Person
Every book Alex Wagner recommended on podcasts
Alex Wagner is a journalist and television host who frequently analyzes current political events, media figures, and cultural trends on various public affairs programs. During episodes of Pod Save America, she has referenced and discussed several notable books to illustrate broader social and political arguments. Wagner brought up Heather McGhee's book The Sum of Us to examine how zero-sum thinking impacts race relations and public resources, praising how the author brilliantly explores the societal consequences of the mindset that one group's progress requires another's decline. In a separate discussion concerning political decorations and recent administration details, Wagner mentioned the book Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, using it to highlight specific anecdotes about Donald Trump within the White House. Through these literary references, Wagner incorporates contemporary nonfiction and reporting into her podcast commentary, using them to provide deeper context for ongoing political debates and contemporary American history.
Books recommended by Alex Wagner
-
The Sum of Us
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee is an examination of how zero-sum racial narratives undermine public goods, economic stability, and civic infrastructure for society as a whole.
Recommended“And all of this, I will just say, is explored so brilliantly by my friend Heather McGee in her book, The Sum of Us, which is like the idea of if someone else is doing better, that means you're doing worse.”
Where to get it
-
Regime Change
Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan is a political book examining the inner workings and controversies of the Trump administration.
Discussed“I guess it's in Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's new book Regime Change, but Trump literally has like is it a glue gun?”
Where to get it
Books Alex Wagner wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Cox Richardson on Trump’s 250th Celebrations | Pod Save America | 2026-06-21 | 1 |
| Don Lemon SLAMS Trump After ICE Protest Arrest | Pod Save America | 2026-03-29 | 1 |
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“I'm in town because I am here shamelessly promoting my excellent essential new book, The Steel. Four right-wing hardliners, one Republican presidency, and the Parade on America's Courts.”
“It all fits in very nicely with the themes of my new book, John, which talks about the partisan takeover of the federal judiciary and the decadesl long plot to make the bench a a field of battle for partisan politics and specifically the conservative plot to take the highest court in the land.”