.

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The Supreme Court hits pause on Alien Enemies Act deportations—for now—and some MAGA diehards advocate for Trump to simply ignore the court. Pete Hegseth stars in the Signalgate sequel, reportedly using his personal phone to share top secret information with his wife, brother, and lawyer—with more bombshell reports to come, according to a former Pentagon spokesman. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the latest on Trump's deportation agenda, whether Hegseth's days as Defense Secretary are numbered, the accidental email that reportedly set off the Trump administration's war with Harvard, and the untimely passing of Pope Francis. Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman joins Lovett to break down the Supreme Court's emergency order and the administration's efforts to evade the rule of law.

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Rep. Sarah McBride has found herself the target of GOP attacks since taking office in January. They've barred her from restrooms and misgendered her in Congressional hearings, but the freshman congresswoman has risen above it all. Now she's got a message for her fellow Democrats: politics only works when you win over people who disagree with you. McBride sits down with Jon and Lovett to discuss the literal and figurative dangers of being a main character, Democrats' purity complex, and whether the party has abandoned the only strategy for social change that actually gets results.

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Donald Trump insists he has the right to render people to a foreign prison even though the courts say otherwise, and Democrats dig in for a critical fight. From El Salvador, Senator Chris Van Hollen briefs Dan on his effort to get answers about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Jon and Dan look at the latest targets of Trump's retribution tour, most notably Harvard, his threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and Elon Musk's ultra-creepy project to populate Earth with a "legion" of his own offspring. Then, Tommy sits down with Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, about how he's trying to push back on Trump's defiance of the courts.

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Donald Trump and the president of El Salvador gloat about shipping migrants to a Salvadoran mega-prison, muse about sending American citizens there next, and lie about the court orders they're ignoring. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down what it means for the administration to ignore the Supreme Court's order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the message Trump is sending to student visa holders with the arrest of Rümeysa Öztürk, why Trump's war on the media appears to be succeeding, and reports that the Trump family is teaming up with Binance, the shady crypto platform, on a new money-making scheme. Then, Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal joins Jon to talk about Trump's trade war, the possibility of a recession, and what might happen next.

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Republicans go into full propaganda mode to sell Trump's reversal on tariffs as the culmination of a brilliant master strategy—until Trump himself admits it was just a reaction to the markets freaking out. Meanwhile, in one of his scariest, most authoritarian moves yet, Trump orders investigations into two former aides for the sin of criticizing him and telling the truth about the 2020 election. House Republicans manage to pass the Senate budget resolution, which calls for massive cuts to Medicaid to pay for Trump's billionaire tax cut. And the second act of the Resistance notches some meaningful wins on immigration and Social Security. Jon and Dan discuss why the market turmoil from Trump's tariffs will continue, the next steps for the GOP's budget plan, and how Democrats should be talking about all of it. Then, Dan is joined by physician, best-selling author, and public health expert Atul Gawande to talk about RFK Jr.'s mission to destroy the agency he now runs, and why he forced out the FDA's top vaccine regulator.

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As Donald Trump's insane tariffs plunge America further into a trade a war, the MAGA faithful—with a few notable exceptions—fan out to defend Dear Leader. Meanwhile, Trump says he'd love to send Americans to El Salvador's mega-prison, anti-Trump protests sweep the country, and President Obama speaks out for the first time since the inauguration. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss Republicans' new "suck it up" message on the economy, why Democrats should talk more about Trump's deportations, and how Interior Secretary Doug Burgum likes his cookies. Then, Lovett negotiates the intellectual rationale and practical impact of Trump's tariffs with conservative economist Oren Cass.

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Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of The Big Short, Moneyball and The Fifth Risk joins Lovett to discuss his most recent book, Who is Government? Lewis and his coauthors profile the civil servants whose thankless and unglamorous work prevents mines from collapsing, castaways from drowning, and rare diseases from killing people. He and Jon talk about why it’s so important to break down the “bureaucrat” stereotype right now, why Lewis is convinced Elon Musk has no idea how to run DOGE, and what leads the people he writes about to stand up to Trump or succumb to their personal ambition.

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Donald Trump's drastic new tariffs wreak havoc across the global economy, sending markets tumbling and powerful countries reconsidering their alliances—and it turns out they're based on fake math. Tommy and guest host Emma Vigeland, co-host of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, discuss how Democrats can turn Trump's disastrous "Liberation Day" into a win, Judge Susan Crawford's big victory in Wisconsin, and what Cory Booker's marathon filibuster can tell us about where the Democratic party needs to go. Then, Tommy breaks down Trump's tariffs with economics journalist James Surowiecki, who was the first to suggest that Trump's math didn't add up. Later, Tommy talks with former national security advisor and UN Ambassador Susan Rice about Signalgate, Trump appeasing Russia, RFK's assault on our public health, and more.

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Donald Trump's long-promised "Liberation Day" of insane new tariffs approaches, but what's his plan for the global trade war he's promising to start? Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss all the latest madness, including Trump's new hints that he'll serve a third term, the galling new details about Alien Enemy Act deportations, and Elon Musk buying votes in the Wisconsin judicial race. Then, Jon sits down with Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego to talk about how Democrats can fight back against Trump and how we can win again in states like his.

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In their new book, Abundance, journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that Trump's scarcity mindset is suffocating the country: America doesn’t do enough manufacturing? Better cut back on trade. Not enough jobs or housing? Get rid of immigrants.Klein and Thompson sit down with Jon to explain how faster (and better) infrastructure projects can re-engage Democrats’ base, why tolerating government failure has made liberals look bad, and whether the accusations of neoliberalism that have been levied at the book are a fair criticism of the "abundance agenda."

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Donald Trump and his goons continue to spin the group chat screw-up as totally routine—even as evidence mounts that the story is breaking through to average Americans and causing serious concern. Jon and Dan discuss the Republican reaction, why the White House won't admit to making a mistake, and how Democrats can take advantage of the situation. Plus, Trump deepens consumer misery with new tariffs on cars, the Associated Press fights for its right to cover the presidency, and JD and Usha Vance stage their own invasion of Greenland. Then, Jon sits down with Canadian actor and entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney, who was detained by ICE for 12 days without explanation, to talk about what it's really like to get caught up in America's cruel new enforcement system.

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Donald Trump's top national security officials plan a major offensive in a Signal chat—after mistakenly inviting a journalist to join—and hilarity ensues. More American institutions cave to Trump's pressure campaigns, and the administration presses on with its effort to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants without so much as a hearing. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest developments and compare notes from a weekend spent in the field with Democratic campaigners. Then, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sits down with Jon to talk about how we can win in red states. 

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To grab your tickets to Lovett or Leave It live in DC on April 24, visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1500626D89D419E2

As the dumpster fire of U.S. politics shoots sparks across the globe, will the Pentagon supply safeguards or sycophants? What will MAGA authoritarianism look like for our communities and those abroad? And should Democrats be reconsidering their approach to law and order? Congressman Adam Smith sits down with Tommy to discuss the state of American national security, and what Democrats need to do differently to broaden their coalition. Then, Tommy and Jon answer listeners' questions on whether Democrats need their own Tea Party, Gen Z's rightward shift, and if podcasting is for the faint of heart.

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With a Republican Congress bending to Trump’s every whim, the judicial branch is the last check on his power—and now he, Elon, and the MAGA regime have decided to wage war against it. Meanwhile, Trump wants to ax the Department of Education and is going after colleges he doesn’t like. Jon and Dan break down Trump’s latest (probably illegal) moves, check in with the DOGE-bags, and dig into Trump’s broader effort to dismantle the federal government. Then they dive into a new 2024 post-mortem from Blue Rose Research, revealing who voted—and why.

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The Trump administration just took things to a chilling new level — deporting people to foreign prisons without due process. They’re using the Alien Enemies Act — a law last invoked to justify the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII — to deport 137 Venezuelans to El Salvador, where they’re now being held in a notorious, crowded mega-prison where visitation and recreation are forbidden. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer’s decision to back the GOP’s spending bill has sparked fierce backlash from Democrats across the board. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down the administration’s defiance of the courts and debate both sides of the shutdown fight. Then, Dan talks to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about his break with Schumer and how Democrats can unite against the Trump administration.

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Jon and Dan discuss the pros and cons of the Senate Democrats' shutdown strategy, Trump's declining poll numbers, and the absurdity of his economic policies. Meanwhile, Trump’s family reportedly looks to get into business with a crypto felon seeking a pardon. Then, Lovett travels to Orange County to chat with former Rep. Katie Porter, who just announced her candidacy for governor of California. They talk about her priorities, the possibility of running against Kamala Harris, and the joys of campaigning.

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The price of eggs is still high, the stock market is sinking, but Donald Trump is fulfilling at least one campaign promise: using the power of the government to punish those who disagree with him. ICE arrests one of the leaders of the campus protests at Columbia—a legal permanent resident—and sends him to a detention facility, while the administration strips $400 million in grants and contracts for the university itself. And, with a pair of executive orders, Trump seeks to withhold student loan relief from people who help undocumented immigrants, provide gender-affirming care for minors, or run DEI programs—and he bans a prominent Democratic-affiliated law firm from even entering federal buildings. Meanwhile, Trump refuses to say whether we should expect a recession, more juicy reporting emerges of the Cabinet and Elon Musk meeting last week, and Democrats squabble over how to respond to it all. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss Trump's crackdown on dissent, whether he can be swayed by political pressure, and how Democrats should aim for authenticity rather than the latest meme when making their case. Then, Lovett catches up with Bernie Sanders on the Michigan leg of his "Fight Oligarchy" tour.

Correction: an earlier version of this episode misattributed the origin of the 2024 explosives attack on Hezbollah. It was an Israeli operation; we were talking quickly and said the wrong name. We're sorry!

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Donald Trump is looking pretty invincible right now, and it's easy to lose hope that Democrats will ever be able to regain power. But back in the '90s, liberals in Britain were in a similar predicament. Alastair Campbell, right hand man to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and co-host of the podcast "The Rest Is Politics," joins Tommy to discuss how the Labour Party vanquished the iron grip of Thatcherism, the importance of party rebranding, and how Democrats can reclaim populism in the age of Trump.

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The DOGE wrecking ball keeps swinging, but the Supreme Court, and even Donald Trump himself, might finally be slowing Elon down. Trump backs off his trade war with Canada and Mexico—without extracting a single concession—as economic indicators begin their predictable slide. Jon and Dan break down the latest on government cuts, why Social Security is in danger, and the Democratic infighting over censuring Rep. Al Green for heckling Trump. Then, The Bulwark's Sarah Longwell joins Jon to discuss how voters are reacting to Trump's big speech—and why the economy remains their top concern.

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Donald Trump makes history—by delivering the longest Joint Address ever, clocking in at an exhausting 99 minutes of blame, grievance, and sappy stunts. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy break down all the biggest—and weirdest—moments, from warning of a "disturbance" from the new tariffs, to invading Greenland and cutting off funding for transgender mice (yes, really). Plus, they debate how Rep. Al Green's protest will play, the strengths and weaknesses of Sen. Elissa Slotkin's rebuttal, and what Democrats should do now.

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The fallout continues from Friday's trainwreck of an Oval Office meeting between Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down whether things have improved or spiraled further since Friday's meeting—and whether we're witnessing the collapse of the postwar order. Plus, Trump vows that his tariffs on Mexico and Canada will go into effect, Elon Musk calls Social Security a "Ponzi scheme," and the White House announces a "Crypto Strategic Reserve" to stockpile five cryptocurrencies. Hmm, could it possibly be grift?

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In this Pod Save The World Special, Tommy and Ben discuss Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s disastrous meeting at the White House that erupted in a yelling match and resulted in Zelensky being told to leave. They dig into JD Vance’s role as instigator, the revealed motivations for attacking Zelensky in front of the press, and what Zelensky’s options are for pursuing peace from here.

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The Trump administration promised to release the Epstein Files, but ended up disappointing MAGA die-hards instead. Can Elon do what the DOJ couldn't? In more important news, Trump and Musk continue shredding the government, with the NIH and FDA among the latest targets. House Republicans pass their "big, beautiful bill" and swear they won't touch Medicaid to pay for their tax cuts—but the math doesn't add up. Jeff Bezos makes a drastic change to The Washington Post's Opinion section. Meanwhile, Trump posts a deranged, AI-generated video of his vision for Gaza's future and announces a new oligarch-friendly immigration policy. Jon and Dan discuss the latest cuts and chaos, and how Democrats can use their limited leverage with a government shutdown approaching. Then, Jen Psaki joins the hosts to talk about the White House's press and communications strategy in a special preview of our subscriber-only show, Inside 2025.

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Trump's FBI Director Kash Patel picks a Deputy Director even less qualified than he is: MAGA podcaster Dan Bongino. Trump and Pete Hegseth purge the Pentagon's leadership and lawyers. Elon Musk replies all to the federal government asking what staff have accomplished lately. And, on the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump declines to call Vladimir Putin a dictator. Jon, Jon, and Tommy discuss the potential for full-blown autocracy at home, Ukraine's predicament, and the latest swing of Musk's bureaucratic chainsaw. Then, Jon talks with NOTUS congressional reporter Daniella Diaz about Trump's legislative agenda, squirmy Republicans, and mounting public anger at Trump's budget cuts.

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Bill Maher, the revered—and often reviled—political commentator, comedian, and host of the Club Random podcast and Real Time with Bill Maher, goes head to head with Lovett over wokeism, government fraud, and trans rights. A self-described liberal, Maher’s been hating on Democrats since before Joe Biden made it cool. He and Lovett debate whether Democrats have changed too much, the discourse around Israel and Gaza, and who should have a say over gender-affirming care. Is Maher peddling the right's propaganda, or is this the tough love Democrats need to face Trump 2.0?

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk make their bromance official in a joint interview with Sean Hannity, but polls suggest the American people may already be souring on DC's new it-couple. Trump takes his feud with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to dangerous new levels, calling Ukraine's leader a "dictator." And, after claiming he wouldn't cut Medicaid, Trump sides with the House GOP on a massive reconciliation bill that would do just that. Jon and Dan discuss how Trump is reshaping our relationship with Russia and the world, the potential political ramifications of cutting entitlements, and the latest with the DOGE firings. Then, Dan is joined by former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann to talk about the Justice Department purges, the prospects for the corruption case against Eric Adams, and more.

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Donald Trump fires thousands of government workers, including people who make sure America's skies are safe and nukes are secure. Negotiators from the US and Russia prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia about ending the war in Ukraine, even though Ukraine and the European community won't be at the table. Elon Musk and DOGE continue to force their way into access to incredibly sensitive government systems—this time at the IRS. And Trump's Justice Department drops the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams in an obvious quid pro quo. Jon and Tommy discuss how the administration is justifying Trump's actions at home and abroad and why Democrats need to focus on the potentially horrendous consequences. Then, Tommy is joined by legendary sports commentator-turned-pundit (and potential 2028 presidential candidate) Stephen A. Smith to talk about reaching young men and what he thinks Democrats are doing wrong.

