Publication Date June 25, 2024

OK, first off, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE these guys. All three worked in the White House during the Obama administration (Favs and Lovett were speechwriters, and Tommy worked in National Security). They started the wildly successful media company Crooked Media, and now are maybe best known for their podcast empire (Pod Save America, Lovett or Leave It, and Pod Save the World are the big 3). They are completely up front about their political leanings, and have done an amazing job of educating while entertaining, and for some of us have saved our sanity, particularly during the years 2017-21. 

Lots of voters and potential voters struggle to make sense of the current challenge: how can you get involved in the process and maybe make a difference along the way without being overwhelmed and/or giving in to a sense of hopelessness? (and possibly losing your sanity)

There are a few things I have appreciated about them: for example, in recent elections, they have identified specific contests where voters can make a big difference. Some that I loved were funds being donated to the candidate in the “big” election, so funds weren’t all spent on grueling primaries. Donating so your $$ goes where you want, like “for Susan Collins’s final opponent in the general election” (better luck next time) 

There is lots of practical advice, and these guys really know their stuff, but gear their comments to political novices as well as the nerdy political junkies who are glued to every show, podcast, or live event (they do a great live show, BTW).

A friend said she didn’t like them because Favs and Lovett wrote the speech Obama gave at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when Trump attended, was totally made fun of, and decided to run in 2016 – so It’s their fault (mostly Lovett’s) that we ended up with djt. 

Personally, I love people who make me think AND laugh, so Democracy Or Else is just perfect for me. Thanks to Zando/Crooked Media Reads and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review.  Five stars. Highly recommended.