Hacks On Tap
275 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6.3K ratingsWhen David Axelrod, Mike Murphy and Robert Gibbs get together to talk politics, it’s not academic. They speak from the perspective gained through hundreds of campaigns for offices from City Hall to the White House. So if you want to know what’s really going on behind the scenes, where strategic decisions are being made, pull up a stool for Hacks on Tap. Incisive, sometimes uproarious and always entertaining, these political warhorses and their guests will give you insights you’ll only get from folks who have spent a lifetime in the political trenches of both parties.
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Episodes
Some Other Dude Did It (with Paul Begala)
April 13, 2022 00:15 - 1 hourPaul Begala, CNN contributor and former counselor to President Bill Clinton, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss rising consumer prices, the “some other dude did it” defense, Biden’s budding immigration issue, and Trump’s endorsement of Dr. Oz in Pennsylvania.
Introducing Reflections of History with Jon Meacham
April 11, 2022 07:00 - 2 minutesC13 Originals and Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Jon Meacham, co-creators of the 2021 Webby Award-winning Best Podcast Series It Was Said and the acclaimed podcast Hope, Through History, join together again for a brand-new series that will guide listeners through critical moments in our history. Every Monday through Friday, Meacham travels back to impactful events that occurred on that date in history—the birth of a visionary filmmaker, the debut of an iconic athlete, the disc...
Gas & Groceries (with Steve Israel)
April 05, 2022 23:15 - 1 hourFormer Congressman and chair of the DCCC Steve Israel joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the domestic policy challenges that stem from the war in Ukraine, Democrats’ strategy for the midterms, the special election in Alaska, and what will move swing voters in November.
The Walkback of the Walkback
March 29, 2022 23:32 - 57 minutesThis week Axe and Gibbs were joined by the inimitable New York Times reporter and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman to discuss Biden’s trip to Poland, the January 6th committee, Trump on the campaign trail, and so much more!
Chronicles of the Culture Wars (with Ron Brownstein)
March 22, 2022 22:18 - 1 hourJournalist and CNN senior political analyst Ron Brownstein joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, how the culture wars may shape upcoming elections, the changing demographics in the country, and the races that will decide control of the Senate.
Bad For Business (with Stephanie Cutter)
March 15, 2022 23:08 - 1 hourDemocratic strategist and communications guru Stephanie Cutter joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the importance of message discipline for both parties as we approach the midterms, the latest polling numbers, and Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court.
Margin of Error (with Mark Mellman)
March 09, 2022 00:42 - 1 hourPollster Mark Mellman joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the domestic political implications of Biden’s decision to ban Russian energy imports, how Democrats should move forward with their agenda ahead of the midterm elections, and the growing influence of Latino voters in the US.
State of the State of the Union
March 02, 2022 08:51 - 50 minutesThe Hacks convene for a special late-night recap of President Biden’s first State of the Union address. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss Biden’s rebuke of Putin, the moments of rare bipartisan unity, the speech’s messaging misses and successes, and the country’s esteemed designated survivor.
The State of the Union Is… (with Jon Favreau)
February 23, 2022 04:24 - 1 hourJon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America, host of Offline, and former speechwriter for Barack Obama, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss Biden’s condemnation of Putin’s aggression toward Ukraine, the political implications of US sanctions against Russia, what Biden needs to accomplish in his upcoming State of the Union speech, and whether Trump’s legal troubles will impact his political future.
The RINO Rebellion? (with Amy Walter)
February 16, 2022 00:41 - 1 hourThis week, Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the latest in the Trump vs. McConnell saga, the political influence of parents, and Biden’s upcoming State of the Union speech.
Legitimate Political Discourse
February 09, 2022 02:01 - 1 hourNot one but two guest Hacks join Axe this week while Murphy and Gibbs are away on assignment. John Heilemann, Executive Editor of The Recount, and Amanda Carpenter, political columnist for The Bulwark, chat with Axe about Mike Pence’s attempt to pivot away from Trump, the RNC’s censure of Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, whether Democrats should invoke Trump in the midterm elections, the latest chapter of Covid politics, and Biden’s Supreme Court nomination process.
Eruption of Mt. Orange
February 02, 2022 02:54 - 1 hourThis week, the Hacks assemble to mark episode number 150. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss the strength of Trump’s grip on the GOP, the latest in the standoff with Russia, the politics of the Supreme Court, and why at the end of the day, political messaging rules all.
Reset Report Card (with Jennifer Palmieri)
January 26, 2022 00:14 - 1 hourJennifer Palmieri, co-host of Showtime’s The Circus and former White House communications director, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss Biden’s hot mic moment, escalating tensions with Russia over Ukraine, how the Biden administration should communicate the story of America’s resilience, and Newt Gingrich’s gift to Democrats.