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Elon Musk holds a rambling Oval Office press conference and admits that he and DOGE will make mistakes as they rampage through our government, even as congressional Republicans move forward with a budget that promises massive cuts to healthcare, education, and food assistance to pay for Trump's tax cuts for billionaires. Jon and Dan discuss whether Musk's antics could undermine Trump's agenda, what the Senate's confirmation of RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard means for the GOP, and the White House's attacks on the press. Then, they debut a new segment: "Wait, Did That Really Happen?," featuring this week's most absurd scenes. Later, Lovett sits down with Rohit Chopra, recently forced out as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to discuss why Trump and Musk are so determined to shut down the CFPB, and what it means for the rest of us.

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Federal judges are starting to do something most elected Republicans won't: say no to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The question now is, will Trump obey their orders? Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest, including new onslaughts against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the National Institutes of Health, and new allegations of Trump family grift. Then, Jon sits down with Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman to unpack how Trump is testing the limits of presidential power and pushing constitutional guardrails to the brink.

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Ben Smith, former media columnist at the New York Times and now the editor-in-chief of Semafor, joins Dan to talk about today's ultra-challenging news media landscape. The industry is significantly weaker than it was in 2016, and Trump's aggressive lawsuits have the executives in charge of CBS and ABC scrambling to appease him. Will the death blow for America's free press come from within? Smith runs through what we should have learned from the first Trump presidency, how cults of personality rule in journalism just like they rule in politics, and why the dominance of the Times is terrible for fascism-proofing the country.

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their all-out assault on the federal government, shuttering USAID, rooting out and firing workers linked in any way to diversity initiatives, and breaking and ignoring laws as they go. Jon and Dan hash out all the latest, including Trump's plan to have the US "own" and redevelop Gaza, Democratic pushback, and whether federal judges will step in to stop—or at least slow—the madness. Then, Tommy talks with Sen. Brian Schatz about Democrats' all-night floor fight against Trump's OMB pick, what they think is working, and how they're gearing up for the big battles ahead.

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With Donald Trump's blessing, Elon Musk and a small crew of inexperienced software engineers take near full control of the government, moving to shut down USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and taking control of a critical payment system at the Treasury Department. Trump delays his trade war with Canada and Mexico by a month after securing minor concessions that were probably already in the works. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats begin to push back harder—though whether it'll be enough is still an open question. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest, and Lovett speaks with former Obama and Biden economic adviser Brian Deese about just how bad things could get if a real trade war kicks off over the next four years.

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Finally, a president willing to blame a devastating air crash on diversity hiring and two of his predecessors! Nearly two weeks into his second term, Trump continues to sow bitterness, fear, and chaos everywhere he turns: issuing a spending freeze so drastic and haphazard that his team has to rescind it after three days, demanding that more than two million federal workers resign or face loyalty tests, and vowing to send 30,000 immigrants to Guantanamo Bay. Meanwhile, three of his most extreme cabinet picks face tough questions in their confirmation hearings—but will it matter? Jon and Dan reflect on a dismal week, what's next, and signs of life in the opposition party. Then, Jon checks in with Senator Chris Murphy about the threats that Democratic leaders are getting, and why it's so important to fight back anyway.

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Apparently, there's an opposition party in this country—but they've been awfully quiet lately. Meanwhile, Trump's immigration crackdown nearly sparks a trade war with Colombia, and back at home, he's doing battle with his own  federal government—from loyalty tests to gutting diversity programs to pausing cancer research. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down which of the moves are the most dangerous, which are just for show, and why Democrats don’t seem to know what to say about it all. Then, they make their pick for who should be the next DNC chair. Later, Tommy sits down with Dara Lind, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, to break down what's going on with deportations and immigration policy—and why it's more important than ever to pay attention.

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MSNBC's Rachel Maddow joins Jon to talk about Trump's breathtaking first week in office, how she decides what to cover—and what to ignore—in an an ultra-chaotic news environment, and the power of embarrassment as a political tool. Then, Maddow shares her strategies for staying sane in crazy-making times. Hint: it involves ice fishing.

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Donald Trump makes good on his promise to free the January 6 rioters—including those convicted of savage violence against police officers—calling the attacks "very minor incidents" in a primetime interview with Sean Hannity, and saying it would be too "cumbersome" to review individual defendants' records. Jon and Dan react to the pardons, the expansive list of executive orders that Trump signed this week, the prospects for his cabinet picks, and how Democrats are doing in their efforts to push back. Then, Dan talks to progressive strategist Faiz Shakir about his bid for DNC Chair and where he wants to steer the party.

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.

And so it begins—again. In front of an audience of adoring billionaires, Donald Trump takes the oath of office, delivers a speech promising a return to American greatness, and vows to make drastic changes to federal policy on immigration, gender identity, energy, and more. Meanwhile, Joe Biden ends his presidency with preemptive pardons for Liz Cheney, Anthony Fauci, and members of his immediate family. Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan react to Trump's big speech, his planned executive orders, and Biden's final moves. Then they offer their thoughts on how we can all survive the next four years with our sanity intact. 

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.

Biden bids the nation farewell from the Oval Office, delivering a stark warning about the rise of an American "oligarchy." Dan and Jon break down how history will judge his legacy. Then, Tommy joins to discuss the fragile ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas—who really deserves the credit, and what happens next? Meanwhile, Senate Republicans press ahead with confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet picks, and the clock is ticking on a last-ditch effort to save TikTok. Later, Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, stops by to share his bold vision for leading the DNC.

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.

Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles prompt a round of angry finger-pointing and disaster politics from the GOP. The most extreme reaction comes from Trump and a growing number of Republicans in Congress, who are already talking about placing conditions on disaster relief for California. Meanwhile, President Biden kicks off his final week in office with a farewell speech defending his foreign policy legacy. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down what he got right, and what’s at risk as Trump returns to D.C. On another front, MAGA’s messy relationship with Big Tech heats up. Zuckerberg sits down with Trump on Joe Rogan, while Steve Bannon takes aim at Elon Musk. Finally, Ken Martin, Chair the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, drops by to talk about his campaign for Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

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.

Governor Gavin Newsom sits down with Jon Favreau to talk about California’s response to the devastating Los Angeles fires, his invitation to Donald Trump, and his demand for clear answers about the water shortages that hindered fire fighting efforts. They also discuss what recovery and rebuilding efforts look like, how these fires could affect the future of home insurance in California, and the state’s ongoing affordability crisis.

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.

Trump and the GOP skip the usual “thoughts and prayers” for victims of the devastating LA fires, and dive straight into blame and conspiracy theories. Jon and Dan debunk misinformation about FEMA and the government response, unpack the political fallout, and share resources to help fire victims. Plus, what’s behind MAGA’s new Manifest Destiny? Is Trump’s legal drama approaching its grand finale? Washington D.C. pauses for a moment while President Jimmy Carter is laid to rest. Finally, Lovett sits down with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy to talk about Democrats’ game plan to counter the Republican agenda in Congress. 

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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Kamala Harris fulfills her oath of office, certifying the election results on the four-year anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot. Meanwhile, Republicans strategize about passing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” jammed full of MAGA hopes and dreams. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss why simply remembering January 6th isn’t enough, and how Democrats should respond to Republicans’ tax cutting agenda. Plus, MAGA-world did what all of us do over the holidays: squabble with our relatives — this time over immigration policy and H-1B visas. Finally, Joe Biden awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom… and the guys don’t get one.

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.

In this episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump’s appointees for the nation’s top health and science agencies like RFK Jr., how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by “power-mapping” an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions. Make sure you subscribe to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams wherever you get your podcasts and on Youtube, so you don’t miss an episode.

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In this free preview of Crooked's Friends of the Pod subscription show "Inside 2024," (subscribe here) Dan Pfeiffer, Alyssa Mastromonaco, and Caroline Reston dive deep into the history and drama of presidential transitions, break down the latest moves from President-Elect Trump’s transition team, and share some behind-the-scenes stories from their early days as fresh-faced staffers in the 2008 Obama White House

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The world's richest man trolls Republicans into a potential government shutdown right before the holidays and the curtain closes on 2024...and it can't come soon enough. We didn't win the White House, the Senate, or the House, but we'll always have the Pundies. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy are joined by producer Elijah Cone for our annual awards show celebrating the worst takes of a year we'd rather forget. Plus, the guys listen back to their old New Year's resolutions and make some new ones for 2025.

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.

House Democrats choose not to elevate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguably the party's most compelling messenger, to Ranking Member on the House Oversight Committee—instead selecting 74-year-old Gerry Connolly, a committee lifer with no national reach. Jon and Dan discuss the magnitude of this missed opportunity, House Republicans laying the groundwork for an FBI investigation of Liz Cheney, whether Democrats should play ball on government funding, and a new effort to clamp down on progressive fundraising spam. Then, longtime immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz stops by to talk with Jon about how Democrats found themselves out of the mainstream on the issue, and how we can win back voters' trust without compromising our values.

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.

Joe Biden cedes the spotlight to Donald Trump, who's rolling like he's already taken office: meeting with world leaders, attending the annual Army-Navy game, and calmly announcing the next targets in his legal offensive against the media. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss what Biden could and should be doing in the final weeks of his presidency, what ABC's settlement with Trump says about the state of political media, the mysterious drone-like things over New Jersey, and Trump's pledge to end Daylight Saving Time. Then, Rep. Ro Khanna stops by to talk with Jon about how Democrats in the next Congress can strike the balance between resisting Trump and getting things done, and why he's willing to collaborate with Elon Musk on DOGE.

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.

America's corporate titans seem pretty happy about Donald Trump's election—even pitching in to his inaugural bash—and it's no big mystery why: he's promising yet again to slash their taxes. Meanwhile, in his TIME Person of the Year interview, Trump admits that he may not be able lower grocery prices after all. Oh, well! Jon and Dan dive into all the latest, including FBI Director Christopher Wray's resignation, Biden’s historic pardons, Nancy Mace's latest theatrics, and why Democrats are suddenly cozying up to Elon Musk.

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.

Donald Trump's once-daunting legal challenges continue to melt away, as Special Counsel Jack Smith plans his resignation and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg lays out options for putting the hush money case on indefinite pause. Dan and Melissa Murray, cohost of Strict Scrutiny, discuss all the latest, including the cultural significance of the United Healthcare shooting, the fading resistance to Trump's Cabinet nominees, and why Kimberly Guilfoyle getting the nod to be ambassador to Greece is a twist worthy of the finest reality TV.

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.

Donald Trump sits down for his first big interview since winning the election and unveils his plans for mass deportations, pardons for January 6th rioters, and revenge against his political enemies. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy explains what they’re watching for when his second term begins, the social media frenzy over the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and how the end of Syria’s dictator Bashar Assad’s regime could impact Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence. Oh, and just in time for the holidays, Trump is launching a new fragrance: Fight, Fight, Fight—the perfect gift for anyone who wants to smell like grievance and power!

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.

The White House considers preemptive pardons for the people Donald Trump and his allies have promised to target, setting off a debate among Democrats. Jon and Dan talk through the pros and cons of the move, who Biden could consider if he does move forward, and what Trump or other presidents might do in the future as a result. Then, veteran Democratic strategist Steve Schale talks with Dan about what led to the party's collapse in his home state of Florida, and why he's worried that the damage may spread.

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.

Tommy is joined by Eugene Daniels, Politico White House Correspondent, coauthor of the Playbook newsletter, and president of the White House Correspondents Association, to talk about the changing media environment and what will—and won't—change about covering a second Trump term. Plus, the latest on the blowback to the Hunter Biden pardon, Pete Hegseth's mom fighting back, and what's next for Trump's cabinet picks.

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.

President Biden pardons his son Hunter—a move he'd once promised not to make—and the backlash is immediate. Republicans are calling it a political favor, while some Democrats argue it undermines trust in the justice system. Meanwhile, Trump promises to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray with Kash Patel, a loyalist known for wanting to prosecute Trump's enemies (including journalists), even as his pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, faces new allegations of workplace misconduct—and a scathing email from his own mother. Plus, Bernie Sanders finds surprising common ground with Elon Musk, and Cheryl Hines posts a Black Friday thirst trap.

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.

It’s our annual Thanksgiving Mailbag episode! Jon, Lovett, and Tommy dive into some of your smartest, funniest, and most thought-provoking questions. They tackle everything from concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on trans rights and Biden’s legacy to ideas for boosting left-wing media and getting more people to run for local office. Plus, they share their thoughts on the fate of skinny jeans in 2025, favorite holiday movies, and their fitness routines. 

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.

Lovett sits down with Hasan Piker, the massively popular progressive streamer, to talk through (and argue about) the hard questions about where the Democratic Party needs to go from here, the liberal media landscape, what the Harris campaign told us about why they lost, and yes, a jobs program for incels. Then, Jon talks to Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton about the fight for the House, why blue states like his swung right, and the controversy he kicked up with his comments about trans athletes.

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.

In this candid interview, the leaders of the Harris-Walz Campaign speak for the first time about the challenges they faced and why they made the decisions they did. Dan sits down with Jen O'Malley Dillon, David Plouffe, Quentin Fulks, and Stephanie Cutter to talk about the campaign's roadmap, their approach to nontraditional media outlets like Joe Rogan, the voters they most needed to win over, why they fell short in the end, and what Democrats should do differently next time.

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.

Matt Gaetz is out as Trump's attorney general pick after the mounting questions about past interactions with young women cost him the support of key senators. Nominated in his place: former Florida AG Pam Bondi. Meanwhile, House Republicans have decided their top priority is prohibiting incoming Congresswoman Sarah McBride from using women's bathrooms in the Capitol. Jon and Dan break down what the Gaetz debacle says about Trump's Cabinet picks, his rocky relationships with Senate Republicans, what the bathroom stunt means for LGBTQ rights, and how McBride and her colleagues should respond. Then, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez talks with Jon about how she pulled off another win in her rural, Trump-supporting district, and what Democrats can learn from her success.

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.

The problems dogging attorney general pick Matt Gaetz don't seem to be going away, as new leaks expose a history of thousands of dollars in Venmo payments to two women at the center of the complaints against him. Meanwhile, newly unearthed video of RFK Jr., Trump's choice for health secretary, shows him speculating about whether the Covid pandemic was planned by the government. Tommy is joined by Democratic strategist and media expert Lis Smith to unpack all the chaos, plus what the Dems are missing, what needs to shift in their media strategy, and the big questions driving the race for DNC Chair. Then, Dan sits down with Sen. Jon Tester to reflect on his re-election battle in Montana, how Democrats can win in the heartland again, and the best way to connect with voters in red states.

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.

Donald Trump completes his journey from outcast to cool kid, showing off his MAGA clique at a glitzy UFC fight and even getting nemeses Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski to come groveling to Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, it may not be such smooth sailing for two of his top cabinet picks, Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth, as questions mount about sexual misconduct. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest, including Democratic governors' plan to constrain Trump's power, the upcoming race for DNC chair, and under-the-radar moves at the FCC. Then, Tommy talks with NBC News's Brandy Zadrozny, an expert in misinformation and the rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., about RKF's plans for the medical care you get and the food you eat.

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.

