Hacks on Tap with David Axelrod and Mike Murphy

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by expert Hack and political Scribe Jonathan Martin of POLITICO. The Hacks review GOP primary attack ads, discuss the rollercoaster that is DeSantis’ feud with Disney, break down Diane Feinstein’s Senate absence and what this could mean for the battle for her seat, and Murphy goes on a trip to Iowa!

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by their favorite guest Hack, John Heilemann, of Showtime’s The Circus. The guys talk about Biden’s history of slow walking, the DNC announcement that the 2024 convention will be in the great city of Chicago (not that any of the Hacks are biased), the expulsion of two of the Tennessee Three, and how the GOP presidential contenders can be successful beyond Trump. 

This uneventful week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by gentleman Hack Paul Begala to discuss the first ever criminal indictment of a U.S. President. The Hacks break down the indictment, Trump’s surrender, and his speech. Plus the Hacks are joined by their Midwestern correspondent to dive into the Chicago Mayor’s race as well as the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race. 

Axe and Murphy are joined by Mark McKinnon of Showtime’s “The Circus” to talk about the latest three-ring political spectacle. The Hacks break down Trump's most recent legal battles and give a campaign trail update. And in light of another horrific school shooting they talk about the politics of gun safety legislation. 

This week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by Mr. Iowa himself, super hack extraordinaire David Kochel. The Hacks address the indictment incitement (and excitement) looming over Manhattan, how Trump and his GOP friends and foes are responding, and how this will impact the 2024 election. Plus the Hacks dive deep into the cornfields of Iowa and discuss the upcoming caucus, the advantages and disadvantages for the current slate of GOP candidates, and of course the Iowa State Fair butter cow.

Charlie Sykes, Editor at Large of The Bulwark, host of the Bulwark Podcast, and author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind” joined Axe and Murphy to talk about the SVB bank crisis, the politics of bailouts, debt ceiling and budget negotiations, we check in on the Republicans on the campaign trail, and they look ahead to what all of this means for 2024, and beyond!

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for the New York Times and a legendary reporter, to discuss all things Trump v. DeSantis. The Hacks break down their dueling speeches, mixed messages, loyalty pledges, nicknames, insults, and so much more! 

This week the Hacks were joined by a superstar Hackeroo, the formidable Amy Walter, who is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Amy joined Axe and Gibbs (Murphy was busy voting in Chicago) to discuss the DeSantis book tour, Trump’s standing in the Republican Party, the Michigan Senate race, and what and when to expect results from the Chicago Mayor’s race.  Plus David previews his Axe Files interview with Peter Meijer.

This week the Hacks were joined by Hackeroo (and very friendly guy) Doug Heye. Doug taps into his experience as the former communications director for the RNC and deputy chief of staff to Eric Cantor to discuss the 2024 primary field, Biden’s recent trip to Ukraine, and how age will factor into both Biden and Trump’s next steps. The Hacks also dive into the Midwest and look at a Wisconsin Supreme Court Race and the Chicago Mayor’s race.

Former Congressman and chair of the DCCC Steve Israel joins Axe and Murphy for our duo Valentines Day and 200th episode special(!) to discuss the all the hot air over spy balloons, social security as a campaign message, Trump vs. DeSantis, and honestly, Trump vs. Everyone.

Three bleary-eyed Hacks convene to discuss Biden’s State of the Union address. Axe and Gibbs reflect on their experience in crafting SOTU speeches and the various special interests that you have to navigate. The Hacks also break down Biden’s acuity, his messaging, the historical significance of this speech, and the various shushing, swearing, and shouting that occurred. Plus, Axe learns what a Karen is!

This week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by Super Pollster Extraordinaire Mark Mellman. The Hacks set the stage for Biden’s State of the Union address: how does this historically impact presidential approval ratings, what are the marching orders Biden will give his base, and how will he define the Republican Party? They also look back at the 2022 midterms, discuss Trump campaigning in South Carolina over the weekend, and discuss the Chicago mayor’s race. Plus Murphy challenges you to a joke-off!

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the ongoing classified documents probe and the impact it could have on 2024, Ron Klain’s departure from the White House, and how secret documents should be handled. Plus, Mike “longtime Chicago voter” Murphy shares his thoughts on the upcoming Chicago mayoral election (along with actual voter David Axelrod).

This week the Hacks were joined by Super Hackeroo Douglas Heye who led comms shops in the House, Senate, and for the RNC. The Hacks dive into the nuances and intricacies of the House Rules Committee, discuss the enigma that is George Santos (is that really his name?), the Biden classified documents saga, and so much more!

The Hacks kick off 2023 with esteemed guest Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Axe, Murphy, and Wasserman discuss the dramatic election for Speaker of the House and what it reveals about internal House dynamics, the discovery of classified documents in Biden’s private office, the Biden administration’s stance on immigration, and upcoming elections around the country to keep an eye on, including the Chicago mayoral race. 

The Hacks convene to host the first annual post-midterm end of year holiday spectacular award show! Join us as we award the biggest winners and losers of 2022, the biggest political story of the year, best and worst campaigns of the year, the biggest missed story of 2022, the biggest story to expect in 2023, and the Hacks give honorable mentions to the rising stars in each party! We hope you have a Hacky New Year!

This week the Hacks were joined by Hackeroo (and very friendly guy) Doug Heye. Doug taps into his experience as the former communications director for the RNC and deputy chief of staff to Eric Cantor to discuss the Republican in-fighting for the next Speaker of the House. The Hacks also discuss the strategy behind Sinema leaving the Democratic Party, how that shapes upcoming races, and so much more!

Mo Elleithee, former communications director for the Democratic National Committee and current executive director of the Georgetown Institute of Politics, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss all things Georgia on runoff day — the final ads, Biden and Trump’s influence there, and what the results will mean for both parties. Mo also walks us through the new primary schedules and how that could reshape elections as we know them! Plus so much more!

This week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by a man whose many titles will take up most of our episode description. He is a Senior Editor at The Atlantic, a Senior Political Analyst for CNN, and the author of “Rock Me on the Water: 1974 — The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics”. Now that the dust has settled they look back on the midterms and discuss the upcoming races, if there are still swing states, and the future of both parties. Plus Ron shares his favorite book! 

It’s the one-week anniversary of the 2022 midterms and to celebrate Gibbs and Murphy dive deep into the results. The Republicans may have underperformed nationally but where did they make state gains and why? Who is on the Democratic bench for 2024 and who will they face on the Republican side? Does anyone read our listener mailbag questions anymore? All of these questions, and more, will be addressed! Tune in.