Pod Save America: A Democrat’s Tough Love for His Party
Released on March 23, 2025

Hosts: Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor
Guest: Congressman Adam Smith, Representative of Washington's 9th Congressional District

Introduction

In the March 23, 2025 episode of Pod Save America, hosts Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor engage in a profound discussion with Congressman Adam Smith. The conversation delves into the current state of the Democratic Party, strategies for coalition building, national security concerns, and the challenges posed by the Trump administration's policies. This episode offers insightful perspectives for listeners seeking to understand the complexities within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.

Interview with Congressman Adam Smith

Handling of the Republican Continuing Resolution and Leadership Critique

The episode kicks off with an analysis of recent discontent among progressives regarding Senate Democrats' approach to the Republican continuing resolution (CR) that kept the government open. Congressman Smith expresses his reservations about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's handling of the situation.

[03:56] Adam Smith: "I don't agree with the way Chuck Schumer handled that. I don't think the messaging was strong. I don't think it's been well organized."

Smith emphasizes the need to move beyond "extended play conversations" about the CR and focus on forward-moving strategies.

Building Coalitions and Confronting Donald Trump

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the necessity for Democrats to confront Donald Trump aggressively to prevent what Smith perceives as an authoritarian takeover.

[04:48] Adam Smith: "We need to point out that Donald Trump is attempting an authoritarian takeover of our government."

Smith critiques strategies suggested by figures like James Carville, advocating instead for a "consistent, aggressive" approach to challenging Trump’s influence.

Critique of Democratic Leadership and Coalition Messaging

Smith voices frustration with certain Democratic leaders and the party's messaging, suggesting that internal divisions and ineffective policies are weakening the Democratic coalition.

[06:55] Adam Smith: "What I'm worried about is if we buy into that, then do we buy into all this other stuff that has really created problems for the Democratic coalition?"

He highlights areas such as immigration, economics, and identity politics as points where the Democratic Party needs to refine its approach to maintain a unified front.

National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns

The conversation shifts to national security, with Smith expressing deep concerns about President Trump's foreign policy decisions, including engagements with Vladimir Putin and actions against the Houthis in Yemen.

[22:24] Adam Smith: "I'm deeply worried that Trump is aligning us with Putin and Russia's vision for the world, which is a dark and terrible vision."

Smith discusses the implications of Trump's appointments to military oversight boards, arguing that these choices are undermining U.S. military effectiveness and fostering authoritarian tendencies.

Challenges in Domestic Policy and Governance

Back in the U.S., Smith critiques local governance issues, particularly in King County, Washington. He points out inefficiencies in handling housing, homelessness, and criminal justice reforms, attributing these problems to overemphasis on process and inclusion at the expense of results.

[12:52] Adam Smith: "A lot of the money that we've poured into homelessness hasn't been well spent. It's gone to organizations who don't know how to run a business, don't know how to build housing or run housing."

Smith advocates for a balance between inclusion and effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of competency and accountability in implementing progressive policies.

Audience Q&A

After the interview, Jon and Tommy address questions from their Discord community, bringing additional depth to the discussion.

Democratic Leadership and Government Rebuilding

One question probes the potential challenges a future Democratic president might face in rebuilding the government amid the dismantling efforts by the Trump administration.

[52:00] Jon Favreau: "I think the next Democratic president will be liberated in some senses of like, reorganizing agencies and cabinets in a way that's going to make government most effective for people."

The hosts discuss the difficulties in recruiting competent individuals back into government roles and the necessity of reimagining government efficiency.

Conservative Lean Among Gen Z Voters

Another question addresses concerns about the conservative shift among Gen Z voters, particularly young men, and its implications for the Democratic Party.

[57:50] Adam Smith: "I've been reading this book about Steve Bannon and his connection to this kind of small group of right-wing, literal fascists who are also kind of occultists called traditionalists."

Smith and the hosts explore the impact of social media algorithms and the pandemic on Gen Z's political inclinations, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to engage more effectively with young voters.

Pro-Dem Tea Party Sentiment

A listener inquires about the Democrats' stance on the so-called "Dem Tea Party" movement within their ranks.

[58:56] Jon Favreau: "If you're going to run against a Democrat in a primary, go for it, but have a theory of the case of why you want to beat them."

The hosts express support for internal movements aiming to rejuvenate the party but caution against mimicking the destructive aspects of the Republican Tea Party.

Censorship and Media Challenges

The final question tackles the broader issue of censorship and media crackdowns, prompting a discussion on maintaining open dialogue while protecting against defamation.

[61:35] Adam Smith: "Donald Trump is attempting an authoritarian takeover of our government, and we ought to call it that."

Smith and the hosts advocate for intelligent and respectful discourse, emphasizing that constructive criticism outweighs unproductive aggression.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on effective communication and coalition-building strategies within the Democratic Party. Congressman Smith reiterates the importance of being loud, inclusive, and intelligent in their approach to countering authoritarian threats and rebuilding the party's foundation.

[46:44] Adam Smith: "We've got to persuade more people. So to do that, you can't just shout at the people who voted the other way. You have to make your points, I think loudly, forcefully, intelligently and respectfully and constantly."

Pod Save America underscores the urgency for Democrats to unify, address internal inefficiencies, and present a compelling alternative to secure victory in forthcoming elections.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Smith on Confronting Trump:
  "[04:48] We need to point out that Donald Trump is attempting an authoritarian takeover of our government."

• Adam Smith on Democratic Coalition:
  "[06:55] What I'm worried about is if we buy into that, then do we buy into all this other stuff that has really created problems for the Democratic coalition?"

• Tommy Vietor on Peaceful Mobilization:
  "[46:51] I'm talking about like, well, that's what a couple million person protests, like a women's march."

• Adam Smith on Governance Efficiency:
  "[12:52] A lot of the money that we've poured into homelessness hasn't been well spent. It's gone to organizations who don't know how to run a business, don't know how to build housing or run housing."

Listen to the full episode on Pod Save America and join the conversation on YouTube every Tuesday and Friday. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod for ad-free episodes and exclusive content at crooked.com/friends.