Pod Save America: What Really Happens During a Presidential Transition

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Alyssa Mastromonaco, Dan Pfeiffer
Producer: Caroline Rustin
Podcast: Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Introduction to Presidential Transitions

In this episode of Pod Save America, hosts Alyssa Mastromonaco and Dan Pfeiffer, seasoned veterans of the Obama administration's transition process, delve into the intricacies of presidential transitions. Moderated by producer Caroline Rustin, the conversation provides an insider’s perspective on what typically occurs during these critical periods and contrasts it with the unprecedented nature of the recent Trump transition.

Personal Experiences with Obama’s Transition

Dan Pfeiffer opens the discussion by sharing his role as the communications director during the Obama transition. He details the responsibilities involved in rolling out cabinet nominees and managing public communications:

“I was in charge of sort of the messaging, the transition, which really counted, to both helping coordinate how we responded to reporter questions about what the president elect was gonna do, and mostly rolling out all of his nominees.”
(05:16)

Alyssa Mastromonaco adds her experiences, highlighting the logistical challenges and the close-knit nature of the Obama transition team:

“We held ourselves to a high standard. We really don't understand how few resources there are on a transition committee.”
(06:43)

They recount anecdotes that emphasize the hands-on and often improvised nature of the transition work, such as coordinating travel for nominees and handling unexpected situations with limited resources.

Challenges Faced During Transitions

The hosts discuss the intense pressure and rapid pace that accompany presidential transitions, especially when they coincide with national crises. Dan reflects on the immediate aftermath of the Obama election:

“After the election, you're like, meet your new colleagues. It’s so demoralizing.”
(09:03)

Alyssa echoes the sentiment, describing the emotional and operational strain of transitioning from a campaign to governing without a break:

“Every single one wants a job. But meanwhile we're like, well, do we even have jobs yet?”
(17:12)

Comparing Obama and Trump Transitions

A significant portion of the episode contrasts the traditional, structured transition process experienced by Obama with the chaotic and opaque approach taken by Trump. Dan Pfeiffer is critical of the Trump administration’s handling of the transition:

“They are rolling out nominees, they're doing it differently. They're definitely not vetting their nominees in advance.”
(26:04)

Alyssa adds to the critique by pointing out the unorthodox and questionable aspects of Trump’s candidate selections:

“He’s picking Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard. Like, his picks are fucking bananas.”
(26:07)

They discuss the lack of adherence to the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 under Trump, highlighting how bypassing established protocols like vetted nominations and structured briefings can jeopardize national security and effective governance.

Operational Differences and Ethical Considerations

The conversation delves into the procedural differences imposed by the Trump transition, particularly the use of private funding over taxpayer funds:

“Trump is funding his transition through private, mostly secret money. And so they can do lots of things we could not do.”
(08:33)

Dan emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, contrasting it with the Trump administration’s tendency to circumvent ethics requirements:

“If Trump is going to blow up on his own, we don't want to give him something easy to blame like the Biden staff being petty or not.”
(30:57)

Unusual Practices and Public Perception

Alyssa and Dan discuss unusual practices within the Trump transition, including bizarre job application questions for cabinet positions:

“One section asks applicants to pick three or more attitudes that suit them. As such, 'I require excessive admiration,' or 'I don't have that much interest in having a sexual experience with another person.'”
(29:26)

They express disbelief and concern over these non-standard practices, underscoring the departure from conventional vetting processes expected in presidential transitions.

Conclusion: Navigating Transitions Responsibly

In wrapping up, the hosts advocate for a responsible and transparent transition process, emphasizing that openness not only facilitates effective governance but also minimizes the incoming administration’s vulnerabilities:

“The risk you run by being the person who doesn't offer a productive transition is that if something bad happens, it can blow back on you.”
(30:40)

Dan concludes with a strategic outlook, urging the current administration to uphold the integrity of the transition process to prevent easy scapegoating:

“The Biden administration is doing what they can to do the transition the right way. And I think they should absolutely do that. That's the right thing to do from just a general, like, point of government's public service. But politically, in the end, it's also the right thing to do.”
(30:57)

Key Takeaways

• Structured vs. Chaotic Transitions: The Obama transition was methodical and adhered to established protocols, whereas the Trump transition has been marked by improvisation and lack of transparency.
• Vetting and Ethics: Proper vetting of nominees and adherence to ethics are crucial for a smooth transition, areas where the Trump administration has faced criticism.
• Impact on Governance: A responsible transition ensures continuity and prepares the incoming administration to handle immediate and long-term challenges effectively.
• Public Confidence: Transparent and well-managed transitions bolster public trust in the democratic process and the capabilities of the new administration.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Pfeiffer:
  “Between us, we host, like, five podcasts. How many podcasts did Barack Obama host when he was 47? Zero.”
  (03:01)

• Alyssa Mastromonaco:
  “It is wild. I had to read it many times because I'm like, this can't be true, but it is.”
  (29:30)

• Dan Pfeiffer:
  “If Trump is going to blow up on his own, we don't want to give him something easy to blame like the Biden staff being petty or not.”
  (30:57)

This comprehensive discussion sheds light on the complexities of presidential transitions, emphasizing the importance of preparation, transparency, and ethical practices to ensure effective governance and uphold democratic integrity.