Donald Trump goes all in on naming his biggest political boosters to Cabinet posts, whether they're qualified or not (they're not!). Trump wants alleged sex offender Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary, dictator sympathizer Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy for the newly invented Department of Government Efficiency. Jon and Dan discuss the odds of Senate Republicans blocking any of these nominations, why Trump picked them in the first place, and how Democrats can respond without defending the status quo. Then, Jon sits down with Senator-elect Andy Kim of New Jersey to talk about how Democrats can listen and learn after the election, what Kim thinks of Trump's Cabinet picks so far, and learning to be comfortable with uncomfortable politics.

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.

Jon and New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, host of The Ezra Klein Show, talk through what we know about how Democrats started to lose working-class and lower-information voters—even before 2024—how social media and interest groups drive those divides, why blue states and cities shifted right, and what progressives can do to tackle the affordability crisis.

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.

Trump begins staffing top roles in his second administration with loyalists and sycophants—and demands that the senators running for majority leader agree to embrace a process that would allow him to appoint whoever he wants without Senate confirmation. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss whether Trump's opening moves are as chilling as we thought they'd be, what we do and don't know about his second-term plans, and how he might pursue revenge on his opponents. Then, Tommy speaks with New York Congressman Pat Ryan, who hung on in a tough district, about the lessons the Democratic Party needs to learn in order to win. 

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.

The best way to understand what happened on Tuesday is to listen to what the actual voters have been saying. Dan checks back in with two strategists who run focus groups with key parts of the electorate: Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, who's been talking to Trump-curious swing voters for months, and Carlos Odio of Equis Research, an expert on the Latino vote. Sarah and Carlos discuss some of the warning signs that were blinking red long before last week, and how we can recognize them—and act on them—in the future.

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.

As Kamala Harris officially concedes after a terrible election, Democrats begin searching for lessons—and singling out others for blame. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy discuss Harris's farewell message, the various conflicting and enraging theories being floated as to why she lost, and how we should think about campaigns going forward. Plus: Sen. Jacky Rosen appears to score a win in Nevada, and Democratic House candidates in uncalled races see a path to victory—and maybe even a narrow majority.

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.

After a night of resounding losses and a nationwide lurch to the right, Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan begin to sift through the pieces—what we know, and we don't, about the race Democrats ran, what voters are looking for, and how to endure the turmoil of a second Trump term.

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.

After a surprise appearance on  Saturday Night Live, Kamala Harris closes on optimism, unity, and lower prices—while Trump fantasizes about reporters getting murdered and says he regrets leaving office after losing reelection. With just one day to go, Jon, Lovett, and Tommy sort through the latest from the trail and the final batch of high-quality polls, including a stunning result from Ann Selzer in Iowa showing Harris up three points in a deep-red state. Then, the guys reflect on what we've already  learned from the campaign—regardless of the outcome.

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.

With just two days to go, Dan sits down with Election Night guru and NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki for a pre-election deep dive. Steve breaks down the state of the race, shares insights on key battleground states, trends among key voter groups, and which counties he's watching to signal election night outcomes. Then, Steve and Dan dig into close Senate and House races, plus some quirks in ballot-counting that could affect how quickly we get results.

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.

From now through the election, you can subscribe to Crooked Media's Friends of the Pod membership with a massive 25% discount. Your support helps us build the shows and initiatives we’re envisioning for 2025—it’s the best way to back our team as we create new content and launch exciting projects! Take advantage of this offer here: http://go.crooked.com/B3CLJM or sign up at the top of your Apple Podcasts feed!

Donald Trump dresses up like a sanitation worker as a message stunt and says he'll "protect" women "whether the women like it or not." Kamala Harris seizes on those remarks in events in the swing states, sharpening her argument against Trump on abortion and health care. In the final Friday episode before Election Day, Jon and Dan discuss all the latest and what they're watching for in each of the battleground states on Tuesday. Then, Nebraska's independent Senate candidate, Dan Osborn, talks with Dan about how he's pulled even with the Republican incumbent in one of the reddest states in the country, and how he plans to win.

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.

Kamala Harris delivers a rousing closing speech, promising to be a president for all Americans and sharply contrasting her plans with Donald Trump's. Trump works to clean up that terrible Puerto Rico joke, getting assists from Sean Hannity and, unfortunately, President Biden, and Trump and surrogates like Elon Musk and Mike Johnson remind voters about their plans to take away health care and slash government budgets—and maybe crash the economy while they're at it. Jon Lovett and the Bulwark's Tim Miller sift through all of it, including the three remaining groups of undecided voters and the unending debate over invoking "fascism." Then, Lovett and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talk about how to persuade disaffected progressives and what she's been seeing on the ground in Pennsylvania.

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.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris offer two very different closing messages as we enter the last week before the election: Harris hits the trail with Beyoncé and Michelle Obama and pitches her economic plan for Puerto Rico, while Trump and his cronies light up Madison Square Garden with more vitriol, racism, and hate than even we're used to. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy react to a packed weekend of campaigning and discuss how the Harris campaign is making the final sale. Then, Alyssa Mastromonaco talks with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi about what it's like being one of Trump's "enemies within," what's keeping her up at night, and what she's expecting on Election Day.

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.

Kamala Harris’s lead pollster, David Binder, sits down with Dan Pfeiffer to explain how the the campaign is looking at undecided voters, Harris’s gains with Republican women, and why Gen Z men are in the spotlight. Then, The Atlantic’s Ron Brownstein dives into the big demographic shifts defining 2024, from widening gender gaps to key trends in swing states.

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.

Donald Trump tries to win over the last few undecided voters by calling immigrants "garbage" and campaigning with Tucker Carlson, who says America is a "bad little girl" who needs a spanking. Harris strikes a different note, contrasting Trump's "enemies list" with her "to do list," and rallying with Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and the Obamas. Jon and Dan break down all the latest moves, including the strategy behind the big closing argument speech Harris will deliver on Tuesday. Then, Texas Congressman Colin Allred joins the show to discuss Harris's rally in Houston, and his plans for beating Ted Cruz.

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.

Donald Trump's former chief of staff, John Kelly, goes on the record about Trump praising Hitler, meeting the "definition of a fascist," and the "disturbing" idea of using the military against domestic opponents. Dan and MSNBC's Alex Wagner break down how damaging this might be for Trump, and how Kamala Harris is trying to use it to her advantage. Plus, they look at the Harris campaign's message and strategy in the final two weeks, including rallies with Barack Obama, Eminem, and Bruce Springsteen. Then, Jon talks with Senator Sherrod Brown about his must-win race in Ohio.

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.

Running on fumes with just two weeks to go, Trump raves about Arnold Palmer's genitalia and works the fryer at a McDonald's. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris campaigns across the battleground-state suburbs with Liz Cheney, and Barack Obama hits the trail for her in the Sun Belt. Then, Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss the legality of Elon Musk's million-dollar voter-registration giveaways, and Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz stops by to talk about the state of the race and what people can do to help.

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.

Dan is joined by Amy Walter, Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report, to break down Democrats' chances of winning the White House, Senate, and House. They dive into key battleground polling trends, the fight for control of the Senate, and whether Dems can flip the House. Then, Dan answers questions from subscribers.
 

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.

From now through Election Day, monthly subscribers can upgrade to a yearly Friends of the Pod membership with a massive 25% discount. Your support helps us build the shows and initiatives we’re envisioning for 2025—it’s the best way to back our team as we create new content and launch exciting projects! Take advantage of this offer here: http://go.crooked.com/B3CLJM or sign up at the top of your Apple Podcasts feed!

Donald Trump gives a stunning answer to a Republican voter upset about Trump's behavior on January 6: "That was a day of love." Kamala Harris braves Fox News for a combative interview with Bret Baier, and JD Vance finally gives an answer on whether Trump lost the 2020 election. Then, Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, stops by to talk about how things are looking in the Badger state, and what everyone can do to help.

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.

Donald Trump spends 40 minutes at a Pennsylvania Q&A queueing up his favorite tunes, baffling the crowd (and everyone else). Tommy and Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz talk through whether Trump is, in fact, losing it, the key moments from his Fox News town hall on women's issues, and Kamala Harris's sit-down with Charlamagne Tha God. Then, Rebecca walks Tommy through the situation on the ground in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and some under-the-radar House races.

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.

"Fascist to the core." That's how Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs under Donald Trump, describes Trump in a new book—and that was before Trump's new comments about using the military against the "enemy within." Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down the latest and scariest from Trump, Kamala Harris's big swing state tour, and why she's attacking Trump as weak. Then, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Florida, Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, stops by to talk about why it's so important to beat Rick Scott, and what it'll take to win.

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.

David Plouffe, Senior Advisor to the Harris-Walz campaign and campaign manager for Barack Obama in 2008, joins Dan to talk about where the race stands in the final stretch, which voters the campaign is targeting, and where they're planning to use their resources to greatest effect. Then, Carlos Odio from Equis Research stops by to talk about the Latino vote, how the economy is shaping voter behavior, and what Harris can do to win over those Americans who are still on the fence.

From now through Election Day, monthly subscribers can upgrade to a yearly Friends of the Pod membership with a massive 25% discount. Your support helps us build the shows and initiatives we’re envisioning for 2025—it’s the best way to back our team as we create new content and launch exciting projects! Take advantage of this offer here: http://go.crooked.com/B3CLJM or sign up at the top of your Apple Podcasts feed!

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.

With 25 days left until Election Day, the quadrennial October Freakout is upon us! Jon and Dan break down the tightening polls, the rival campaigns' strategies for the final push, and the reasons why it's okay to worry—but not to panic. Then, Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen joins Lovett to talk about her tight race for reelection and how she plans to pull off a win.

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.

Donald Trump cancels on 60 Minutes as Kamala Harris and Tim Walz face tough questions and then kick off a full-scale media blitz, with appearances on The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Howard Stern. Donald Trump responds with an interview tour through the friendliest of conservative outlets. Jon and guest host Jen Psaki break down the dueling media strategies, the highlights and lowlights, and whether it’s all working. Then, Jon chats with Joyce Craig, the Democratic candidate for the must-win governor’s seat in New Hampshire.

You can support disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Helene and Milton by donating now at votesaveamerica.com/relief

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Live from Philly, Jon, Lovett, Tommy, Dan, and MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend discuss Trump's rally with Elon Musk, Kamala Harris's media blitz, and reports that she plans to distance herself more from Joe Biden. Then, Senator Bob Casey drops by to nerd out about Pennsylvania electoral maps and to talk about his re-election fight against a Connecticut hedge fund guy—and why Pennsylvania voters have everything on the line this November.

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Live from Ann Arbor, Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan are joined by special guest host Leah Litman, co-host of Strict Scrutiny and Michigan’s own legal whiz! With just four weeks until Election Day they dive into the latest in the presidential race—Kamala Harris’s more aggressive strategy, Donald Trump’s wild new conspiracy about Hurricane Helene, and Melania Trump’s surprise stance on abortion. Plus, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin stops by to talk about her Senate race and what Democrats need to do to win in November.

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October is here... and so are the surprises. Special Counsel Jack Smith brings Trump’s 2020 election conspiracy back into the headlines, while Harris teams up with Liz Cheney to campaign in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Harris and Biden face fresh challenges: Hurricane Helene recovery and spiraling Middle East tensions. Dan and Jon explore how Trump’s legal troubles could shape the final stretch of the race, and whether Harris will turn the spotlight back to Trump's threat to democracy. Plus, Stacey Abrams stops by to break down Georgia’s new voting restrictions and how to make sure your vote counts.

To hear the rest of this Inside 2024 episode, and to catch all past and future episodes, be sure to sign up for Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends.

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Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy break down Tim Walz's great arguments about democracy and reproductive rights, JD Vance's distortions on Obamacare and immigration, and the other moments that might—might!—break through from a surprisingly collegial vice presidential debate.

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Tim Walz and JD Vance prepare for the last big moment of the campaign: Tuesday's vice presidential debate. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy handicap Walz's strengths and weaknesses and offer their advice on lines of attack. Plus, just a day after threatening a "really violent" police purge, Donald Trump travels to hurricane-ravaged Georgia to lie about Joe Biden and Kamala Harris deliberately holding up aid. Then, legendary strategist James Carville stops by to talk about where the race stands and how Harris can pull out a win.

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Harris gives another big economic speech and sits for an interview about protecting consumers and growing the middle class. Trump, meanwhile, claims Iran is trying to kill him, accuses Harris of lying about working at McDonald’s, defends newly indicted Mayor Eric Adams, and engages in yet another grift: selling branded watches. Jon and Dan break down all the latest, including Harris’s upcoming border visit, and chat with Strict Scrutiny’s Melissa Murray about her new MSNBC special on Black women and their potential to decide the election.

Lovett and guest host Errin Haines break down Kamala Harris's efforts to close the gap with Donald Trump on the economy, and what might be behind Trump's deranged new appeal to women voters. Then, Fox News's Jessica Tarlov, cohost of The Five, stops by to talk about what it's like to be a Democrat on the network Democrats love to hate, and how she survives her daily confrontations with Fox's most opinionated conservatives.

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Six weeks out from Election Day, new polls show Harris leading nationally, but Trump still ahead in key Sun Belt states. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy dive into Harris's push for a second debate, Trump's undisciplined campaign operation, and Mark Robinson staying in the North Carolina governor’s race— even after his team quit. Then, Tommy chats with Chenjerai Kumanyika about his new series, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD.

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Another day, another round of maddening polls showing the race locked in place—with Harris ever-so-slightly ahead—even as voters agree that she beat Trump handily in the debate. Jon and Dan go through the latest numbers, preview the Harris campaign's reproductive rights event with Oprah Winfrey, and attempt to process the revelations about North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's, um, online interests. Then, Tommy, Jon, and Dan debrief Lovett on his (spoiler alert!) brief but iconic run on Survivor.

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Kamala Harris drives a contrast message with an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists and gives a searing answer about Trump and Vance's lies about Haitian immigrants. Dan and guest host Addisu Demissie discuss Harris's off-the-cuff performance, how she can keep her momentum up post-debate, and Donald Trump's snoozer of a town hall in Michigan. Then they break down the latest polls and the overall state of the race with less than 50 days to go before the election.

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Donald Trump wastes no time blaming Kamala Harris and Joe Biden for the latest attempt on his life. JD Vance defends spreading lies about Haitian immigrants as a way to draw attention to border policy. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss how Democrats can respond to the blame game, and whether or not to make the pet-eating smears a campaign issue. Plus, Kamala Harris does more interviews, and the Trump family plunges into the crypto business.

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Two days after getting trounced in the debate, Trump turns to a familiar playbook: claim a win, trash the moderators, and—above all—refuse to debate again. The only hitch? All those Trump advisors and endorsers talking to the press about how poorly he did. Jon and Dan discuss Trump's attempt at spin, Harris's post-debate agenda, and the MAGA freakout over Taylor Swift's endorsement.

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In what may be the last huge moment of the campaign, Kamala Harris pulls off an overwhelming win: drawing a clear contrast with Donald Trump, presenting herself as a change candidate, and luring her opponent into getting angry, defensive, and confused. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy react to Harris's best moments, Trump's tantrums, the crazy pet-eating story, and Taylor Swift's big post-debate endorsement.

