Dunaway Quoted in BNN Bloomberg Article on the Divisions Among Liberal ‘Pod Save America’ Staff

August 13, 2024

BNN Bloomberg

Johanna Dunaway

Political Science Department

Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship

Media & Journalism

Political Parties

U.S. Elections

United States

BNN Bloomberg

Johanna Dunaway

As one of the most influential media outlets for Democrats, the liberal podcast “Pod Save America” is trying to help listeners make sense of the chaotic U.S. presidential election.

But at a pivotal moment in American politics, the divisions on display in the Democratic party are also playing out inside the progressive media powerhouse, pitting members of the young, idealistic staff against the more moderate hosts and founders of parent company Crooked Media.

Issues such as the war in Gaza and a stalled union-organizing push have consumed many staffers at a time when there’s little room for distraction.

Unlike the well-oiled machinery of the right, left-leaning partisan organizations struggle to define their message because the party itself is “so diverse in its makeup,” says Johanna Dunaway, professor of political science and research director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship. “Democrats have a lot more of a big tent party,” she says. “It’s harder to have a consistent party platform and messaging.”

Read more in the Bloomberg article, “While ‘Pod Save America’ Tries to Unite Democrats, Its Staff Rebels.”