The conversation started with a humorous incident backstage, where Tommy accidentally cut his finger. But thanks to Obamacare, he was able to make light of the situation and assure everyone that he was fine.
Jimmy then dove into their time working for President Obama, with Tommy and Jon starting out in the Obama Senate Office and eventually running the campaign. Lovett, on the other hand, was working for Hillary Clinton before joining the team. They discussed their roles, with Jon Lovett being the funny one and Tommy Vietor dealing with more serious matters as a National Security Council spokesperson.
What was intriguing about their time in the Obama Administration was that they not only wrote speeches for the president but also jokes. Jimmy found it interesting that there were separate teams for speeches and jokes, but the hosts explained that they took the jokes very seriously, particularly for events like the White House Correspondents Dinner.
The hosts shared an anecdote about the time President Obama reviewed their jokes for the Correspondents Dinner. They had been waiting outside the Oval Office, but due to his busy schedule, they had limited time. When they finally got their chance, President Obama made an unexpected change to one of the jokes, substituting Osama Bin Laden with Hosni Mubarak. It was a lesson in how even the president had his own sense of humor and priorities.
The conversation shifted to their relationship with President Obama, with Jimmy jokingly asking them who was his favorite among the three of them. They all laughed and admitted that they doubted they were his favorites. However, they spoke highly of his patience and how he would react when they disappointed him. He would become quiet, and that was enough to make them feel worse.
Inevitably, the topic of jokes that upset President Obama came up. Lovett shared a cringe-worthy moment when he made a racially charged joke before President Obama’s speech at a fundraiser. Despite the questionable joke, Lovett managed to redeem himself with another joke right before the president went on stage. It wasn’t so much that President Obama liked it; it was more that Lovett passed his test.
Towards the end of the segment, Jimmy and the hosts discussed the possibility of replacing Joe Biden as a presidential candidate. Although David Axelrod recently brought up the topic, the hosts clarified that it ultimately depended on Biden himself. They emphasized the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, such as turning out to vote, volunteering, and donating. Their book, “Democracy or Else,” offers helpful suggestions for anyone looking to get involved in politics and make a difference in their community.
While it’s true that the hosts of “Pod Save America” may not be President Obama’s favorites, they certainly have a way of engaging their audience with their witty and insightful perspectives. Their experiences working in the Obama Administration have given them a unique insight into the world of politics, and their podcast and book provide a platform for them to share their voices and inspire others to take action. Whether you agree with their viewpoints or not, there’s no denying their passion for democracy and their commitment to making a difference in America.
