Democracy or Else? Jon Lovett | Choice Words with Samantha Bee

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

Someone please tell Jon that he is talented, adorable, and helping many people stay sane!

[@debrajenkins9211]

...and a survivor.

[@marcuscampbell7305]

I second this. I look forward to hearing his perspective. He doesn't mince words and he's reasonable and he makes me laugh.

[@aBodyTrue]

100% ❤

[@jlewis300]

He is soooooo adorable

[@marymontgomery8034]

After the pandemic when poll workers were targeted and a number of seniors died or quit, I decided to work at the polls. I took the training and in November it will be my third day as an election inspector who is 78yo. Encourage young people to come and work by me!!!

[@HeatherOrdover-CraftLit]

I did the same after the 2016 election. Mom friends and I work tighter together -with some Republicans-it has been SUCH a good thing. Highly recommend 😊

[@Liliarthan]

Yes! We love that you and others like you took up the mantle to protect democracy! Sending you best wishes from Australia ❣️ (Democracy matters to us all, everyone on this planet.)

[@lifegood1712]

Samantha is great on Hysteria, but Pod Save America should maybe create a BEE-LOVETT channel so these two can talk on a regular basis. Maybe we could get more spontaneous movie reviews!

[@sycois]

Lovett or let it Bee

[@Maze-ji2mm]

I was thinking LOVETT or LEAVE IT BEE 🎉

[@JillKnapp]

Thank you so so much for this conversation-- this was absolutely wonderful. I love Lovett or Leave It and Pod Save America, but maaaan what a pleasure to get a bigger dose of Jon's sincere, introspective side. The part about Millennials being the first generation to be young and then old on the Internet was an a-ha moment. Sam, your idea of driving people to vote is

[@achistiakoff]

I'm with you, Sam! Having patience for undecided voters takes a degree of patience that I struggle with every day.

[@geleanora1]

So what do you say to Palestinian American voters or Muslim voters or Native American voters who are either watching their own genocide or watching another genocide at the hands of American imperialism? To a Palestinian American who has lost 90% of their family to genocide in Gaza, or 100%, watching their homeland be destroyed at the hands of the United States war machine via Israel, two political parties both dedicated to the complete destruction of your people, are they supposed to feel satisfied with “well at least the democrats will feel sowwy 😢”

[@wendycanuck1019]

How can ANYONE look at the felon, and be undecided? I think they’re lying. They just don’t want to admit that they are terrible human beings.

[@Tanagra180]

​@geleanora1 I tell them that I am SO sorry that this is happening, that it's totally unacceptable, and then I remind them that Trump thinks that Israel is going "easy" on Gaza and should just bomb it out of existence! There is, in fact, no equivocation here: if you want Gaza to continue to exist, Trump can NOT be elected. It's totally unfair, it turn my stomach, it pisses me off to no end. But, at the end, if my objective to make others as angry as I am? Or do I want to actually get something DONE about protecting Palestinians today and durably in the future?

[@veronicamaine3813]

Lets be clear. Frank Luntz has said that he finds it nigh on impossible to find undecided female voters for polls because they have pretty much all migrated to voting for Harris (wonder why). Its the men.

[@Darling_Nicci]

​@@geleanora1Trump will not change anything in that regard either. If not make it worse.

[@Wonderfeel__]

Nice ep 👌 Spacious and gently meandering convo that covered total some key topics! Gotta break the seal !

[@mosaics2024]

Regarding Jon's assertion that pragmatism in politics is required--I remember a couple of young women from Black Lives Matter confronting Hillary backstage at some event while she was running for president. I don't remember what event, nor why cameras were there, but I do vividly recall the conversation. Hillary was listening intently to these very passionate women, and she said, "What would you want me to do? What do you think the president can or should do?" They had no answer, but again started to speak about the problems, and again very passionately. As this conversation went on, each side became increasingly frustrated with the other, and talked across each other rather than to each other. I realized that the BLM members wanted Hillary to be upset about the injustices going on and to exhibit her distress, and she wanted them to stop being upset and think about a course of action the President might take, in order to change things. It was a classic idealism meets pragmatism stalemate. I, like Hillary, am very pragmatic, and I always have my feelings of outrage just long enough to stimulate me to figuring out what to do, then I put them aside and get to work. We desperately NEED pragmatism in our politics if we're to make the sort of changes necessary, and I applaud Lovett for saying so.