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Debate day has arrived, and new polls show that the race couldn't be closer. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy offer their final thoughts before Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's first, and potentially only, face-off. Harris lays out her strategy for dealing with Trump in a new radio interview, updates her website with policy proposals, and releases an ad to troll Trump. Meanwhile, Trump plays the hits with new threats to arrest his political opponents and incite violence. Then, Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks joins Tommy in studio to talk about why people need to pay close attention to the Maryland Senate race, and about getting to know Kamala Harris over the years.

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Kamala Harris prepares for Tuesday's debate while Donald Trump has "policy time" and complains about his legal woes. Live in Phoenix, Jon, Lovett, Tommy, Dan, and guest host Jane Coaston discuss the upcoming debate, some surprising Republican endorsements for Harris, and the GOP's continued turn to weird. Then, Rep. Ruben Gallego talks with Dan about his crucial Senate race against Kari Lake and what Democrats need to do to win Arizona in November. Plus, a Kari Lake-themed game.

As the final campaign sprint begins, both candidates roll out plans on the issue that matters most to undecided voters: the economy. Republican truth-teller Liz Cheney throws her support behind Kamala Harris, while other Republicans quietly cross their fingers for a Trump defeat—even as Harris and Walz remain, in their campaign manager’s words, “clear underdogs.” Then, CNN’s Dana Bash joins the show to talk about the debate that changed everything and what to expect in next week’s big face-off.

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Doug Emhoff stops by the Crooked studio! The Second Gentleman talks with Jon, Lovett, and Tommy about why Kamala Harris is such "a badass," masculinity and winning over young men, and his role fighting the rise of antisemitism. Plus: the hug with Tim Walz that his friends are still giving him shit about, Kamala's kitchen skills, and why he still makes time for fantasy football.

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Lean into the long Labor Day weekend with a special 'Best Of' preview episode of Crooked’s subscriber-exclusive series, Pollercoaster. In this episode, enjoy highlights featuring Dan Pfeiffer and expert guests as they share their insights on latest polls and the state of the Presidential elections. 

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More on Pollercoaster: Does every new poll make you want to crawl under your desk and get into the fetal position? Do you hate the polls but can’t quit them? Well, we have a podcast that’s just for you (and us!). Pollercoaster is Crooked’s new home for exclusive in-depth analysis across the biggest national polls, latest voter trends, and closest races up and down the ballot. Join former White House Communications Director and Pod Save America host Dan Pfeiffer and a series of expert guests to break down the polls, unpack what they actually mean, and whether or not it’s time to hit the panic button. New episodes of Pollercoaster drop twice monthly for Friends of the Pod subscribers.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz sit down with CNN's Dana Bash for their much-hyped first big interview—and they pass the test. Donald Trump tries again to tack to the left on reproductive rights, and his campaign leans into their fight with Arlington National Cemetery over politicking at gravesites. Then, Jon and Dan go through the latest batch of national and state polls, all showing an extremely tight race.

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Lovett and guest host Symone Sanders Townsend of MSNBC discuss the Harris-Walz campaign's latest moves: new ads hitting Trump and touting her housing plan, and a big bus tour through southeastern Georgia. Then, they look at Trump's counter-programming—notably, selling trading cards of himself—and who benefits most from muted mics at the September 10 debate.

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Trump threatens to bail on the September debate, his campaign signals yet another attempt to keep their candidate on message, and his newest big endorser now comes with even more dead-animal baggage. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz prepare to hit the road on a Georgia bus tour and sit for a high-stakes interview. Jon and Tommy break down the state of the race as we head into the final two months, and Harris-Walz battleground state director Dan Kanninen stops by to talk about Harris's pathways to 270 electoral votes—and all the work they're doing on the ground to make sure she gets there.

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In the biggest speech of her life, Kamala Harris gives a dazzling address making the case for herself and her vision, and absolutely torching Donald Trump and Project 2025. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy talk about why the speech was so effective and why it was so different than what we've seen at past conventions. Then, Gov. Gavin Newsom stops by the studio to talk about his years-long friendship with Harris, and who she is as a person.

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Tim Walz gives a model acceptance speech in front of thousands of roaring delegates, his beaming family, and the football players he coached. Oprah Winfrey makes a surprise appearance, RFK Jr. plans to drop out and endorse Donald Trump, and Trump complains about Barack Obama's "nasty" criticisms. Then, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the pod to talk about how Kamala Harris can win Michigan, and the Harris campaign's Michael Tyler talks about their strategy for the final sprint.

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Barack and Michelle Obama and Doug Emhoff make the argument for Kamala Harris with a trio of pitch-perfect speeches to the delegates in Chicago. Harris accepts the nomination with a surprise live greeting broadcast from her packed rally in Milwaukee. Then, California Senator Laphonza Butler joins the show to talk about the Kamala Harris she's gotten to know over the years, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks to Jon and Lovett about getting involved with politics—and all those Veep comparisons.

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Joe Biden takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention—after an interminable pre-program that pushes him out of prime time—and tells the adoring crowd that it's time for Kamala Harris to finish the work he started. Hillary Clinton calls on history, AOC leans into the dignity of work, and Steve Kerr promises to say "Night night" to Donald Trump. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy react to all the latest from the first day of action in Chicago as well as Trump's latest failure to stick to his script. Then, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stops by to talk about hosting the DNC and why he's had so much success going after Republicans.

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On the final episode of this season of The Wilderness, Jon is joined by UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and senior Harris campaign advisor David Plouffe. Lynn and Jon discuss why, despite all of this election's wild changes, Lynn is still expecting a close outcome in November and then David Plouffe sits down with Jon to talk about what we can do to help Kamala beat Trump.

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More and more Republicans are asking Donald Trump if it might be possible for him to stop the personal attacks on Kamala Harris and focus on a persuasive message. His answer? Absolutely not. In yet another country club press conference, Trump says he's "entitled to personal attacks" because he doesn't respect Harris, calls her stupid, and rants about communists. Meanwhile, Harris and Joe Biden hold their first joint event since Biden stepped down from the race, and it's full of good policy and good vibes. Plus, Tim Walz talks tacos, and RFK Jr. might be looking for an exit strategy.

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Jon and guest host David Axelrod discuss Donald Trump's struggles to define Kamala Harris, his rambling interview with Elon Musk, and why the Trump campaign keeps letting their candidate run his mouth so much. Then, they look at Trump and Harris's competing economic messages, how Tim Walz is faring out on the trail, and what the Harris team needs to accomplish at next week's Democratic National Convention.

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Kamala Harris pulls ahead in three key swing states as Donald Trump continues to flail and fume to donors and supporters. JD Vance tries to go on the attack in a trio of network interviews on Sunday, but things don't go quite as planned. Then, as Harris starts laying out her own policy agenda, the officially defunct Project 2025 ends up back in the news, this time with a series of leaked training videos offering a bleak, and bizarre, picture of a second Trump term.

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Jon is joined Democratic message guru Anat Shenker-Osorio and longtime political strategist Michael Podhorzer to talk about how swing voters are reacting to a Harris-Walz ticket and what message the campaign will need to win them over in November. They break down why Tim Walz has been a uniquely effective messenger, how Kamala Harris is reclaiming freedom from Republicans, and how Minnesota’s 2018 “Greater than Fear” campaign set the stage for this moment. 

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Trump throws a temper tantrum at Mar-a-Lago, boasting he draws bigger crowds than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for the “I Have a Dream” speech. Is he freaking out because Harris is surging in the polls? Meanwhile, Harris and Walz hit Detroit, where they score a UAW union endorsement and tout her economic record. Brian Tyler Cohen discusses his new book, “Shameless: Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy,” and then joins Jon and Favs for a game called Take Appreciators.

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VP Kamala Harris hits the road with her new running mate, Tim Walz, who lands his first official couch joke of the campaign against his GOP counterpart, JD Vance. Meanwhile, Trump tries to brand Walz as a communist. Then, Dan and guest host Melissa Murray break down Biden’s Supreme Court reforms, Trump’s January 6th case and the infinite shadiness of Justice Clarence Thomas’s flight schedule.

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We're just hours away from the announcement of VP Harris's running mate—and she's reportedly narrowed it down to Gov. Tim Walz and Gov. Josh Shapiro. Jon and Lovett talk about what they love about both finalists, what the influx of Obama veterans like David Plouffe could mean for the Harris campaign, why Trump doesn't want to debate the Vice President, and Trump's grievance-filled rally in Atlanta. Finally, they play a round of "Okay, Stop" with RFK's bizarre bear cub admission.

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Donald Trump doubles down on the racism and birtherism he unleashed onstage at the NABJ convention—repeating his attacks in social media posts and even a rally backdrop. Jon and Dan talk about what Trump's strategy might be, whether he's feeling buyer's remorse about JD Vance, and the latest on Kamala Harris's VP short list. Then, Project 2025 says it's winding down policy operations. Will it live on in Democrats' campaigns?

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Donald Trump suggests that Kamala Harris isn't actually Black, claims that nobody died on January 6, and belittles his interviewers before his campaign yanks him off the stage at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. Jon Lovett and guest host Stacey Abrams react to the train wreck in real time. Stacey describes the scene at Kamala Harris's big rally in Atlanta on Tuesday and offers her takes on the JD Vance disaster and how Harris should defend herself from right-wing attacks. Then, Jon and Stacey preview her new podcast for Crooked Media! Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams debuts on August 15—and you'll love it. Subscribe now at http://go.crooked.com/Stacey

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Donald Trump and friends try out new lines of attack on Kamala Harris as they struggle to confront her momentum—and the new reality of the race. JD Vance still can't figure out how to move past his "childless cat ladies" comments, and Joe Biden introduces a slate of Supreme Court reforms. Then Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stops by to talk about making the case for Harris, what swing voters are looking for, and the state fair foods he can't do without.

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Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell to discuss how swing voters are reacting to Kamala Harris’ unexpected campaign for president. How did they react to Biden’s decision to withdraw? What concerns do they have about Kamala Harris’ chances against Trump? And is her candidacy reigniting their capacity for hope? Sarah shares new focus group tape collected during Kamala Harris’ first week on the campaign trail to find the answers and talks to Jon about the Vice President’s path to the White House. 

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Election Day is just over 100 days away, and the Trump team is scrambling to define Kamala Harris before she can do it herself. Jon and Dan discuss the Harris campaign rollout so far, the Right's attack playbook, and Joe Biden's Oval Office address about passing the torch. Then, former UN Ambassador Susan Rice joins the show to talk about what it really means to say Harris is a "DEI candidate," and what it's like to go through the VP vetting process.

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And she's off! Kamala Harris has clinched the majority of delegates, she's breaking fundraising records and driving voter registration, and she's out on the trail offering a clear contrast to Donald Trump and his dark vision for America. Tommy and guest host Ali Velshi dissect Harris's campaign rollout, the shifting dynamics of the race, and Benjamin Netanyahu's polarizing address to Congress. Then, Pete Buttigieg—a possible VP pick—joins the show to talk about Harris, JD Vance, and everything he'll be doing to help the ticket win in November.

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In a historic moment in what was already a norm-shattering campaign, Joe Biden withdraws from the presidential race and endorses Kamala Harris. As the rest of the party moves to unite behind the VP, Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy talk how Biden arrived at his decision, the particular strengths that Harris brings to the race against Donald Trump, and how the GOP will look to blunt the new burst of Democratic energy and excitement.

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Is Biden inching toward dropping out, or is he committed to staying put? If he did make a move, when would he do it, and how? Live in Madison, Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan parse the latest news and discuss the worst and the weirdest of the Republican convention alongside guest host Errin Haines of The 19th and special guest Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Then, Sen. Tammy Baldwin stops by to talk about her crucial Senate race and what Democrats need to do to win Wisconsin in November.

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Donald Trump returns to form in a rambling, divisive, and endless acceptance speech certain to remind swing voters why they don't like him, and to remind Democrats that they can beat him. The question now is, who will be the Democratic nominee to turn the race around? With more and more party leaders (and most voters) asking for a change, it looks more likely than ever that Biden will go. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy talk about what might come next, and size up Kamala Harris's many strengths on the trail.

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JD Vance makes his debut as Donald Trump's running mate and doesn't exactly hit a home run. Joe Biden tests positive for COVID, details leak out about Chuck Schumer's tough-love conversation with the president, and the DNC blinks in the standoff over its plan for a virtual roll call. Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan break down a truly packed day of news, from the problems with Vance's speech to the latest polling about the future of the Democratic ticket.

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Donald Trump's former rivals compete to see who can praise him the hardest and who can spread the most vile lies about immigration and crime, as a smiling Trump looks on from the audience. Trump's pollster claims Republicans have put solidly blue states like New Jersey in play, and Trump himself tries to convince RFK Jr. to endorse him by spewing nonsense about childhood vaccines in a recorded call that Kennedy's son leaked. Then, Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy talk about the DNC's plan to hold a virtual roll call vote on Joe Biden's nomination as early as next week—and what that would mean for the prospects for Democratic unity.

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After surviving a horrifying assassination attempt, Donald Trump announces J.D. Vance as his VP pick and promises to shift the tone of the Republican convention. Jon, Lovett, Dan, and Tommy talk about the VP selection, whether it's possible to "lower the temperature" of our political discourse, and Joe Biden's testy interview with Lester Holt.

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Jon and Dan break down Joe Biden's big press conference, whether he did enough to calm nervous Democrats, and whether he's making a sharp enough case against Donald Trump—or for himself—to move the numbers and create a plausible path to victory. Plus, the latest signals from the campaign about what its strategy will be going forward, and how the Trump veepstakes is playing out with only days left to go.

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The effort to remove President Biden from the ticket picks up momentum as more Democratic members of Congress speak out. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi reveals more about her position—and says "time is running short" to make the right decision. MSNBC's Jen Psaki joins Lovett to break down the latest, and to talk about openly about what Biden needs to do to hang on.

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President Biden stays on the offensive, calling into his favorite morning show to excoriate the naysayers, rallying support among old allies, and vowing to everyone who will listen that he’s staying the race no matter what. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy lay out President Biden’s strategy and size up whether it’s working so far. And as the fight over Biden’s future moves to Capitol Hill, Lovett talks with Rep. Ro Khanna—a key Biden surrogate—about which way House members will go, and what Biden could be doing better.

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Jon is joined by youth polling experts John Della Volpe and Kristen Soltis Anderson to talk about apathy among young voters this election cycle. Why are they so disengaged? Are some truly defecting to Trump? And what message, if any, can get them out for the polls? Jon, John, and Kristen dive into the focus group tape to unpack Gen Z’s opinions of our octogenarian presidential candidates, their top economic issues, and the war in Gaza. And Anderson Clayton, the 26-year-old Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins to talk about Gen Z’s faith in their own ability to improve democracy.

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President Biden’s campaign fights to contain fallout from the disastrous debate, as Democrats begin to go public with concerns. Jon, Tommy, and Dan discuss the polling and the media-frenzy, what Biden should be doing, and how all this drama could impact down-ballot races. The Supreme Court’s stunning round of right-wing decisions deals damage to American institutions, and further raises the stakes of this election. Steve Bannon goes to prison.

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Democrats begin to grapple with two huge questions: is it possible to replace Biden at the top of the ticket—and is it wise? Mehdi Hasan joins Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan, live in Boston, to debate the options. Plus, Gov. Maura Healey joins the show to give her own debate reaction and talk about rising to the challenge on immigration and abortion.

