Pod Save America hosts and Crooked Media founders to publish first book, Democracy or Else

Pod Save America hosts and Crooked Media co-founders Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor announced that they will publish their first book, titled Democracy or Else. This no-nonsense guide to saving American democracy is published by Zando’s Crooked Media Reads imprint, with world publishing rights acquired by Zando senior editor Sarah Ried. Crooked Media will donate its profits from Democracy or Else to support Vote Save America, its partners, and other organizations who are mobilizing for progressive outcomes in the 2024 election and beyond.

Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps, written by Favreau, Lovett, and Vietor with Emmy-nominated writer/producer Josh Halloway (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), will be released on June 4, 2024 from Crooked Media Reads, a partnership between the progressive media company and independent publisher Zando.

Just in time for the 2024 presidential election cycle, Democracy or Else takes readers on a step-by-step journey through the daunting task of citizenship - from the basics of how to vote, donate, and volunteer - to organizing, working in politics, and running for office. With the biting humor and honesty Crooked Media listeners have come to expect, the authors tackle the serious challenges facing our country by providing accessible ways to implement change without losing hope or your mind.

The irreverent, insightful guide draws on the authors’ extensive political experience in the Obama presidential campaign and administration, featuring never-before-heard anecdotes and exclusive interviews with some of the best political minds around.

“Politics is a slog, and it’s frustrating even on the days when a mob isn’t hunting Mitt Romney,” said Favreau, Lovett, and Vietor. “We started Pod Save America and Crooked Media to give people an outlet for their anger, to find ways to help and find humor and joy in the fight. This book has a lot of what we’ve learned from the smartest organizers and least annoying politicians, plus jokes everyone will love without exception.”

Crooked Media has produced Pod Save America and more than 30 other shows since its founding in 2017. Crooked also launched Vote Save America, a resource for political information and a powerful community designed to help voters participate in democracy and build a more progressive world. Vote Save America has become a critical organizing resource, driving $60M+ in donations to progressive candidates and causes, and activating over 500,000 voters. Democracy or Else is an extension of this work, a guide for everyone from aspiring activists to first-time voters who are ready to get involved but don’t know where to start.

Zando CEO and founder Molly Stern said, “We’re honored to publish Democracy or Else. It’s both the most important guide you’ll read, and perhaps the funniest book about civic engagement out there. It comes from experts, who spent years in the White House, who know policy inside-and-out, and who have been using their incredible influence to get people of all ages engaged in our democratic process, both through shows like Pod Save America and their incredible Vote Save America initiative.”

Democracy or Else follows Crooked Media Reads’ first publication, Mobility, by acclaimed author and journalist Lydia Kiesling, which was released in August 2023 and became an instant national bestseller. Crooked Media Reads’ books explore politics, current events and activism, narratives on culture and policy, memoir, pop culture, history, and investigative journalism from a wide and diverse range of perspectives.

Crooked Media will donate its profits from Democracy or Else to support Vote Save America, its partners and other organizations who are working to educate Americans on legislation and major political events and give them the tools they need to have an impact and create change on the issues that matter.

• You can pre-order the book here