[@kanderson-oo7us]

Yes, and... it's easy to be mad and want the President to fix it. But if you can't identify anything the President can actually *do*, then how can you blame them for not fixing it?

[@mosaics2024]

@@kanderson-oo7us This is a common refrain, that the American President is responsible for virtually everything that happens on the planet during his (so far) administration. It's absurd, and grossly exaggerates the power of the presidency.

[@e.458]

In think, pragmatism often comes with experience and understanding how things work - or how they don't. Sometimes pragmatists who work in systems lose the outside perspective and stop noticing how effed up a system can be, they're just trying to move things within the system, not fundamentally change it. So, we always need both, the idealists who still see what needs to change, and the pragmatists who know how to actually work the system.

[@YetiGirl]

This is so well said. Thank you.

[@pettespizzaparlor3245]

This is why we actually NEED a multi party system. ( I would like a more than two party system, personally) a built in checks and balances. One group is all LETS DO THIS, and the other groups go "OK, but how" Yes very simplified but at its core, politics should be that simple. Problem, so,union, how to achieve solution.

[@SHIRLEI777]

Lovett you are the best part of Pod Save America❣️

[@linguaphile42]

Tommy and Dan are my favorites 🙂

[@MarioJaker]

Would love this duo to become a regular thing!

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Two of my FAVORITE politically minded humans! LOVE LOVE LOVE Lovett & Sam!

[@beverleybender2545]

I am so glad Samatha Bee is back.

[@a35362]

"We ALL want to take this boat across the sea, but RIGHT NOW it's sinking, and we can all row as hard as we want, but it won't matter if the boat sinks. So RIGHT NOW we're gonna bail out the boat."

[@meanpersonable]

Sam and Jon. What a treat. My coping mechanism for this election cycle seems to be doomscrolling. Sam’s podcast, The Bulwark, Pod Save America and more helps me to believe I am not crazy. These platforms don’t nudge me toward happiness, but rather back toward sanity. Example: You all help me to live with why 70+ million people voted for Trump in 2020, perhaps not knowing who he really is.

[@CherylAnderson-qs4iq]

So nice to see Samantha Bee again. Like this pairing of Jon & Sam. More please!

[@ningenJMK]

I just wanted to say I’ve always loved Samantha Bee ever since she was on The Daily Show. She’s funny, kind, and smart

[@laurenc4150]

Thanks for plugging Vote Save America! Just signed up to volunteer.

[@aBodyTrue]

🎉thank you!

[@jlewis300]

I can't imagine anything more interesting than someone like Jon Lovett on survivor. It's a show all about politics with obstacles. I can't wait

[@ejjunkins9740]

Still love you and all of your performances! Thank you

[@lynnhettrick7588]

I love that analogy of the sinking boat. Great way to put it!

[@MargretRoberts]

I have never watched Survivor, but certainly will have to watch Jon!!!

[@jamesc219]

keep it up SamB!!! need you more!!!

[@melissaselvig8720]

Jon, you're authenticity is what drove me to subscribe to every channel that I could possibly could have yours. You are so freaking handsome, so freaking funny, Remarkably Intelligent! You are the little brother I would Cherish!! I love that you challenged yourself for survivor, how freaking awesome and what inexperience you must've had! You're the best and we love you❤❤❤

[@ramseydone3556]

Good to see Samantha Bee back in action! #LoveHer

[@MAC-op5fc]

I absolutely loved what Jon said about his motivation. A very thoughtful and vulnerable admission that I respect so much. You're awesome, Jon, and we PSA fans love you!

