Keepin’ It 1600

Four former aides to President Obama — Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor — host a biweekly Ringer podcast to discuss the political world, analyze the Trump presidency, and welcome commentary from journalists and politicians.

December 22

The Road Ahead in 2017

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer reflect on the year that was and set their sights on the year to come in their last episode of 2016 (1:30). They also bring on Brian Beutler of the New Republic to further reflect on the election, the fights that Democrats should pick, and what we learned from 2016 (41:24).

December 19

Merry Electoral College Day With Ana Navarro

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss Monday’s Electoral College vote (0:45), Trump’s press party at Mar-a-Lago (14:03), and the GOP power grab in North Carolina (23:29). Then, they call Republican strategist Ana Navarro (34:48) to discuss what both parties need to do to survive the Trump era (35:32).

December 15

‘Keepin’ It 1600’ Special Co-Podcast With Chuck Todd

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Trump’s Vanity Fair beef (6:00), Putin’s role in the hacking (17:00), and Trump’s tech summit (20:00). Then, Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd teams up with Jon and Dan for a special co-pod to break down the aftershocks of the 2016 election (26:00) and examine what’s next for the Democrats and the media (38:00).

December 13

Evan McMullin and Russian Hacking

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss reports that the CIA believes Russian hackers were trying to help Trump win the election and Trump’s nomination of Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson to be secretary of state. Then they’re joined by independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin to discuss Trump and the path forward for both parties.

December 8

Scott Pruitt, Time’s “Person of the Year,” and Jason Kander

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Scott Pruitt’s nomination for EPA administrator (2:35), Trump’s fight with a union local president (14:35), and Time’s “Person of the Year” (24:13). Then, Jason Kander, Missouri’s secretary of state, joins the show to discuss his history in politics (38:18), what he has learned while campaigning in a traditionally “red” state (41:29), and how Democrats should strategize in the Trump era (46:10).

December 6

Trump and China, Obamacare, and Ana Marie Cox

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss Trump’s budding relationship with China (0:40), Al Gore’s meeting with Ivanka on climate change (16:20), and efforts to repeal Obamacare (23:57). Then they call Ana Marie Cox of MTV to talk about “access journalism” (34:50) and her article “HUD Games” (52:23).

December 1

Donald’s Deal, Obama’s Optimism, and Louisiana Senate Candidate Foster Campbell

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Trump’s Carrier deal (00:55) and his Goldman Sachs Cabinet (16:38), Barack Obama’s Rolling Stone interview (23:53), and what the voice of the Democratic Party should sound like in the Trump era (35:33). Then, Louisiana’s Democratic Senate candidate, Foster Campbell, joins the podcast to discuss next week’s runoff election (46:58).

November 28

American Kleptocracy, Romney’s Revenge, and the Recount

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor reflect on their failed efforts to avoid Twitter on Thanksgiving, and then cover Trump’s conflicts of interest (4:05), the unprecedented campaign against Mitt Romney for secretary of state (18:45), and Trump’s (latest) tantrum over election results (33:09).

November 21

Ugh ‘Hamilton,’ Trump’s Swamp, and Congressman Keith Ellison

Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor discuss the Great Hamilton Debate of 2016 (1:25), Trump’s mounting business conflicts (9:27), and how Democrats can fight back (13:10). Then they call Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison to discuss the future of the Democratic Party (25:50) and his bid for DNC chair (48:30).

November 17

Trump’s Transition, Fake News, and Robert Gibbs

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer talk about Trump’s rumored Muslim registry (2:30), the latest transition developments (5:50), and the problem of “fake news” (16:50). Then, they call former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs to discuss presidential transitions (37:48), press access (42:00), and the future of the Democratic Party (58:19).

Check out these other Ringer podcasts: