Controversy Surrounds ‘Pod Save America’ Over Deleted Clip

A recent episode of Crooked Media’s popular podcast “Pod Save America” has sparked controversy following criticism from a former Biden staffer. The allegation is centered on the deletion of a social media clip that criticized streamer Hasan Piker. The storm of backlash eventually led the podcast to repost a longer version.

The podcast, hosted by former Obama staffers, featured Chris Hayes from MS NOW discussing Democratic politics with guest host Alex Wagner. The conversation touched on Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s connection to Piker, pleasing moderate listeners by critiquing the divisive streamer.

Abdul El-Sayed has faced criticism for associating with Piker, known for statements blaming America for the 9/11 attacks and supporting dictators like Mao Zedong and Fidel Castro. This association presents a dilemma for Democrats who are considering Piker’s potential influence in general elections while grappling with his controversial rhetoric.

“I don’t think it makes a ton of sense in a general election, frankly, to campaign with Hasan Piker,” said Hayes, acknowledging the challenge of controlling a streamer’s commentary.

Hayes also mentioned that with Piker’s significant platform comes the responsibility of cautious speech, a change Piker needs if he is to bolster the movement’s success.

While the “Pod Save America” episode stayed available on various platforms, Michael LaRosa, former special assistant to President Biden, observed the clip’s removal from social media. Other individuals, including gun control activist Shannon Watts, noticed the deletion.

LaRosa pointed out El-Sayed’s problematic link to Piker, who provoked widespread condemnation with remarks during a 2019 livestream. Celebrating Democrats’ candid discussion about this issue, he condemned the removal, emphasizing the refreshing candor before moderates amplified the talk.

Following online backlash, Crooked Media reposted a longer version of the clip the same day. LaRosa accused those associated with Piker or El-Sayed of influencing the content’s removal and subsequent revision.

Julian Epstein, former chief legal counsel for House Democrats, voiced strong objections to Piker. He dismissed Piker as lacking substantive insights into economics or history, viewing him more as a figure steeped in influencer culture.

The incident isn’t the first time “Pod Save America” has clashed with Biden allies. The podcast hosts were among the first Democrats advocating for Joe Biden not to pursue another presidential term in the 2024 election, challenging narratives about his mental health portrayed through potentially misleading videos.