[@melissaselvig8720]

Samantha - I'm dumbfounded how people are still undecided / voting for him. Literally cannot wrap my head around it!

[@bingoskies8564]

Thank You! Both! Love the way Samantha gently guides the discussion & Lovett's whole section on WHY & PERSUASION is brilliant. (from around 33-35 mins)

[@sir_vix]

If I was on Survivor with Jon Lovett I don't know how I wouldn't just immediately (and probably internally) commit to being his ride or die. I would build him a throne on which he could sit uncomfortably high upon his curled legs. All this would make him dislike me on principle, and I would only respect him more for it.

[@lifegood1712]

Lovett said he likes ambition on Pod Save America, today. I am not a fan of ambition, but okay, if ambition gets you on a podcast with Samantha Bee, it is very likeable.

[@johnbroker327]

Everyone needs to get out and vote 🔵 Make sure everyone you know does too 💙

[@jellyroll4]

Great point about Harris/Walz brushing off Trump's attacks, that has been key. Walz, especially, is a natural at disarmament. Most pundits and talking heads continue to underestimate their campaign savvy (which is good).

[@FinalEyes777]

What a lovely chat!

[@LadysavagexXxX]

I don’t care what anybody says, when we needed Joe Biden to step up for his country, he stepped up. When we needed Joe Biden to step down for his country he stepped down. Joe Biden is a real one. I hope he lives as long as Jimmy Carter and enjoy the rest of his days. No matter what happens this election he did what he had to do for his country. I’ll always respect that. No matter what happens from here on out thank you uncle Joe.

[@francishayter5954]

On the frustrating situation over Gaza - it would be far worse if Trump is elected. All the progressive voters out there considering not voting in protest against the Democrats need to realise that. AOC, one of the many new congressional torch bearers for progressive policy in Congress realises that, so they should follow her example.

[@scooby45247]

Man i miss the show.. 😢

[@-xirx-]

MeToo!

[@Ken-1313]

I just discovered this channel (somehow), great to see Sam back on my screen! Also I love Survivor, very exciting to see Jon on there!

[@debrajenkins9211]

For 50 minutes I was delighted to simply listen. Bee very good Lovett conversation 👌 ❤️

[@juliamira9621]

The moderator should be a high school teacher. "Donald, it's not your turn. Sit down and let her talk, you'll get your turn. You know the rules, dude." Like that.

[@allisonsnz]

Love it but I need more Samantha!

[@rcpmac]

These two pair up very well.

[@laurahaule3809]

So with you on that! Undecided is impossible. Just listen and watch for 5 minutes!

[@diaphanouswaffle]

Delightful to see & hear more Lovett on here :)

[@saraa3418]

I love Philly! It's really walkable with reliable public transportation and good food. I also like that I don't need to put on my customer service face to walk around.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

I actually think Jon does a better job talking politics here than on Pod Save America, as his co-hosts there go on and on and on (I mean I like them, but we could use more Jon and I never thought I'd say that).

[@wendycanuck1019]

I love Chicago. What an amazing city. I think it’s because they have Canadian weather. It makes people nicer.

[@marialee3075]

Love this discussion. I agree with Sam, in that I also enjoy watching the speeches the day after. Also, appreciate the brief discussion to make the campaign time shorter. When I hear the amount of money it takes to run a campaign, that money could feed and house so many people or help more young people be able to go to trade school or college. ❤

[@CalamityCannon]

I miss Sam B's show

[@thesimulation9651]

Me too, she's much better scripted, all the useless interjections are maddening (mm hmm, ya, right, mm hmm ) Not mentioned looking at her phone when the guest is speaking

[@coup919062]

Don’t forget down ballot races!!! The last line of defense if Trump wins is the House and go the Senate. Yes, volunteer for Kamala Walz but also help down ballot candidates 💙

[@alisondenham3404]

You both make me laugh so loudly. Love to you both xx

[@mcdonb2]

“A coupon for a Quiznos” killed me

[@EbyKat]

I listened to the DNC at 1.5 speed and it just sounded normal not sped up.