The Almighty vs The Alternative (with Jonathan Martin)
January 19, 2022 02:02 - 1 hourAs the anniversary of President Biden’s inauguration approaches, the Hacks called in Jonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, to reflect on Biden’s first year in office. They discuss whether Biden needs a reset, the fate of some of the administration’s key legislation, the messaging and campaign strategies for both parties in the midterms, and if we’re witnessing the early signs of a Donald Trump vs Ron DeSantis showdown.
Joltin’ Joe Comes Out Swinging (with Addisu Demissie)
January 11, 2022 23:52 - 1 hourDemocratic political strategist Addisu Demissie joins Axe and Murphy to discuss President Biden’s speech on the anniversary of the January 6th attack on the Capitol, his condemnation of Trump, the voting rights fight, and the fate of the filibuster in the Senate. The Hacks also posit their essay contest vs. multiple choice election theory and examine the 2022 Senate map.
The Madman Behind The Curtain
January 05, 2022 01:57 - 1 hourMark McKinnon, the Stetson-wearing executive producer and co-host of Showtime’s the Circus, joins Gibbs and Murphy to help the Hacks kick off 2022. With the one-year anniversary of January 6th looming, the Hacks discuss the House select committee’s investigation into the attack on the Capitol, Trump’s legal troubles, and what Biden can learn from Hollywood.
Hacky Holidays, Mailbag Edition!
December 22, 2021 03:17 - 1 hourTo mark the end of 2021, Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy convene for a special holiday mailbag edition of Hacks on Tap. The Hacks discuss Manchin’s Build Back Better bombshell before taking questions from our esteemed listeners. Plus, Murphy’s year is made when a very special guest makes a surprise appearance.
GOPuppets (with Steve Bullock)
December 15, 2021 02:40 - 1 hourFormer Montana Governor Steve Bullock joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the warning signs he sees for Democrats in rural America, the messaging challenges around Biden’s Build Back Better bill, the latest revelations from the January 6th committee, and speculation about the 2024 presidential race.
20/24 Vision (with Bill Kristol)
December 08, 2021 00:30 - 1 hourBill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark and director of Defending Democracy Together, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss some of the must-watch races in 2022, Trump’s continued efforts to subvert our democracy, and Kristol provides his “lit” 2024 Democratic ticket prediction.
Kitten Swipes and Variant Fights (with John Heilemann)
December 01, 2021 00:42 - 1 hourJohn Heilemann, executive editor of The Recount and host of the Hell & High Water podcast, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the political ramifications of the new coronavirus variant, whether the Biden administration should wade into the culture wars, and the shocking normalization of political violence in this country. Plus, Murphy introduces us to the one and only Uncle Walt.
Inflation Nation (with Tony Fabrizio)
November 17, 2021 00:40 - 1 hourVeteran Republican pollster and strategist Tony Fabrizio joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the long-awaited signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, whether the legislation will have a measurable impact on upcoming elections, the political implications for rising prices, and this week’s “WTF” moment.
Process Over Substance (with Amy Walter)
November 10, 2021 02:00 - 1 hourAmy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the disconnect between the positive economic indicators and Americans’ pessimism about the state of the country, the passage of the infrastructure bill and the messaging opportunities and challenges it presents for the Biden administration, and the Hacks experience their own supply chain issues live on air.
Dems In Disarray?
November 03, 2021 22:08 - 1 hourAxe, Gibbs, and Murphy assemble to discuss Election Day 2021, including the rough night for Democrats, the impact of national politics on local races, the reset Democrats—and Biden—need in order to avoid huge losses in the midterms, and whether Glenn Youngkin has successfully cracked the code when it comes to GOP success in the Trump era.
Off To The Races (with Dave Wasserman)
October 27, 2021 01:12 - 1 hourDave Wasserman, US House editor of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the final stretch of the Virginia governor’s race, the impact of Democrats’ actions—or lack thereof—in Congress on the upcoming election, and the latest redistricting developments and projections for the midterms. Plus, Wasserman reveals how he came up with his iconic phrase, “I’ve seen enough.”
All Roads Go Through Virginia
October 19, 2021 22:12 - 1 hourThis week the hacks look into their crystal ball with former Virginia Congressman Tom Davis to discuss Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial election. Then, they time travel to figure out how Biden can make big moves to pass his infrastructure bill and how the 2022 midterms could effect leadership positions in both the Democratic and Republican Party. Plus, Murphy taps into his artistic side when he answers a listener question from the mailbag!
