Pod Save America: Bringing Wit, Humor, and Change to the Main Stage
Article by Aida Sall, TPT Staff Writer
When we think of podcasts, we tend to gravitate toward genres like lifestyle, comedy, true crime, and personal development. However, Crooked Media’s Pod Save America incorporates a little bit of each of those, with a compelling twist: political analysis and commentary. Led by former White House speechwriters Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett, White House National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor, and White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer, all of whom worked in the Obama Administration, the podcast debuted in January 2017 and airs two to four times weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Whether it is dispelling falsehoods perpetuated by former President Trump, discussing the geopolitical ramifications of the war waged by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, or analyzing 2022 midterm election results, each of the hosts utilize their extensive backgrounds and knowledge in policy, which inevitably comes into play when discussing America’s most convoluted issues. Favreau and Pfeiffer often spearhead the discussions, while Lovett provides a sense of levity and comedic relief, complemented by the rather dry, but equally witty nature of Veitor’s commentary.
The hosts of Pod Save America. Photo via Los Angeles Magazine/Crooked Media
With conservative pundits dominating much of the media landscape, Crooked Media, the company that Favreau, Lovett, and Vietor started for this podcast, has sought to establish a liberal challenger to such outlets — and as a young Democrat, I have found this podcast to be the perfect progressive, but fact-based source for news analysis.
“While we’re biased and have an opinion, that’s different from allowing yourself to be a propaganda machine,” Favreau told The Atlantic. It is evident that this is the overriding message of the podcast.
Similarly to me, the hosts would contend that there is certainly no counter to Fox News, both in embracing ideological conservatism and outwardly touting their unwavering support for Republicans over Democrats — and oftentimes, at any cost. With less vitriol and aggression, though, the hosts of Pod Save America do unabashedly support Democrats all across the nation, ranging from congressional races to gubernatorial and presidential runs. Through such messaging, this podcast has effectively tapped into a young, progressive audience that is eager to push back against and neutralize today’s hostile political climate, which is largely fueled by prominent right-wing media commentators.
Unlike most journalists, the Pod Save America hosts are proud Democrats who tout their partisan beliefs and wear them on their sleeves. In an attempt to combat the asymmetry of bias in the media, they encourage others — including Democratic politicians themselves — to do the same.
I undoubtedly believe that Pod Save America will, and has already begun to, effectively revolutionize a new generation of Democrats. For that very reason, next Tuesday morning, I strongly encourage you to grab a coffee and take a listen.
The views articulated in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official stances of High School Democrats of America or The Progressive Teen.