[@pamgallagher9778]

Love this SO MUCH!!!!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@pamgallagher9778]

And, I'm born and raised in Chicago and 3 of my 5 sons live in my city. ❤❤

[@hayzeed5522]

Jon came home early. Was he the first one kick off the island? Im watching the next season [1,st time ever] for you Lovett!

[@Voteforhopeandlove]

I've played the entire roll call of the Democratic 🎉Party 🎉 twice.

[@z.j.maayan8458]

Can she have a Crooked show please?

[@RedHairFire]

First time I’ve seen you on KZbin. I’m going to follow you (Samantha B) and support Lemonada. Believe in your purpose and attempt to establish a social media presence. Of course, I recognize your guest Jon Lovett and I am interested to see him in a different setting. FWIW (for what it’s worth), haven’t searched for you because I only heard about Lemonada because of the Meghan M connection and I don’t want to support her in any way. I last read she wasn’t starting with you until next year so as I said I’m trying for now. Sorry.

[@arpeggi2999]

You are awesome Jon.

[@Zastrutzki]

Complains that we've just had 5 years in 6 weeks, but tells everybody to PICK UP THE PACE! - don't ever change, Jon.

[@ca2ne]

Chicago *is* golden!☺️

[@HZ-fg9sf]

Here's an idea: Engage with social media influencers and have them do a little voting parties vlogs and release them before the voting deadline. People can hype it up, wear cute voting outfits and paraphernalia, and make it a friends or family outing. If the lines are long, play games in line (like heads up and charades), bring snacks to share, etc. And have an after the ballot box reward/meal~ Personally I think it would be super cute on social media. And it gives people opportunity to not only share their experience but to boast because that is what so many people want to do on social media anyways.

[@margostites6385]

I love this idea!

[@nicsnort]

Gotta be careful with voting paraphernalia. Some places kick voters out for "campaigning" at the polls for wearing certain buttons or shirts (I almost got kicked out for wearing an 'I Voted' sticker they gave me when returning with a friend to help them vote).

[@IliyaMoroumetz]

Ohhh. Good idea! it makes the event more meaningful for you and those with you.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

@@nicsnort Oh wow, noted. I wonder if those places wouldn't allow red, white and blue themed clothes... But that's insane. Though from a PR standpoint, if they started doing that to voters, that would be good negative PR though that would probably spur more people to go vote.

[@kanderson-oo7us]

Just a reminder that some (GOP) jurisdictions passed laws making it illegal to provide food or water to anyone waiting in line to vote. AFTER they shut down polling places in low-income communities, to ensure long lines. The cruelty is the point.

[@CalamityCannon]

I would lose my mind with my hair (partially) over my eye like Sam pulls off. I understand the aesthetics (🔥) but my lil neurodivergent brain is screaming. Also, these two are delightful together. Loving different people's content is no guarantee - Sam B and Lovett should partner up more

[@MargaretPinard]

I just had that dream last week, Jon. Maybe this is what it was about!

[@KS-303]

💯 on the SPEED issue. I’m constantly holding down the screen to speed up the playback 💙

[@colin-me]

Sam B and Lovett amazing!

[@LASC3310]

Ha! Just found you - how fantastic! And YES - I keep saying this too. I cannot begin to comprehend or understand how there could be any “undecided voters” at this point in time. It’s absurd. As for those are undecided whether they’re gonna bother vote at all, that’s a good point… I suppose they do exist… BUT - come on… that’s also inexcusable. SMH.

[@fatemakarim5054]

I live in WA state. We are completely only mail in ballot.

[@tammywilson985]

I think socials are important for Gen Z. I have a 17-year-old. Brand loyalty is real and I think it can apply to politics too. Right now, she knows way more about Kim K than about any politician. I hope dems start doing better with social media or people like her won't vote at all in future (even though her Mom is a big voter).

[@hopedodson8058]

Love it, Lovett! “Elect Harris in November and protest her in January.” 👌💕

[@SaltofSaturn]

Nothing more relatable than 11 open tabs to pick a dresser but for me it’s because I pictured one in my head and none of the real ones measure up.

[@megan2176]

Just starting listening to this episide in the car, and John's voice threw me, it didn't fit who i pictured in my head. Then realized i was expecting Jon Lovitz! I'm definitely not the first to make that mistake, I'm sure. 😅

[@minderbean]

I used to be undecided, before they overturned Roe, then it was very clear. I hate politics and I had a lot going on and relied on my husband to be normal, but I think he was surrounded by family and friends who are uneducated [about politics] republicans and, ya know, group think. But my friend, who is busy and married to a man that leans right, and is undecided, even after my head exploded from confusion before her very eyes. I think it’s harder when people you love are saying different things. And when you live in a rural blue bubble sandwiched between 2 big red counties in CA, things seem balanced and ok.

[@RHCole]

Ah yes, my Sam Bee fix... GIVEMEGIVEMEGIVEME!!!

[@ianweniger6620]

Sam, on the topic of "wasted votes" and third parties, would you mind if I reminded you how we still do it in Canada? And how you could do it in the USA?

[@sedg83]

Yes there are better systems, ours is not that at the moment so it's in fact wasted

[@SondraLongo]

Hahahaha! The Monday surprise was a DOOZY

[@HeatherOrdover-CraftLit]

13:51 slow talking speeches are why I knit while listening. Takes up the extra bandwidth so the pauses don’t weigh as much and I don’t plan tomorrow’s order of operations while the listening parts matter.

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

Major themes for Trump: Fear, anger, hate, lies, hypocrisy, cruelty, vengeance, & pessimism. Major themes for Harris: Hope, joy, love, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, & optimism. Yes, undecided voter, I see how it's a tough choice.

[@tinuviel1127]

Thumbnail looks like Sam is "Democracy" and Lovett is "or else." What a choice!

[@Liliarthan]

Not sure if you two would approve of this, but I watched this at 1.5x speed and most other vids at 1.5-2x speed. So agree on people speaking faster and getting to the point! If I have to stand or sit for too long, my lower back hurts! 😆

[@marlenemounce2918]

I missed ya girl 😂

[@poet18318]

Even Stephen Colbert said Biden should step away in his monologue

[@katechurcher4830]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@themorales6]

I love the confidence, Lovett!!! Any piece of writing would be improved by you!😊

[@Coloradocorean]

I also have no patience for these undecided voters. At least maga believes in something. Undecided voters can take a long walk off a short pier.

[@e.458]

Here's a way to look at your fear about not being the right person to help the campaign: doing phone banking or door knocking is a great shame busting or anxiety busting exercise: You're practicing interacting with total strangers, so if an interaction or two feels awkward, you can tell yourself that it's unlikely you'll speak to that person ever again. I once worked at the desk at a medical facility and since then, calling strangers on the phone (e.g. to make a dentist appointment, talk to customer service, ...) feels easy to me. Sure, the first week there was stressful, but now it's nothing to worry over at all.

[@kellyroper5256]

Came here for John forgot how much I missed Sam. She's amazing. I will be coming back to watch/listen to more from her. So smart, so sexy, so funny, so glad she's here.

[@LogicAndReason2025]

I would have Mary Trump and Sam B moderate the "debate."

[@jenn288]

My daughter and I live in Texas. She will vote blue up and down the line, but says she wants to vote her conscience, and won’t vote for Kamala, because she says Texas will never turn blue, and her vote won’t change the election. How can I explain to her that her vote for Kamala is important? Or is she right?

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

....her conscience? Fr? Ask her if watching someone gripping the edge of a cliff after saving other people hanging from that cliff is ok. Why would she STOP with the presidential ticket? Feels hypocritical. I'd ask her if her decision not to vote blue on the presidency is a sign that she's masking as someone who values democracy :s

[@palamane1]

Sigh. You might tell her some some Democratic strategists think that the radicalism of the GOP in some red states like Texas and Tennessee, and the number of blue state migrants moving in, may see the return of a figure like Ann Richards. Karl Rove and Dubya destroyed the old Texas Democratic Party but even some republicans are disturbed by the corruption and overreach of the state GOP. Maybe take her to meet Beto at an event?