The Shot Clock Ticks
October 12, 2021 23:47 - 1 hourThis week, Steve Israel, former Congressman and future bookshop owner, joined Axe and Murphy to talk about Trump’s endorsement of Chuck Grassley, Trump’s power over the GOP and how Dems can use it to fuel turnout in 2022, the Virginia Governor’s race, never-ending negotiations on the hill, and much more!
Here’s The Deal?
October 05, 2021 23:36 - 1 hourAxe, Gibbs, and Murphy are together again (and full of puns) to discuss Biden hitting the road to tout his “Build Back Better” plan, the debt ceiling debacle, Trump’s upcoming trip to Iowa, and the latest in Virginia’s gubernatorial race.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road (with John Anzalone)
September 28, 2021 23:32 - 59 minutesJohn Anzalone, a longtime Democratic pollster who polls for President Biden, joins Gibbs and Murphy to talk about this “eventful” week in Washington. The Hacks discuss Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s latest plan for the infrastructure bill and the Democrats’ reconciliation bill, how the events of this week might impact messaging for the 2022 midterm elections, and President Biden’s approval rating.
A High-Wire Act (with Jonathan Martin)
September 21, 2021 23:49 - 55 minutesJonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the rift between progressive and moderate Democrats over the size and scope of their economic agenda, the latest example of Trump’s grip on the Republican Party, and whether foreign policy matters to voters.
A New Day For Newsom (with Dana Bash)
September 16, 2021 01:55 - 1 hourDana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent, co-anchor of State of the Union, and host of the new podcast Total Recall: California’s Political Circus, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the results of the California recall election and the key takeaways for Democrats’ messaging as we head into the midterms. The Hacks also cover the latest on the Democrats’ social spending package and ponder whether Independents are truly independent.
Can the Golden State Stay Blue? (with Peter Hamby)
September 07, 2021 23:27 - 1 hourPeter Hamby, host of Snapchat’s Good Luck America and founding partner of and contributor to Puck, joins Gibbs and Murphy for a deep dive into the upcoming recall election in California, including how the effort to remove Governor Gavin Newsom from office came to be and their predictions about whether he survives. Plus, the Hacks discuss Texas’ new abortion ban and its impact on the 2022 midterm elections.
The Short vs. Long Term (with Bill Kristol)
August 24, 2021 23:50 - 1 hourAxe and Gibbs are joined by Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark, to discuss the public perception and political ramifications of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the resurgence of COVID and its implications for Biden’s approval rating and beyond, and the needle Nancy Pelosi must thread in order to advance Biden’s agenda.
The Collapse of Afghanistan
August 18, 2021 00:04 - 1 hourIt’s all Hacks on deck this week as Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy convene to discuss the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the scenes of panic and chaos in Kabul, Biden’s address to the nation, and the political implications of it all. Plus, the Hacks unpack the latest in the Democrats’ efforts to pass Biden’s economic agenda and the most recent developments in the California recall election.
Pugnacious Pols & Bipartisan Bills (with Paul Begala)
August 11, 2021 01:19 - 57 minutesPaul Begala, CNN contributor and former counselor to President Clinton, joins Axe and Murphy to help make sense of not one but two breaking news alerts in the span of one hour. The Hacks discuss the most recent efforts by some members of the GOP to further politicize the pandemic, the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and where the legislation goes from here.
Mixed Messages (with Mark McKinnon)
August 04, 2021 01:07 - 1 hourPrivate first class hackaroo Mark McKinnon, executive producer and co-host of Showtime’s The Circus, joins Axe and Gibbs to talk about the CDC’s messaging mishaps, the New York Attorney General’s finding that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed state employees, and how much political currency bipartisanship actually wields.
U.S. House of Horrors (with Jackie Calmes)
July 28, 2021 00:35 - 1 hourJackie Calmes, national columnist for the Los Angeles Times and author of Dissent: The Radicalization of the Republican Party and Its Capture of the Court, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the powerful testimony delivered during the opening hearing on the insurrection, the latest bumps in the road for infrastructure negotiations, the impact of the Delta variant on Biden's agenda, and the "Shakespearean" tales playing out around the country.
Baseball Bats and Ghirardelli (with Steve Israel)
July 21, 2021 00:26 - 57 minutesThis week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by former Congressman Steve Israel who graciously shared his expertise as a former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair to discuss redistricting, campaign fundraising, and the upcoming 2022 midterms. They also discussed infrastructure negotiations and the (both physical and metaphorical) tools Nancy Pelosi uses to negotiate, Murphy explains his WWII analogy, and more!
Texas Hold ‘Em (with Al Franken)
July 14, 2021 01:13 - 1 hourFormer Minnesota Senator Al Franken joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the latest lunacy to come out of CPAC, the escalating fight over voting rights and the possibility of a filibuster carve-out, and whether the largest price spike since 2008 will impact negotiations in Congress.