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Joe Biden turns in a disastrous debate performance, missing an opportunity to take advantage of Donald Trump's (many) lies and unhinged moments, and sowing real doubt about his strength as a candidate over the long run. Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan discuss what went wrong and what might happen now.

The first debate is upon us, and you’re not the only one feeling nervous. Guest host Stacey Abrams joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan, live in Brooklyn, to talk about what we can learn from the 2020 debates, and what would constitute a win for Biden on Thursday night. Then, Strict Scrutiny’s Melissa Murray joins the hosts to break down the latest from the Supreme Court and what’s still to come this term, and Run for Something co-founder Amanda Litman talks with Dan about why it’s so important to have progressive candidates running in local races.Democracy or Else is out now! 

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Donald Trump vows to cut education funding by half, throws his support behind displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, and offers a new, anatomically specific theory for how Joe Biden gets his pre-debate uppers. With Biden holed up in debate camp, his campaign works to set expectations, and marks the second anniversary of the end of Roe v. Wade with a blistering new attack ad and waves of surrogate events around the country. Plus, it’s publication day at last: Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps is out now! Head to your local bookstore or www.crooked.com/books to order your copy.

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Jon is joined by Carlos Odio and Stephanie Valencia, founders of Equis Research, the nation’s leading polling and research firm focused on the Latino electorate, to talk about what Democrats can do to win back the Latino voters who left the party for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Why are some of them leaning towards Trump? How did they react to Biden’s border actions? And what issues are they most focused on in 2024? Jon, Carlos, and Stephanie dive into the focus groups to answer these questions and Leo Murrieta, Director of Make the Road Nevada, joins to talk about his trip to the White House and offer his advice for the Biden campaign.

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Joe Biden heads to Camp David to prepare for next week's debate, Donald Trump bungles the expectations game, and both sides prepare for the post-broadcast clip war. Meanwhile, a new Fox News poll shows Biden ahead, and Trump lashes out at the betrayal. Then, former White House Counsel Bob Bauer stops by to talk about playing Trump in debate prep in 2020, the Supreme Court, and his new book, The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis. 

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Joe Biden makes a big new move on immigration, and Democratic governors and progressive groups quietly make plans to fight back against the second-term agenda that Trump is promising, from mass deportations to bans on medication abortion and gutting the civil service. Strict Scrutiny's Kate Shaw joins Jon and Lovett to talk about the legal challenges in store for both Trump and Biden, the Supreme Court's dangerous decision on bump stocks, and what else we can expect from the justices with so many opinions yet to drop.

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The Biden campaign puts big money into a new ad slamming Trump as a convicted felon, fraudster, and sexual predator, and painting Biden as a fighter for working families. Trump courts the Black vote in front of a mostly white audience in Detroit, and CNN announces the final rules for next week’s debate. Plus: Jon, Lovett, and Tommy talk about who’s up and who’s down in the race to be Trump’s VP.To preorder you copy of Democracy or Else, visit http://crooked.com/booksFor tickets to upcoming live shows and book events, visit http://crooked.com/events

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Trump returns to the Capitol for the first time since January 6th and receives a hero’s welcome from House and Senate Republicans—where he calls Milwaukee a “horrible city,” refers to the Justice Department as “dirty bastards,” and complains about Taylor Swift not endorsing him. Meanwhile, the same Republicans attempting to overturn Trump’s conviction are instead trying to prosecute Attorney General Merrick Garland. Plus, SCOTUS affirms legal access to abortion medication, Biden takes voters’ cost of living concerns head on, and Trump tries to woo CEOs with more tax cuts.

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Dan and The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell break down the chaotic Republican response to the Hunter Biden news and what the conviction might mean for the Biden campaign, which of Donald Trump’s rumored VP picks scare them the most, and the latest from Tuesday’s primaries.

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Donald Trump meets with a probation officer for his pre-sentencing interview just a day after holding an unhinged rally in Nevada where Marjorie Taylor Greene compared him to notable defendant Jesus Christ. Trump's crew of hard-right advisors plots a new round of tax cuts for the rich while the Biden campaign sharpens its lines of attack. Then: Jon and Tommy land the world-exclusive first interview with newly minted reality TV persona Jon Lovett, who suffers through a quiz about all the news he missed during his time away.

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Jon is joined by pollster Terrance Woodbury and Lavora Barnes, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, to talk about the black voters who may cast their ballots for Trump this November. Who are they? Why are they leaving the Democratic Party? And how can we bring them back into the fold? Jon, Terrance, and Lavora dive into focus group tape, the Trump campaign’s strategy, and Biden’s recent speeches to find a message that works for these voters and then John Taylor, co-founder of Black Male Initiative Georgia, reminds us that the work of organizing should always begin with love. 

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Republican voters are starting to second-guess their support for convicted felon Donald Trump, who’s now threatening to lock up President Biden and other Democrats if he wins. Meanwhile, one of Trump’s most loyal henchmen, Steve Bannon, is finally going to jail. In Normandy, Biden makes the case for democracy with a fist bump at the D-Day anniversary, while Republicans block a bill to protect access to birth control.

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President Biden issues an executive order temporarily closing the US-Mexico border to migrants. Tommy and Addisu Demissie discuss Democratic backlash to the action and why Republicans, despite having killed a bipartisan border bill, are claiming it’s too little, too late. Donald Trump joins TikTok, attends a UFC fight, and exploits MAGA backlash to his conviction to close his fundraising gap. And Tommy sits down with Michael Tyler, Communications Director for Biden-Harris 2024, to chat about upcoming presidential debate and how Trump’s new felony status has presented challenges and opportunities for the Biden campaign.

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Republicans fall in line behind convicted felon and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump as he lobs insults at prosecutors, witnesses and the rule of law. President Biden fights back, labeling Trump a “white collar crook” while jury selection begins for his son’s criminal gun charge trial in Delaware. And, as the White House pushes for a ceasefire, Republican and Democratic congressional leadership invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the nation’s capitol to address Congress.

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A jury of Donald Trump's peers finds him guilty on all 34 counts in the Manhattan election interference trial. CNN Legal Analyst Norm Eisen shares what it was like in the courtroom when the verdict came down, and Jon and Dan talk about the political fallout and which voters the conviction might sway. Then, Strict Scrutiny co-host Melissa Murray joins the show to talk about next steps for sentencing and possible appeal.

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The Manhattan jury begins its deliberations, and the Trump team thinks it may have a sympathizer on the inside. Tommy and Strict Scrutiny's Melissa Murray break down the range of potential outcomes, from conviction to full acquittal to a hung jury. Plus: Robert De Niro mixes it up with protestors outside the courthouse, and Justice Alito formally refuses to recuse himself over what he says is his wife's constitutionally guaranteed freedom to fly insurrectionist flags.

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John Legend joins Jon Favreau to discuss the impact of celebrity political endorsements, his political origins, working with Obama, and why a second Trump presidency would be a disaster. To unlock more episodes from our Friends of the Pod exclusive shows, sign up for Friends of the Pod on Apple. Podcasts or learn more about our community at crooked.com/friends 

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Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell and former Republican strategist Tim Miller to get inside the minds of two-time Trump voters who are no longer sure if they’ll vote for him again. What’s changed? Well, January 6th, a few criminal trials, and some obviously bogus claims that the election was stolen. But is that enough to get them over the line for Joe Biden? Jon, Tim, and Sarah listen to a focus group tape of these voters to figure out how they’re leaning in 2024 and then Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, joins to help teach you how to persuade the Biden-curious Trump voter in your life. 

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Welcome back to The Wilderness. Jon talks about what it will take to rebuild 2020’s anti-Trump coalition with political analyst Ron Brownstein, political scientist Lynn Vavreck, Democratic strategist Addisu Demissie, Democratic strategist Jen Palmieri, and Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. They’ll talk about the  risks of a second Trump term and how you can help prevent it.  It may be a challenging road ahead, but by taking the time to persuade the persuadables in your life it’s possible to finally break Trump’s stranglehold on our politics.

Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  

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The world gets some clues about the "special project" that's keeping Lovett away from the show, Nikki Haley abandons her principles and endorses Trump. With head-to-head polling showing a race locked in place, Trump and Biden spar over who deserves the support of Black voters. Then, former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann stops by to talk with Jon and Dan about where Trump's Manhattan trial stands ahead of closing arguments and jury deliberations.

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Donald Trump is forced to remove a video promising "a unified Reich" as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris go on the attack against Trump's latest nod to Nazi language. Dan and Addisu Demissie discuss how Democrats should capitalize on Trump's mistakes, including an interview where Trump left the door open to bans on contraception. Then, Jon chats with friends of the pod Brian Wallach, Sandra Abrevaya, and Katie Couric about their new documentary on turning Brian's ALS diagnosis into an opportunity to organize, advocate, and push for a cure.

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The prosecution rests in Donald Trump's Manhattan trial, and the defense begins to present their case. Biden pitches young Black voters while Trump compares himself to Abraham Lincoln. Then: Justice Samuel Alito is outed for showing solidarity with the "Stop the Steal" movement, and Dan explains why Democrats should be running hard against the MAGA Supreme Court. Plus: Rudy Giuliani gets served!

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Jon, Dan, and CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen break down the highlights and lowlights of the Manhattan prosecutors’ case against Donald Trump and look ahead to what might happen next.  Plus, Dan and Jon discuss what’s at stake for Trump and Biden in a prime-time face-off that’s now just six weeks away—and why it might work to Biden’s advantage to start debating so early in the race.

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Joe Biden surprises Donald Trump with a debate challenge, and Trump accepts. Tommy and MSNBC’s Jen Psaki discuss the strategy behind Biden’s move and how likely it is that those debates will actually happen, Trump’s courthouse surrogate operation, the latest with Israel and Gaza, and whether it’s true that Biden thinks the polls are wrong. Then, Tommy and Jen relive the best White House stories from Jen’s new book, Say More: Lessons from Work, The White House, and the World.

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The prosecution calls its star witness, former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, who testifies about disguising hush money payments to keep the Stormy Daniels story from voters. Jon and Dan discuss why Biden is behind almost everywhere in the new round of battleground polls from the New York Times. Then, Rep. Colin Allred stops by the studio to talk about his race to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas, making the southern border more secure, and Biden's decision to pause weapons transfers to Israel.

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Dan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Stormy Daniels's latest round of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial. Trump insults Jewish voters and prepares a huge giveaway to Big Oil. President Biden announces he won't send offensive weapons to Israel if the IDF invades Rafah. RFK Jr. says doctors found a dead worm in his brain, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's effort to ditch Mike Johnson goes down in a humiliating landslide. Then, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan talks with Lovett about all the big moves she's made on antitrust and worker protections.

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Jon and veteran Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz discuss the graphic Stormy Daniels testimony in Trump's hush money case, Biden's trip to Wisconsin, and whether the campaign's new health care ad push could help unstick a very close race. Then, Rebecca dives into what she's seeing on the ground in Arizona, where she's working with Senate candidate Ruben Gallego to fend off Kari Lake and secure a majority for Democrats.

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Ceasefire negotiations hit a major sticking point as Israel prepares an invasion of Rafah over Joe Biden's objections. Judge Merchan holds Donald Trump in contempt again and warns that jail time may be necessary to enforce the rules. Trump holds a retreat at Mar-a-Lago where he compares the Biden administration to Nazis and holds another public audition for running mate. Noted puppy-killer Kristi Noem gets a mention, and so does Sen. Mike Lee's hair. Then, Vote Save America's Shaniqua McClendon stops by to discuss the big launch of Organize or Else—the easiest and most effective way to get involved in this election.

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Former White House Ethics Czar and author of Trying Trump, Norm Eisen, joins Dan and Jon to discuss his insights from the first three weeks of Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial. Plus, Trump uses a day off from court to hold rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, attack college protesters and Palestinians, and fear-monger about refugees. Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris campaign capitalizes on Trump’s comments about letting states monitor women’s pregnancies as Florida’s abortion ban goes into effect and Arizona repeals its 1864 abortion ban. Also, Marjorie Taylor Greene keeps trying to oust Mike Johnson as House Speaker.

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Lovett and guest host Tim Miller discuss Donald Trump's mind-boggling interview with TIME Magazine, in which he details his plans to use the military to deport immigrants, allow states to monitor women's pregnancies, jack up prices on all imported goods, and much more. Plus, the Biden administration moves to reclassify weed, riot police move in on campus protestors, and Drew Barrymore asks Kamala Harris for a very special favor.

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Joe Biden cracks jokes, mocks Trump, and goes around traditional media outlets to get his message out on shows like Smartless and Howard Stern. Democratic and Republican politicians get involved in the debate over the Gaza protests on college campuses. One-time Republican Trump critics line up to kiss the ring, and Kristi Noem destroys her VP chances by coming out as an unapologetic puppy killer.

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Tommy, guest host Alyssa Mastromonaco, and Strict Scrutiny’s Leah Litman break down the Trump team’s immunity argument at the Supreme Court, the latest with Idaho’s abortion ban, and why a New York court overturned Harvey Weinstein’s conviction. Plus, the Biden administration makes big moves to help out consumers and workers, and the TikTok ban moves forward. Then, Alyssa shares some behind-the-scenes stories about how picking a VP really works.

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Prosecutors in Donald Trump's criminal trial call their first witness: a former National Enquirer publisher who puts the former president at the center of a conspiracy to corrupt the 2016 election. Joe Biden wins a major endorsement from the building trades unions and works to define Trump as an out-of-touch rich guy who only wants to help his rich friends. In Pennsylvania, Connecticut hedge fund manager Dave McCormick officially wins the Republican nomination for Senate and will face Democratic Senator Bob Casey in the fall. Then, George Stephanopoulos talks with Dan about the challenges of covering Trump, his new book about the White House Situation Room.

Jon, Tommy, Dan, and Hysteria Co-Host Erin Ryan are live from the LA Times Festival of Books! As the first week of Donald Trump's Manhattan criminal trial ends, Trump defends himself by constantly violating his gag order and—allegedly—farting recklessly in the courtroom. President Biden hits the trail to highlight his plans to help the middle class and pass legislation restoring Roe v. Wade. Trump reportedly narrows in on a VP pick, but rules out governors from states with the most restrictive abortion bans. And, Jon and Tommy talk about their upcoming book, Democracy or Else: How To Save America in 10 Easy Steps.Democracy or Else: How To Save America in 10 Easy Steps is coming June 25th. Crooked is donating its profits from Democracy or Else to support Vote Save America, its partners, and other organizations who are mobilizing for progressive outcomes in the 2024 election and beyond.

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Jon talks to Alex Garland, writer and director of the hit movie 'Civil War,' about why he wanted to make a blockbuster about the demise of American democracy. Plus, Jon and Dan talk about the 12 jurors who have officially been seated in Trump's hush-money trial, MAGA Mike Johnson’s gamble on foreign aid for Ukraine and Kari Lake encouraging her supporters to strap on a Glock as Arizona becomes a central battleground of the 2024 election.

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Tommy is joined by Terrance Woodbury, Democratic strategist and pollster, to talk about President Biden's standing with young Black men and other groups he'll need to win the White House a second time. Plus, highlights from the opening days of Trump's criminal trial in New York, Biden's promise to tax the rich, and what new data says about the influence of third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West.