[@Erikajp]

I'm voting in a blue state (California) where my vote doesn't "matter," but for this election every vote is going to matter because he WILL contest the result if he doesn't win. EVERY vote lends credibility and shows what kind of margin the winner will have. As for voting your conscience about Gaza, I understand if you can't vote because your family members have been killed or are in mortal danger. That is an impossible ask. Those of us who can do it should vote and dedicate it to those who can't, even if Kamala is not perfect on this because we know it would be far worse if he wins. He gave Netanyahu everything he wanted last time.

[@TomThumb151515]

Even though the electoral college makes it feel like not every vote counts you watch that the size of margins matter. The only states getting visits are undecided states. Colorado was a swing state in 2008 so the DNC had their convention there. Maybe San Antonio might get a convention in 2028 if enough blue turn out

[@sir_vix]

She believes her vote won't make a difference - if so, her conscience vote is equally meaningless. It is performative for those few who are aware of it, and a miniscule data point in a statistic, stripped of context, for every other purpose. If she wishes to act on her conscience, she should vote for the candidate that will protect her right to act on her conscience, and will be most open to meaningful engagement and negotiation with reasonable protest on those matters. Real acts of conscience involve sustained and meaningful commitments to engage with the subject of inspiration - they are not vain acts of virtue signalling which require nothing and do nothing to effect change.

[@Jviotr]

100% agree on the undecided voters. I’m convinced they’re just pretending to be undecided for the attention, or to have a strong show of being independent.

[@marybell8995]

I get you! Honestly, there’s no choice but Kamala!!

[@alisondenham3404]

Date for election set 6 weeks before in the UK & that felt like way too long. In the US electioneering never seems to end. It's fascinating to watch but can it ever change? 🤨

[@discord37]

Lovett you are awesome as you are. I don't watch Survivor bit will for sure watch your season. The money just thrown in the air for elections is disgusting. Think how many could be directly helped instead with those mils.

[@graffic13]

John should have starred in " Bros" it would have been a huge movie... i love Billy Eichner, but imagine cute likeable John in that role!😂

[@whoscares]

Love me some Jon

[@prajnachan333]

You would think that the call to arms let out in a grand manner would have gotten them to rush to contribute. "Yyyaaaeeeaaaahhh!!!! by Lil' John! We're coming together to nominate Kamala Harris for president ya'll (!)

[@justrosy5]

Maybe we can't "vote by text" but what if we tricked the 18 to 24 year olds into thinking they could, and when they text to a generic number, they get sent info about registering to vote, along with links to where they can go to do that?

[@sedg83]

I think "tricking" people into thinking they're voting when they aren't is going to be illegal and probably pretty impractical, i think most will get the info and TLDR

[@sugarfish]

❤

[@CaliforniaBushman]

If you look at the old creator conference VidCon for KZbinrs? Created in 2010. Every July at Aneheim Convention Center, CA. You see the same excitement with the O.G. Creator Community that you did at the DNC. Because Journalists and Satirists have become that Community. This was the first real Social Networking DNC. With instant mssg. Intant Posts. Tweets, comments. Constant updates, you get a tighter Community. That's why it was different.

[@prajnachan333]

Jon, just take control of the sound on stage and start the "music to exit the stage now....." Thank you. Bubye! Ok Jon 👍 move it along!

[@gabbyownsme2884]

😂😂😂 the GDP of a small nation ..too true.

[@EduardoRodriguez-du2vd]

The citizens of a society are produced by that society. Perhaps one should look starkly at the cultural factors that produce citizens who seem incomprehensible to us. A citizen is a product of their society. If 40% of the citizens understand that it is convenient to make a hole in the bottom of the boat they are sailing in, it is important to see what mechanism produces those citizens. :)