123: A Tale of Two Tracks (with Bill Kristol)
July 06, 2021 23:19 - 66.3 MBBill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark and director of Defending Democracy Together, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss efforts to increase vaccination rates amid heightened concerns about the Delta variant, the two-track infrastructure legislation, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Vice President Kamala Harris, and the politics of US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A Tale of Two Tracks (with Bill Kristol)
July 06, 2021 23:19 - 1 hourBill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark and director of Defending Democracy Together, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss efforts to increase vaccination rates amid heightened concerns about the Delta variant, the two-track infrastructure legislation, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Vice President Kamala Harris, and the politics of US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Rocky Road (with Stephanie Cutter)
June 29, 2021 23:34 - 58 minutesDemocratic political strategist and communications expert Stephanie Cutter joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the efforts to save the bipartisan infrastructure deal after Biden’s botched rollout, the early jockeying among ’24 GOP presidential hopefuls to capture the Trump base, and whether Vice President Kamala Harris has been set up for success. Plus, the Hacks discuss the triumph that was the reimagined Democratic National Convention and inauguration celebration, both of which are eligible fo...
Tyranny of the Minority (with Amy Walter)
June 22, 2021 22:29 - 58 minutesAmy Walter, national editor of the Cook Political Report and a PBS NewsHour contributor, joins Axe and Gibbs to talk about the “political theater” surrounding the voting rights bill, the likelihood that Democrats stay united on infrastructure spending, and how rising crime in New York City has shaped the focus of the city’s mayoral primary.
Biden Takes the World Stage (with Howard Wolfson)
June 15, 2021 22:47 - 1 hourHoward Wolfson, Democratic political strategist and former Deputy Mayor of New York City, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Joe Biden’s first foreign trip as president, why this is a pivotal moment for democracy, and the challenges that remain for a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Plus, the Hacks take a deep dive into New York City’s mayoral race and explore the ways in which the primary is a microcosm of the debate over messaging in the Democratic Party.
Infra-STUCK-ure (with Charlie Sykes)
June 09, 2021 00:19 - 1 hourCharlie Sykes, Editor at Large of The Bulwark, host of the Bulwark Podcast, and author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind” joined Gibbs and an optimistic Murphy to discuss the overtime infrastructure talks, Senator Manchin and good faith negotiations, Trump’s return to the campaign trail, and what this all means for the 2022 midterms.
Building Bridges (with Jonathan Martin)
June 01, 2021 21:33 - 1 hourJonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the make or break moment for infrastructure talks, whether a bill to restrict voting in Texas will reinvigorate the voting rights debate in the Senate, and why 2021 might be the best of times and the worst of times for progressives. Plus, the Hacks discussion Jonathan’s reporting on how races in New Mexico and Arkansas are test cases for both parties ahead of the midterms. Learn more a...
Infrastructure Week? (with Rahm Emanuel)
May 25, 2021 23:47 - 1 hourFormer Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the latest twists and turns in the negotiations over infrastructure spending and Biden’s agenda more broadly, the continued GOP infighting, and whether foreign policy—and the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas—will be a priority for voters in the 2022 midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inconvenient Truths (with Barbara Comstock)
May 19, 2021 00:19 - 1 hourFormer Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock joins Axe and Murphy to discuss what lies ahead for the GOP after Rep. Liz Cheney’s removal from House leadership, the likelihood that a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol attack will be established, the politics of unmasking, and how the Supreme Court’s decision to hear an abortion case could impact the midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Weather Vanes & Freedom Fights (with Mark Mellman)
May 11, 2021 23:21 - 1 hourDemocratic pollster and strategist Mark Mellman joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the impending removal of Rep. Liz Cheney from House Republican leadership, what her likely departure says about internal GOP dynamics, the latest wave of controversial voting laws, and Biden’s proposed tax increase and what it portends for the midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Davos of Bipartisanship (with Karl Rove)
May 05, 2021 01:10 - 1 hourKarl Rove, former deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush and current Fox News contributor and Wall Street Journal columnist, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the latest GOP infighting and Trump’s continued influence on the party, how redistricting will impact the 2022 midterms and beyond, and whether a bipartisan agreement on anything from infrastructure to immigration can be reached in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to Fate of Fact
May 03, 2021 07:01 - 4 minutesWelcome to a new audio documentary, Fate of Fact, a presentation of Shining City Audio, a C13Originals and Jon Meacham studio. Throughout the course of five episodes in season one, Pulitzer-Prize winning and best-selling historian, Jon Meacham and esteemed guests, will explore the question of how fear conquered truth, the history and origins of the strong grip misinformation and disinformation have on our politics , and how we got here today. Meacham will trace the roots of America’s prevail...