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Donald Trump makes history as the first US President to face a criminal trial and reportedly falls asleep at the defense table during jury selection. President Biden urges restraint from Bibi Netanyahu after Iran launches retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Israel. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson finds himself in a political pickle trying to pass aid for Israel and Ukraine. Then, Tommy and Strict Scrutiny's Melissa Murray discuss Trump's first day in court, the process of jury selection, and how the New York case compares to Trump's other indictments.

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Joe Biden lays out the choice on the economy. Donald Trump stands by his man Mike Johnson despite Marjorie Taylor Greene's threats to oust him as Speaker. Republicans tell the New York Times they plan to elevate third party candidates like RFK Jr. as a way to help Trump win. And Fox News can’t get enough of Trump’s masterful Chick-fil-A order.

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Dan is joined by Jennifer Palmieri, co-host of MSNBC's How to Win 2024 podcast and a former communications director for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, to discuss the ramifications of Arizona's Supreme Court upholding a 160-year old abortion ban. Then they break down President Biden's interview with Univision reporter Enrique Acevedo and his campaign’s efforts to reach out to Latino voters. And with just over seven months until the election, they look at the state of both campaigns, how much each candidate is raising and whether or not all that money really matters.

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Donald Trump once again takes credit for overturning Roe v. Wade and promises to allow states to enact even the most extreme abortion bans. He also promises billionaire donors more tax cuts and whiter immigrants. Joe Biden announces a new student debt relief plan for another 23 million people and finally gives Benjamin Netanyahu an ultimatum. Then, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin stops by the studio to talk to Jon Lovett about her tough re-election campaign, TikTok, and what actually counts as milk.

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Jon and Dan discuss why Donald Trump is suddenly so eager to debate, how the Florida abortion ballot measure could help Democrats’ chances there, and what doomed the No Labels presidential ticket. Then, Senator Bernie Sanders stops by the studio to talk with Jon about his frustrations with President Biden’s Gaza policy, what it will take to fix our broken health care system, and why beating Trump is so critical.

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MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, host of All In and Why Is This Happening?, joins Jon Lovett to talk about why Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and crime is so dangerous, why being optimistic about America has fallen so far out of the mainstream, and the disconnect between what’s actually happening in politics and how people feel about it. 

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Conservatives celebrate Easter Sunday with a meltdown after Biden acknowledges Trans Day of Visibility. Trump kicks off his “Apprentice”-style veepstakes with a list of possible contenders that includes Kristi Noem, JD Vance and Marco Rubio. Wall Street billionaires come to Trump’s rescue as his campaign scrambles for cash and his Truth Social stock tanks. Trump continues his streak of attacking and threatening his political opponents and their families. Joe Biden drops a new ad reaching out to Nikki Haley voters, and new RNC Chair Lara Trump drops a certified banger.

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Joe Biden breaks fundraising records and hits 8 swing states in 18 days, while a cash-strapped Donald Trump splits time between his beach club and a Manhattan courtroom. Trump goes after RFK Jr., Larry David goes after Trump, and No Labels goes after anyone left who will join their ticket. MAGA world goes nuts with conspiracy theories about how the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed because of DEI programs and open borders. And later, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas stops by the studio to talk to Tommy about the secret to driving House Republicans crazy and reproductive rights.

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The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell joins Dan to talk about Biden’s post State of the Union uptick in the polls. A cash-strapped Donald Trump is now selling bibles while preparing to be the first President to be criminally prosecuted after his hush money case gets a trial date. Meanwhile, he’s refusing to court the Nikki Haley voters who might make or break his fate in the general election. And Sarah tells Dan about the voters she’s targeting with ads from Republican Voters Against Trump. Later, Democratic Strategist Lis Smith joins the pod to talk about Robert F. Kennedy’s Vice Presidential pick Nicole Shanahan and how the Democratic National Committee is countering the threat posed by third party candidates.

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Donald Trump prepares to pay a $175 million bond, Truth Social goes public and a date is set for the first ever criminal trial of a former president. Mike Johnson faces a motion to vacate his speakership while his House majority seems to be disappearing. Bibi Netanyahu beefs with Joe Biden over the UN ceasefire resolution and NBC faces an internal revolt over the network’s decision to hire former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. And later, Senator Raphael Warnock stops by the studio to talk to Lovett about Georgia, the 2024 campaign, and more. 

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Donald Trump is desperately looking for help to raise the 464 million dollar bond he has to put up for his New York civil fraud case. Joe Biden makes another big push on climate and student loans. Democrats try to keep voters of color from defecting to Trump. And later, Strict Scrutiny co-host Leah Litman joins the pod to talk with Dan about the latest Trump legal developments and the border war between Texas and the federal government.

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Addisu Demissie joins Tommy to discuss President Biden’s post State of the Union swing state tour, plan to reach Latino voters, and dig into the key 2024 battleground states. They also cover Tuesday’s primary election results and the down ballot races that will determine control of Congress next year, including the critical Ohio Senate race between Senator Sherrod Brown and Trump-backed MAGA candidate Bernie Moreno. Then they discuss Trump getting the old criminal band back together as former aides Paul Manafort and Corey Lewandowski are rumored to be making a return to his 2024 campaign team.

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Donald Trump salutes violent insurrectionists at a rally in Ohio over the weekend and deals with the fallout from his comments that there will be a "bloodbath" if he's not elected. Former VP Mike Pence says he won’t endorse Trump, Chuck Schumer calls for elections to replace Benjamin Netanyahu, and Congresswoman Katie Porter stops by the pod to talk about her Senate primary loss, crypto, and why she voted against a possible TikTok ban.

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Donald Trump tries to walk back his comments on cutting Medicare and Social Security while Joe Biden goes on offense during a campaign swing in Wisconsin and Michigan. Kamala Harris becomes the highest ranking government official to visit an abortion clinic and RFK Jr. praises Aaron Rodgers as a "critical thinker" after he's reported to be a Sandy Hook truther. Later, EPA Administrator Michael Regan stops by the studio to talk to Tommy about clean energy and environmental justice.

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Jon Favreau and guest host Jane Coaston discuss why Robert Hur's Capitol Hill testimony infuriated both Republicans and Democrats, the potential TikTok ban that Donald Trump no longer supports, RFK Jr. reportedly considering Aaron Rodgers as his running mate, and whether Republican politicians are too online to win this election.

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President Biden’s re-election effort kicks into high gear, including a 30 million dollar ad buy and a run of campaign stops in battleground states. Meanwhile, Donald Trump launches his campaign by mocking Joe Biden’s stutter, hosting a concert for Viktor Orban, and floating cuts to Medicare and Social Security. Alabama Senator Katie Britt and Republicans are still dealing with the fallout from what may have been the worst-ever State of the Union response. And later, producer Elijah Cone joins the pod for a round of Take Appreciator.

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Jon and Dan break down the highlights of what might be the biggest speech of Joe Biden's re-election campaign so far, from his hits on Donald Trump to his defense of reproductive rights and tax fairness for working families. Then, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stops by to talk about the new policy initiatives Biden will be pushing in the months ahead.

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Nikki Haley suspends her campaign and doesn’t endorse Trump. Adam Schiff finishes first in California’s primary, Colin Allred will face Ted Cruz in Texas and Ruben Gallego goes against Kari Lake in Arizona as Kristen Sinema announces she will not run for reelection. North Carolina Republicans nominate Holocaust denier Mark Robinson for Governor. And Joe Biden prepares for his State of the Union speech.

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The Supreme Court issues a unanimous decision that Donald Trump cannot be kicked off the ballot by the state of Colorado. Nikki Haley wins the DC primary and won’t commit to endorsing Trump. Joe Biden gets another batch of bad polls and gives a long interview about his thinking on the presidential race. California gears up for a big Senate primary as part of the Super Tuesday contests. And later, Congressman Ro Khanna talks to Tommy about Gaza, the Democratic Party, and 2024.

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.

Donald Trump and President Biden hold dueling events at the Texas border as the issue of immigration becomes a top concern for voters. Mitch McConnell says he’s stepping down from Senate leadership after years of enabling Trump. House Republicans' sham impeachment investigation blows up in their faces. RFK Jr. gets a step closer to being on the ballot in Arizona and Georgia. And later, Strict Scrutiny’s Leah Litman stops by to talk about the Supreme Court’s latest gift to Donald Trump in the presidential immunity case.

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.

Jon Favreau and Mehdi Hasan break down Biden and Trump’s big victories in the Michigan primary, whether the President can get a ceasefire deal, and Biden's interview with Seth Meyers. Then, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stops by to talk about safety issues at Boeing, the GOP's attack on IVF, and why it’s so hard to get the Frozen soundtrack out of your head.

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.

Nikki Haley loses the South Carolina primary by 20 points but vows to stay in the race. Donald Trump starts to make a play for her voters—and pivots to the general election with some great reminders of why he lost the last one. Nazis get a warm welcome at CPAC, and attendees throw their support behind VP hopefuls Kristi Noem and Vivek Ramaswamy. And later, Lovett talks with MSNBC’s Andrew Weissmann and Strict Scrutiny’s Melissa Murray about all the latest Trump legal news and their new book, The Trump Indictments.

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.

Trump and his allies make it clear that a second term would be much more extreme than the first, from Christian nationalists running the White House to military raids and internment camps. The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that stopped IVF in the state could be a sign of things to come. Nikki Haley says she plans to stay in the race no matter what happens in Saturday’s South Carolina primary and Joe Biden provides student debt relief to another 150,000 Americans. Finally, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler joins to talk about the new legislative maps that have finally ended one of the worst gerrymanders in the country.

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.

Tommy and guest host Mehdi Hasan break down the Biden administration's record on Gaza, what should happen next, and how the ongoing violence could hurt Biden in Michigan and beyond. Plus, the latest on House Republicans' impeachment trainwreck, Donald Trump co-opting Alexei Navalny's legacy, and Tucker Carlson's softball interview with Vladimir Putin.

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.

From the first official primaries to the unofficial ramp-up of the general election, this has been a long year, which is a problem, because it’s only February. So we’re excited to share an exclusive clip of “Build The Life You Want” from Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul podcast that will help you prepare your mental being for the stressful year ahead. Each week, she finds new ways to awaken, discover, and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you, none of which are “spend more time staring at poll numbers.”

In a special Presidents Day episode, Jon, Jon, and Tommy react to the $355 million verdict in Donald Trump's civil fraud case, speculation that Trump will back a national abortion ban, and Joe Manchin's big news. Then, Elizabeth Warren stops by the studio to talk about selling Joe Biden's accomplishments, and the urgency of pushing back on the Netanyahu government and ending the violence in Gaza.

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.

Joe Biden goes on offense, Nikki Haley calls Donald Trump unhinged, and Trump's hush money case gets a court date while his Georgia case gets complicated. Later, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sits down with Tommy to talk about how much you can get done when Democrats have full control of the legislature.

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.

Democrats win George Santos’s seat back, the House impeaches the Homeland Security Secretary instead of addressing the border crisis, and Biden joins TikTok. Addisu Demissie joins Lovett to break down the news and Chris Christie talks about what it will take to defeat Trump and whether he will support Biden in order to do 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.

Joe Biden and the Democratic Party wrestle with concerns about the President's age in the wake of the Special Counsel's report calling him "a well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory." Donald Trump pops up at a rally in South Carolina to remind everyone that he's an elderly man with a poor memory who doesn't mean well at all. And later, former Representative Mondaire Jones stops by the studio to talk about disfunction in Congress, how control of the House might hinge on New York races like his, and today's big special election to replace George Santos.

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.

Republicans find creative new ways to humiliate themselves for Donald Trump. The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Colorado’s 14th amendment case against Trump, and Special Counsel Robert Hur won't charge Biden for mishandling classified documents. Then, Jon and Dan put their dignity on the line and place bets on the Super Bowl in our new game: All Bets Are (Shaken) Off.

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.

A vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas fails and Republicans turn on each other over the border fight. Nikki Haley loses Nevada to “none of the above.” And the DC circuit court rules against Trump’s pitch that he’s not beholden to federal laws. Politico congressional correspondent Daniella Diaz, Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston, and Strict Scrutiny co-host Kate Shaw join to walk through the latest.

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.

Lead Democratic negotiator Senator Chris Murphy joins the pod to talk about the bipartisan senate border security bill, GOP push-back, and sending conditional aid to Israel. Later, Trump throws RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel under the bus while praising Xi Jinping. Nikki Haley makes a surprise appearance on SNL and the US launches more strikes against Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria, while Trump stays silent on the conflict.

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.

Nikki Haley's campaign claims she has a path to the Republican nomination without winning Republican voters. The Biden-Trump polls are all over the place. Joe Manchin, RFK Jr. and others continue to flirt with third party presidential bids that could tip the election to Trump. Plus, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown stops by to talk about his high stakes Senate race, the fight for reproductive rights, and the one year anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment.

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.

Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman joins Jon Favreau to puzzle through the right's new Taylor Swift obsession, take stock of Donald Trump's mounting legal problems, and explain why some Republicans are threatening a new civil war over the Supreme Court's border ruling. Then, Dan Pfeiffer speaks to Biden-Harris deputy campaign managers Quentin Fulks and Rob Flaherty about their plans to mobilize voters, fight disinformation, and win the election.

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.

On Trump's orders, Republicans in Congress double down on killing the bipartisan border deal. Both Joe Biden and Nikki Haley hit Trump's memory lapses while campaigning in South Carolina. And, the Biden Campaign starts to preview its 2024 strategy—including  a big surrogate operation, empowering social media influencers, and—maybe!—an endorsement from Taylor Swift.

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.

Former Congresswoman and Vice Chair of the January 6th select committee Liz Cheney joins the pod to discuss the dangers of a second Trump term, his chokehold on the Republican party and why she thinks Nikki Haley needs to stay in the GOP primary. Plus, more on Mitch McConnell’s about-face on the bipartisan Senate immigration deal and President Biden's endorsement from the United Auto Workers Union.

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.

Donald Trump wins the New Hampshire primary by a smaller margin than expected and returns to form during his victory speech. Despite her loss, Nikki Haley stays in the race and sets her sights on South Carolina. And later, President Biden kicks off the general election with a rally and ad focused on abortion access.

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.

Ron DeSantis ends his campaign for president and endorses the man who relentlessly bullied him. Nikki Haley questions Donald Trump’s mental fitness after he has a few senior moments on the campaign trail. Meanwhile, Trump is up double digits in New Hampshire and winning all kinds of endorsements from Republican politicians. And later, Tommy talks with California Governor Gavin Newsom about Democratic messaging, the Republican primary, and his dream Coachella lineup.

crooked.supercast.com

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.

With the New Hampshire primary just five days away, Trump attacks Nikki Haley using an all-too-familiar line of attack. The Granite State is Haley's last, best chance—but is she even fighting to win it anymore? New Hampshire Public Radio's Josh Rogers stops by to talk about what he's seeing—and what's missing—on the campaign trail.

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.

