The hosts of “Pod Save America” look to salvage democracy with a new guide to political engagement.
Tommy Vieter said “Democracy or Nothing Else: How to Save America in 10 Simple Steps” is a book for “anyone who wants to get more involved in politics, who is concerned about the state of our country and our democracy, but doesn’t know what to do.”
“We’re going to walk you through it, from the easiest, lightest lift, to how to get the right information, to how to vote, donate and volunteer,” said Vieter, who co-hosts “Pod Save America” with former Obama administration staffers Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer and Jon Lovett.
“The goal is to bring all of this useful information together in one place, but in a way that’s fun and entertaining and reminds people that politics doesn’t have to be boring, even though it may feel that way at times.”
Asked what he would say to Americans who may not have the time to canvass doors or organize events, the 43-year-old former Obama administration spokesman said, “This is not an all-or-nothing proposition. If you can spare an hour a month, that adds up.”
“It could be something as simple as thinking about people you know who live in swing states for the presidential election or states with contested congressional or gubernatorial races and getting involved and talking to people about the issues,” said Vieter, who wrote the book, released Tuesday, with co-host and author Josh Holloway.
Vieter said the title “Or Else” was more of a joke than a scare tactic to spur voters to action, but the critic of former President Trump said the stakes in November’s White House election were “very high” and the margins “very small.”
Ahead of the first presidential debate between the two candidates on Thursday in Atlanta, Vieter said President Biden has a “50/50” chance of winning.
“The last election showed that Joe Biden won about 40,000 more votes than Donald Trump in several key states, and I think we’ll see the same result this time around,” he said.
Vieter said that for him, the debate is more of a “concern” than a prediction.
“But I’m looking forward to seeing it. [CNN’s co-moderator] “Jake Tapper is bringing in things like shock collars and they’re going to control the candidates,” he joked.
Proceeds from sales of “Democracy or Else” will go to Vote Save America, a hybrid political action committee founded by the “Pod Save America” host’s company, Crooked Media, that focuses on progressive political fundraising.
Vieter, who gave birth to a son six weeks ago with his wife Hannah, said the Trump era had been “kind of negative and mean and demoralizing”.
“What we want to remind people is that being involved in politics is fun, it’s hopeful and it’s really important and they should consider getting involved.”