Tim Miller joins Lovett and Tommy to talk about Donald Trump’s blowout win in Iowa and what’s next in the Republican primary. Ron DeSantis defies the media (and common sense) by remaining in the primary. Nikki Haley declares it a two-person race and refuses to debate anyone but Trump or Biden. Meanwhile, Trump is still on track to be the nominee and back in court.

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.

Donald Trump wins a landslide victory in the Iowa caucuses and moves closer to capturing the Republican nomination. Ron DeSantis barely wins the race for a distant second place but vows to keep losing, while Lovett's new crush Nikki Haley looks to upset Trump in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy calls it quits and President Biden announces strong fourth quarter fundraising numbers as a re-match with Trump looms.

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.

Less than two weeks before the caucuses, Tommy heads to Iowa to spend a few days going to campaign events, talking with voters, and taking the pulse of the race for second place. He attends two Ron DeSantis events—and learns the Florida governor is as boring as everyone says—interviews Vivek Ramaswamy on his campaign bus, and sneaks into a Nikki Haley event. With just a few days of campaigning to go, do any of these candidates have the momentum to beat expectations in Iowa and defeat Donald 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.

Tommy takes a look at the 2024 Iowa Caucuses and their impact on the 2024 presidential race, asking the all-important question — does this even matter anymore? With Trump leading every poll, it can feel like the first-in-the-nation vote is nothing more than a battle for second place. But the Des Moines Register’s Brianne Pfannenstiel, Iowa State University pollster Dave Peterson, and GOP insider David Kochel make the case for how Iowa could still shape the Republican primary.

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.

Biden frames the 2024 presidential race as a fight for democracy while Trump and his allies call the insurrectionists “hostages.” Then, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hospitalized without informing the White House, conservatives continue to wage war on the Ivy League, and New York Times congressional correspondent Annie Karni joins to talk about a deal to avoid a potential shutdown and the GOP effort to impeach Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary.

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.

Tommy joins Dan from the campaign trail in Iowa to discuss the latest in the GOP primary, Trump's 14th Amendment ballot woes in Maine and Colorado, and Joe Biden's reelection strategy. Then, Dan and NBC News and MSNBC National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki dig into polling and voter data ahead of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary and look at what the numbers might mean for the 2024 Presidential election.

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.

Here’s a holiday sneak peek of Crooked's new exclusive series for Friends of the Pod, POLLERCOASTER. In this preview, host Dan Pfeiffer and guest Cornell Belcher (Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies and former pollster for Obama) analyze the latest polls, unpack what it means for Trump to be leading Biden, and explore where former incumbent Presidents Obama, Clinton, and others were at this point in their presidencies. New episodes of Pollercoaster drop every other week, so if you want to hear the rest of the episode (or future ones), be sure to sign up for Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends.

We're taking a much needed break to gear up for 2024, but we're excited to share an exclusive clip from Friend Of The Pod Sam Sanders' weekly podcast Vibe Check. Each week on Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford make sense of what’s going on in news and culture – and how it all feels. 

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.

Welcome to the only award that really matters: The Pundies. Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan are joined by Halle Kiefer to decide the worst takes of 2023 (including their own). Then they react to their 2023 new year’s resolutions and make some new ones for 2024. Happy Holidays!

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.

Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan answer your burning questions about the 2024 election, the future of Democracy, the best album of the year, the Philadelphia "Tush Push,” and much more!

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.

Guest host Addisu Demissie joins Lovett, Tommy, and Dan live in San Jose! Who needs details?! House Republicans unanimously vote to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Biden but have yet to state the official charges or prove any allegations, while Hunter Biden refuses to sit for a closed-door deposition demanded by the GOP. Then California's youngest assembly member, Alex Lee, talks about his battles against tax evasion and unaffordable housing. Plaformer's Zoë Schiffer joins to talk about Elon Musk letting Alex Jones back on Twitter, Silicon Valley giving up on content moderation, and whether the tech bubble is back. Finally we play a round of Silicon Valley trivia and take questions from the audience.

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.

With five weeks to go before the Iowa caucus, Donald Trump takes a historic lead in the latest Des Moines Register poll while Ron DeSantis half-heartedly criticizes him on Twitter. Congress tries and fails to reach an agreement on aid for Ukraine and border security. The president of the University of Pennsylvania resigns after disastrous Congressional testimony on campus antisemitism. A woman flees Texas after the state's abortion ban puts her life in jeopardy. And finally, United Auto Workers union president Shawn Fain sits down with Tommy to discuss the UAW's historic wins and what comes next.

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.

And then there were four. The gloves are off at the fourth GOP debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Chris Christie, current last place candidate (and future Pod Save America co-host) is the only one throwing punches at Donald Trump, while Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy set their sights on Nikki Haley. Meanwhile, Trump is planning to use his presidential powers to punish his political enemies and Joe Biden suggests another candidate could also beat Trump. Later, Mayor Todd Gloria joins to talk about his administration’s approach to housing affordability and public safety. And finally, we play Gays vs. Straights: holiday edition. 

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.

Donald Trump deflects from his authoritarian impulses by accusing Joe Biden of undermining democracy, while warnings about a second Trump term grow more dire. George Santos gets the boot from Congress while Mike Johnson finds himself in a very similar position to his predecessor Kevin McCarthy. And finally, Strict Scrutiny’s Melissa Murray joins the show to talk about Trump’s flurry of bad legal news.

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.

Trump's lawyers preview a new defense strategy, Nikki Haley lands a big new endorsement, and President Biden fights back on the economy—and hits Lauren Boebert in her own district. Then, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips visits the studio for a heated conversation about why he's running against Biden in the Democratic primary, what Democrats should be doing differently, what it would take for him to get out of the race, and of course, the difference between ice cream and gelato. NOTE: the interview with Congressman Phillips has been edited for length and clarity. You can watch the full interview at https://www.youtube.com/@podsaveamerica.

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.

As Biden successfully secures a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, Congress attempts to pass an aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. But Republicans say they won’t pass anything unless Democrats agree to new demands related to US-Mexico border security. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are spending super PAC money going after each other in Iowa and New Hampshire. While their biggest competition, Donald Trump, says he is once again set on repealing Obamacare. And finally, George Santos rips into his congressional colleagues ahead of his possible expulsion from the chamber.

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.

Happy holidays from the Pod Save America team! Here’s a special sneak peek of our new subscriber exclusive series Inside 2024. In this preview Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor take you behind the scenes of election nights like Barack Obama’s 2008 winning campaign. It’s a show we’re really proud of and we hope you enjoy. Producer Caroline Reston moderates. If you want to hear the rest of the episode, or future ones, be sure to sign up for Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends.

The President says a deal is close that would free hostages in Gaza, while more Democrats in Congress call for a ceasefire or conditions on military aid to Israel. Meanwhile, Biden celebrates his 81st birthday with more bad polling and anxious Democrats. Trump continues his run of bonkers campaign stops in Iowa and Fox News kicks off the holiday season with a meltdown over “woke” Christmas. Then, ProPublica and NPR reporter Andrea Bernstein joins the show to talk about the newly announced Supreme Court ethics code and her podcast about right-wing judicial activist Leonard Leo, “We Don’t Talk About Leonard”. Finally, we kick off a new Thanksgiving tradition and pardon our favorite political turkeys of 2023.

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.

It's apparently Fight Club week on Capitol Hill. GOP Representatives are bidding farewell to decorum and possibly their own sanity as multiple almost-fights break out in Congress. Meanwhile, MAGA Mike Johnson gets his government funding bill passed in both the House and the Senate without any major cuts to spending or fulfilling any of his far-right fantasies. George Santos is no longer running for reelection as a House Ethics Committee investigation finds he spent campaign funds on Botox, Sephora runs and… Only Fans. Plus, Biden is getting advice from progressives about how to campaign on the economy and the New York Times says Trump may be more resilient than other Republicans when it comes to messaging on abortion. Finally, John Della Volpe, pollster and author of "Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America," joins to talk about the President's struggle with younger voters.

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.

In an unhinged Veterans Day speech, Trump promises to remove the "vermin" who dare to oppose his agenda, while his top advisor outlines a terrifying second-term immigration plan: mass deportations, camps for undocumented immigrants, and enforcement raids by the National Guard. Meanwhile, Democrats are giving Joe Biden a lot of advice he doesn't need, and Tim Scott drops out of the Republican primary. Will it matter?

Guest host Tim Miller joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live from New Orleans! A fired-up President Biden campaigns in Illinois, but Jill Stein enters the Presidential race and Joe Manchin announces that he won't seek re-election, making it harder for Democrats to keep the Senate—and possibly the White House—in 2024. State Rep. Mandie Landry and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis join the show to talk Louisiana politics. The hosts debate whether Donald Trump really has the GOP nomination on lock. Then, in the home state of porn-monitoring Speaker Mike Johnson, Lovett debuts a new game: Covenant Eyes Are Watching You.

Recorded at The Joy Theater in New Orleans by permission of MVNLA Owner, LLC.

Democrats pull out critical wins for abortion rights in Ohio and Andy Beshear in Kentucky, and deal a big blow to Glenn Youngkin in Virginia. Jon, Dan, and Tommy discuss how Democrats did it, and what it all could mean for Joe Biden next fall. Then, did somebody say "ship gap"?? The third Republican debate goes in some very odd directions—while the front-runner shows off his own brand of crazy at a Florida rally.

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.

It’s Election Day, with big implications for abortion, democracy, and much more in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, and Mississippi. It's also one year out from the 2024 presidential election, and a new set of battleground polls in the New York Times shows Donald Trump ahead of Joe Biden just about everywhere. Meanwhile, Trump takes the stand in his civil fraud case while his advisors draw up plans to use the military against protesters if he wins the election. Then, Barack Obama sits down with Jon, Tommy, Dan and Alyssa Mastromonaco for an expansive conversation on democracy, violence in the middle east, and his memories of winning the presidency fifteen years ago.

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.

Donald Trump's dominance in the early states finally has his Republican rivals and the press pointing out that he's no spring chicken. Meanwhile, MAGA Mike Johnson is embracing his nickname during his first week as Speaker. Plus, George Santos lives to lie another day and RFK Jr. is taking more support from Trump in two new polls.

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.

Guest host Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live from Cleveland, Ohio. As Israel launches its ground invasion, the war in Gaza continues to shake up U.S. politics. Donald Trump promises to expand his Muslim ban and deport pro-Palestinian protestors, while Joe Biden tries to navigate the views of an increasingly divided Democratic Party. With a little over two months left until the Iowa caucuses, the Republican primary field starts to shrink even if Trump’s lead is growing. Then, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes and Pro-Choice Ohio’s Kellie Copeland join to break down the current state of Ohio politics ahead of next week’s big election that will decide the fate of abortion access in the state.

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.

Congressman Morgan McGarvey, State Senator Karen Berg, and special guest Perry Bacon Jr. join Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live from Louisville! New Speaker of the House (and possible but unproven short king) Mike Johnson's MAGA bona fides are tested in an interview with Sean Hannity. Kentucky prepares for the November 7th gubernatorial race between Democrat incumbent Andy Beshear and Mitch McConnell mentee, Daniel Cameron. And, Joe Biden gets a primary challenger: Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Plus, Rep. McGarvey serves up tough questions and samples of the state's bourbon offerings in a segment called "I'll Drink the Fifth."

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.

And the winner of the House Speaker showdown is ... Congressman Mike Johnson! You probably haven't heard of him, but his resume will sound familiar: election denial, a thirst to end Medicare and Social Security as we know them, a fondness for national abortion bans, and a desire to criminalize gay marriage, among many more MAGA favorites. Former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins the show to break down Donald Trump's week of bad legal news. And then: President Biden is about to face a new primary opponent. Should he be worried?

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.

Special guest Rachel Maddow joins the show to talk about the latest in the Speaker-less House, Trump's legal troubles, and President Biden's message strategy. Then, Maddow discusses her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism," which recounts a long-forgotten chapter of U.S. history that's eerily relevant today.

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.

Senator John Fetterman, Virginia State Senate candidate Jennifer Carroll Foy, and chef José Andrés join Jon, Jon, Tommy, Dan, and guest host Symone Sanders-Townsend live in Washington, DC! Chaos reigns in the House of Representatives as Jim Jordan tries (and fails) to become Speaker. President Biden gives an Oval Office address on democracy and the importance of supporting Israel and Ukraine. And as the rest of the GOP primary candidates flounder, Donald Trump bounces between the courtroom and the golf course. Senator Fetterman gets real about mental health, Andrés ranks Tik Tok food fads, and, Jon, and Tommy announce their new book, coming in June. 

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.

DEMOCRACY OR ELSE: HOW TO SAVE AMERICA IN 10 EASY STEPS is coming June 4, 2024. Pre-order now at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.

President Biden prepares to visit Israel as he tries to prevent a wider war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Trump’s opponents attack him for criticizing Israel, and Judge Tanya Chutkan hits him with a gag order. Republicans inch closer to making election-denier Jim Jordan Speaker. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins to discuss the Democrats’ plan to address the chaos in Congress, and Crooked’s own political expert Shaniqua McClendon drops by to talk about the most important races in 2023.

Get your virtual tickets to Pod Save America live from DC now at MOMENT.CO/PSA.

Correction: the episode states that election day is four weeks away, but it is three weeks away, on November 7th. Visit votesaveamerica.com to learn more.

As the crisis in the Middle East deepens, the Republican presidential candidates respond with their best: Donald Trump praises Hezbollah, Tim Scott says Biden "has blood on his hands," and Ron DeSantis tries to make it about the southern border—the American one. Meanwhile, the House GOP still can't agree on a Speaker, "MAGA Mama Bear" Kari Lake enters the critical Arizona Senate race, and George Santos and Bob Menendez each get stunning new indictments.

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.

Join the World-Wide Digital Experience "Pod Save America Live from DC" on October 19 at 8 PM ET with Co-Host Symone Sanders and Special Guests Senator John Fetterman, Chef Jose Andres, and Jennifer Carroll Foy. Tickets: https://www.moment.co/psa

Israel has begun a full-scale siege of the Gaza Strip after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday. Republican politicians wasted no time blaming Biden for the attack, despite his administration offering full support for Israel. Meanwhile, the race to be the next Speaker of the House kicks off a busy week. RFK Jr. announces he's dropping out of the 2024 Democratic Primary and launching a third-party bid for president. Later, former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger stops by to talk about the chaos his old colleagues in the House have created.

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.

Join the World-Wide Digital Experience "Pod Save America Live from DC" on October 19 at 8 PM ET with Co-host Symone Sanders and Special Guests Senator John Fetterman, Chef Jose Andres, and Jennifer Carroll Foy.

Tickets: https://www.moment.co/psa

Former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson joins the show to talk about testifying against her former boss, her new book, "Enough," and the current disarray in the House. Then, Dan and Jon talk about the race for a new Speaker. How did we get here, what happens next, and is it somehow all Democrats' fault? At least one Republican is planning to nominate Donald Trump—even as his legal dramas mount.

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.

Join the World-Wide Digital Experience "Pod Save America Live from DC" on October 19 at 8 PM ET with Co-host Symone Sanders and Special Guests Senator John Fetterman, Chef Jose Andres, and Jennifer Carroll Foy.

Tickets: https://www.moment.co/psa

Congress avoids a government shutdown after Kevin McCarthy caves to Democrats at the last possible minute—and now Matt Gaetz is trying to strip McCarthy of the speakership as a result. Will Democrats bail McCarthy out? Donald Trump begins his fraud trial with the unique legal strategy of threatening the judge, Joe Biden frames the 2024 election as extremism vs. democracy, and Gavin Newsom appoints Laphonza Butler as California's newest Senator. Later, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal joins the show to talk about House Democrats' strategy as the Speaker drama unfolds.

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.

Join the World-Wide Digital Experience "Pod Save America Live from DC" on October 19 at 8 PM ET with Co-host Symone Sanders and Special Guests Senator John Fetterman, Chef Jose Andres, and Jennifer Carroll Foy.

Tickets: https://www.moment.co/psa

Seven Republicans take the stage for the second primary debate, and they all manage to lose to the guy who isn't there. Jon, Jon, and Dan react to all the canned lines, missed opportunities, and—yes—awkward sex jokes that made this a night to forget. Meanwhile, the front-runner grovels for the UAW endorsement in an appearance at a non-union shop—just a day after being found liable for massive fraud in New York.

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.

Trump goes on a crazy spree and demands a shutdown, suggests that America’s top general deserves to be executed, and promises to investigate media outlets if he wins. Meanwhile, his GOP opponents who trail him by more than 40 points prepare to duke it out on the debate stage for the second time. The Washington Post releases an outlier poll that triggers a freakout. House Republicans turn on each other as they bring the government closer to a shutdown. New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez gets indicted for bribery and corruption. And later, Tommy talks to Kal Penn about the youth vote and Hollywood writer’s strike.

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.

With the first primaries still months away, Trump skips more debates and pivots to a general election strategy with a primetime speech to autoworkers in Michigan and an attempt to cast himself as more moderate on abortion. Will it work? Then, Politico Congressional correspondent Daniella Diaz joins the show to help make sense of the GOP’s shutdown shit show. Finally, the most divisive topic on Capitol Hill this week: what John Fetterman is allowed to wear.

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.

The right dials up the heat on Donald Trump as he continues to make potentially incriminating statements. Republicans inch closer to a government shutdown. Mitt Romney takes his Senate exit stage left. Then, Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin joins the show to discuss the United Auto Workers' strike and her campaign for Senate. And Lauren Boebert is on an "apology tour" after the groping and vaping episode that got her booted from a performance of "Beetlejuice."

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.

With just two weeks left to avoid a government shutdown, Kevin McCarthy opens an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, even though Republicans have provided zero evidence that Biden did anything wrong. Trump outlines his radical vision for a potential second term as the President unloads on "Maganomics." Then, Representative Jamie Raskin joins to break down the House Democrats' counterattack plan on impeachment. And: strap-ons in the Senate! How a hearing on book bans turned X-rated.

Trump shows up in Iowa to flip burgers before a football game, but his allies worry that photo-ops won't be enough to win the Hawkeye State. Republicans in Wisconsin prepare to impeach a judge before she's heard her first case, while their counterparts in DC lurch closer to forcing a government shutdown. Then, constitutional law scholar Laurence Tribe talks to Lovett about why the 14th Amendment might bar Trump from serving another term, and Hallie Kiefer joins the guys to test out the latest in right-wing classroom propaganda. 

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.

Does Biden really have an "age problem"—and how should he solve it? Jon and Dan dive into the latest polling to see why Biden is neck and neck with a guy facing 91 felony counts. Plus, Congress is back in session, and their first order of business is—you guessed it—impeachment! Later, Franklin Foer stops by to talk about his exhaustively reported new book on Biden, "The Last Politician." 

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.

We're off for Labor Day! Please enjoy this exclusive episode of Terminally Online, our new Subscription show and loosest pod here at Crooked Media. Every week Pod Save America hosts are joined by your favorite Crooked producers and staffers to commiserate about being way too online as they make their shows. Get episodes of Terminally Online, ads free Pod Save America and so much more by signing up for Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends.

Friend of the Pod Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to discuss the latest impeachment madness from the Kevin McCarthy, the Right's plan to destroy government as we know it, and whether Trump miiiight be exaggerating about being more popular than Michael Jackson. Then, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono joins the show to talk about recovery efforts in Maui, and Alyssa and Dan answer questions from listeners.

To support people impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Community Foundation, The People’s Fund of Maui, and the Maui Humane Society.

Friend of the pod Addisu Demissie joins to discuss the latest Trump indictment news, including the mugshot seen around the world, Saturday’s horrific hate crime in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy’s bizarre response, and how abortion access will be a key part of upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. Then White House Economic Advisor Dr. Heather Boushey stops by to talk about Bidenomics and how the White House is taking on inflation, student loans, and housing prices. And later, Halle Kiefer quizzes Tommy and Addisu on cringe mugshot merch in a game called The Price Is Wrong, Bitch.

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.

Ramaswamy dominated, DeSantis dodged, Christie attacked the wrong guy—and Trump and Tucker Carlson talked about Jeffrey Epstein. Tommy and Dan recap the lowest lows of the first Republican debate, and Republican strategist Sarah Longwell joins to explain whether any of this matters to real-life voters.

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.

The Republican candidates try to figure out how to debate when the front-runner isn't on stage. The Bulkwark's Tim Miller joins the pod to talk about prep, bad candidates, and whether it's too late for anyone to consolidate the anti-Trump Republican vote. Plus, Vivek Ramaswamy's tennis moves, and our first-ever round of "I'm so Indicted"!

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.

Show Notes

NEWS ROUND UP 

• Des Moines Register: How every GOP presidential candidate performed with likely caucusgoers in new Iowa Poll
• NYT: DeSantis Tweaks His Messaging and Tactics After a Tough Campaign Stretch
• NY Post: DeSantis calls MAGA supporters in Congress ‘listless vessels,’ says Trump didn’t drain swamp
• CNN: Asa Hutchinson says he has qualified for the Republican debate
• WaPo: What to watch for in the first Republican debate
• NYT: Democrats, Popcorn in Hand, Root for a Rowdy G.O.P. Debate
• The Atlantic: Vivek Ramaswamy's Truth
• NBC: Trump has already recorded his debate-night interview with Tucker Carlson, sources say
• NYT: How G.O.P. Views of Biden Are Helping Trump in the Republican Primary

Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants prepare to turn themselves in to Fulton County jail. Jen Psaki joins to preview the first debate, laugh about Ron DeSantis’s ongoing struggle to appear human, and talk about how Joe Biden and Democrats should handle Trump’s courtroom campaign. And later, Jon, Dan, and Jen play a round of 2 Takes and a Fake.

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.

Donald Trump gets indicted for the fourth time for racketeering and other felonies in Georgia. Republican presidential candidates descend on the Iowa State Fair. Merrick Garland gives special counsel status to the U.S. Attorney investigating Hunter Biden. RFK Jr. floats a national abortion ban. And later, Representative Ruben Gallego stops by to talk about extreme heat in Arizona, and his campaign to unseat Kyrsten Sinema.

Ohio voters resoundingly defeat a Republican ballot initiative that threatened democracy and abortion rights. Donald Trump is headed back to court while he awaits a fourth indictment and possibly even more criminal charges. Ron DeSantis shakes up his campaign, again. Donald Trump debates debating. And later, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stops by to talk about the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and everything happening on Capitol Hill.

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.

Donald Trump threatens witnesses and attacks Jack Smith while his lawyer tests out some novel defense arguments on all five Sunday shows. Mike Pence says he’s open to testifying against Trump. Ron DeSantis finally admits that Joe Biden won the election. Then, Desiree Tims from Innovation Ohio joins to talk about the crucial abortion rights vote happening on Tuesday. And later, Elijah is back for another round of Take Appreciators.

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.

Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon as guest host, and Strict Scrutiny’s Leah Litman breaks down the strength of the legal case behind Trump’s third indictment. Trump’s Republican opponents react to the new felony charges. A New York Times poll has Trump tied with Joe Biden. And later, Halle Kiefer joins for another round of Well, Well, Well, Looks Like Everyone’s A Fucking Lawyer All Of A Sudden.

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.

The January 6 grand jury hands up its indictment of Donald Trump, detailing how he and six co-conspirators knowingly peddled lies in an effort to obstruct the most important function of our democracy—and deprive you of your right to have your vote counted. Jon, Jon, and Tommy react to the indictment's most damning evidence and look at where the investigation could go next.

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.

Donald Trump is still waiting to get indicted for his attempted coup but got a few more charges in the meantime. The Republican presidential primary contenders wake up to the fact that they’re running against a criminal defendant who is still nearly 40 points ahead of them. Sam Alito flips off Congress in the Wall Street Journal while a House Republican screams at some kids. Kevin McCarthy almost comes to blows with Eric Swalwell and Congress investigates if aliens might exist. And later, Tommy talks with Lydia Kiesling about her new novel Mobility, the very first book from Crooked Media Reads.

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.

Mehdi Hasan joins Jon as a guest host. Republicans respond to Trump’s multiple indictments by threatening to impeach Joe Biden based on right-wing conspiracies and no actual evidence. Ron DeSantis fires one-third of his campaign staff including a speechwriter that shared Nazi propaganda online. Joe Biden gets good economic news that could affect his political prospects. And later, the Republican primary comes to Pod Save America as Jon Lovett and Chris Christie sit down to discuss his campaign for president and criticisms against 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.

Trump gets a trial date for his second indictment as his legal problems get worse. A pair of Iowa and South Carolina polls show Trump still crushing the field and officially qualify multiple candidates for the first debate. The DeSantis campaign has finally landed on a "Let Ron Be Ron" strategy. Joe Biden’s campaign builds an unconventional operation to take on the Republican nominee. And later, New York Congressman Dan Goldman stops by to talk about prosecuting Donald Trump and the latest Republican antics around Hunter Biden and RFK Jr.

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.

Donald Trump faces a third indictment—his most serious yet. Ron DeSantis’s reset isn’t off to a great start and other Republican candidates are climbing the polls in New Hampshire. Joe Biden’s campaign fires its first shots. And later, Mueller investigation prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins to break down the week’s big legal news.

Crooked Media Reads' first book, Mobility by Lydia Kiesling, is out now! Get your copy at www.crooked.com/mobility.

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.

Ron DeSantis gives us the first campaign shake up of 2024. Joe Biden gets good news on fundraising and the economy. RFK Jr. is caught on tape at his infamous fart dinner saying covid may have been targeted to spare the Jews. And later, Rahna Epting from MoveOn and Matt Bennett from Third Way stop by to talk about the diverse coalition that’s trying to stop No Labels from a third party bid that could elect Donald 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.

Donald Trump sees winning the presidency as his best chance to stay out of jail. Rupert Murdoch turns on Ron DeSantis and other presidential candidates are now paying voters for the chance to get on the debate stage. Then Dan talks with Pro-Choice Ohio’s Kellie Copeland about the effort to enshrine abortion access into Ohio’s constitution.

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.

To support reproductive freedom in Ohio, visit ohioansforreproductivefreedom.org.

Republicans set a date for the Iowa caucuses and the sprint to January begins. Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie try out different lines of attack on Donald Trump. President Biden takes on his two biggest political challenges: the economy and his age. And later, Delaware congressional candidate Sarah McBride chats with Lovett about her campaign and her chance to make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress.

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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Joe Biden launches a new plan to forgive student debt after the Supreme Court strikes down his first attempt. Ron DeSantis attacks Donald Trump for being too supportive of LGBTQ rights. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins to talk about reforming the right wing Supreme Court and lots more. Then, in a special edition of Two Takes and a Fake, Jon and Dan sniff out the made up reaction from the right over the revelation that lines were crossed and possibly bumped when someone left their nose candy in the White House.

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.

It's 4th of July! No new Pod today but please enjoy this episode of our Subscription show, Terminally Online. Sign up at crooked.com/friends to get weekly episodes, access to the Friends of the Pod Discord community, and, coming soon, ad free episodes of Pod Save America.

In this episode Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, What A Day’s Priyanka Aribindi and producer Elijah Cone talk about Ron DeSantis' bad social media, Barbenheimer, if being a governor is right for Jon and all the other things that made them feel way too online while making shows at Crooked.

New episodes of Terminally Online drop every Saturday morning in the Friends of the Pod subscriber feed.

The Supreme Court ended its term today with a double whammy, issuing opinions in the 303 Creative case and the student debt relief cases. In the former, the majority creates “a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class.” And in the latter, the majority invalidates the Biden administration’s student debt relief program because, well, they had feelings about it. We're bringing you the latest bonus pod on these cases from Strict Scrutiny.

Hosted by three badass constitutional law professors – Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray – Strict Scrutiny provides in-depth, accessible, and irreverent analysis of the Supreme Court and its cases, culture, and personalities. New episodes out every Monday… plus bonuses whenever SCOTUS takes away another one of our rights.

Listen and subscribe at crooked.com/strictscrutiny.

Donald Trump can’t stop incriminating himself after he’s caught on tape talking about classified war plans. The Supreme Court rules against affirmative action. Joe Biden delivers a major speech on Bidenomics and White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt stops by to talk about the strategy behind it. Then, the on-again, off-again bromance between Trump and Kevin McCarthy has hit the skids once more.

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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The Republican presidential candidates and Joe Biden battle with each other over abortion a year after the Dobbs decision. The president road tests a new economic message and gets advice about his age from Hollywood. Texas Congressman Colin Allred stops by to talk about his Senate race against Ted Cruz. And later, Jon, Jon, and Tommy take a look at some feuds where it's tough to pick a side in a game called Billion Dollar Baby.

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.

Donald Trump employs the novel legal strategy of confessing his crimes on television. Hunter Biden strikes a plea deal with a Trump prosecutor. RFK JR’s anti-vax, anti-wifi candidacy gets a boost from Joe Rogan and Elon’s VC fanboys. And Justice Sam Alito is mad we all found out he got free rides on a billionaire's private jet whose hedge fund he later ruled in favor of. Then, CNN’s Jake Tapper stops by the studio to talk about Trump, CNN, Fox, and his new novel “All the Demons Are Here.”

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.

Donald Trump turns his federal indictment into a campaign event/fundraiser/birthday party. Chris Christie cannon balls into the CNN townhall waters. Strict Scrutiny host Leah Litman talks about SCOTUS ruling on the Indian Child Welfare Act and what comes next in Trump's legal process. And finally, highlights from California Governor Gavin Newsom taking on Sean Hannity on Fox News.

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.

Guest host Alex Wagner joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live at Tribeca in New York City! Donald Trump gets 37 felony counts related to stealing classified information and lying to the FBI about it while the rest of the Republican field and party tries to figure out how to deal with a twice-impeached, disgraced former president. New York Attorney General Tish James joins to talk about her plans for New York and her ongoing investigation into Trump's crimes. Secretary Hillary Clinton offers her reaction to Trump’s indictment and Republicans’ continued obsession with her emails, and talks about her experiences with Vladimir Putin. Plus, Roy Wood Jr. stops by to get quizzed on the Mess America Pageant.

Get the Totally Impartial Potential Juror shirt here: https://store.crooked.com/products/totally-impartial-potential-juror-t-shirt