Hacks On Tap
Cadence13
When David Axelrod and Mike Murphy 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.
Location:
United States
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Networks:
Cadence13
Description:
When David Axelrod and Mike Murphy 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.
Language:
English
Website:
http://www.hacksontap.com/
Episodes
Trending Right (with Jonathan Martin)
1/14/2025
This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by fan favorite and all-around cool guy Jonathan Martin! The Hacks kick things off with a front-line report from Mike Murphy on the LA wildfires, unpacking the implications for the city and the state’s future. They also dive into the status of Trump’s nominees, the business world cozying up to Trump, Biden’s evolving legacy, and the escalating drama within Trump’s inner circle.
Duration:01:09:09
Hackzpah (with Jonathan Alter)
1/7/2025
Happy New Year, Hackeroos! Axe and Murphy rang in the new year with a journalism icon, the incomparable Jonathan Alter. Author of His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life, Alter joins the Hacks to reflect on the passing of President Carter and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. The Hacks also delve into the Biden transition, Trump’s ongoing legal battles, what to expect from his appointments and campaign promises, and the ever-changing role of social media in our democracy—along with the responsibility social media executives bear in shaping it.
Duration:01:12:21
End of Year Hack Fest
12/17/2024
‘Twas a night filled with headlines, and all through the pod, not a topic was skipped—not even David’s odd plod. Drones in the skies, with surveillance to show, Trump’s lawsuits piled like stockings with care, while inaugural donations danced through the air. Inflation will be “slashed,” or so Trump has claimed, and RFK vowed, with no hint of delay, to make Big Pharma ads completely go away. So gather around for sharp wit and good cheer—It’s the wildest wrap-up, the last pod of the year!
Duration:01:04:41
The Ol' Razzle Dazzle (with John Anzalone)
12/10/2024
This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by expert Hack and pollster to the stars, John Anzalone. The Hacks dissect Trump’s Meet the Press interview, defy political gravity to forecast Trump’s future appointments, and ponder the fate of bipartisanship in a second Trump era. Plus, the guys tackle campaign loyalty, the screaming January 6th jail birds, and the state of the Democratic bench.
Duration:01:02:25
Pardon Politics (with Chris Christie)
12/3/2024
This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie! The Hacks dive into Christie’s unique insights as Donald Trump’s former Transition Team Chairman to explore what a second Trump term might look like: which cabinet picks are likely to stick, and which ones are simply Trump’s way of flipping the bird. Plus, the guys unpack the Hunter Biden pardon drama and ask Christie for his thoughts on the Kushner ambassadorship—an ironic twist, given their history.
Duration:01:11:23
Hacksgiving Minnesode (Dontcha Know)
11/26/2024
Happy Hacksgiving, Hackeroos! As Axe bastes his turkey to perfection, Murphy and Heilemann carved out time this morning to talk about the true meaning of Thanksgiving—tariffs (the world’s most romantic word), moronomics, and the latest recipe for chaos courtesy of Trump’s cabinet picks. Plus, the stuffing-filled scrum for DNC leadership.
We’re so grateful for all of you, our faithful listeners—without you, we’d just be a bunch of turkeys talking into the void.
Duration:00:53:28
The New Non-Normal (with Jonathan Martin)
11/19/2024
This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by international Hack savant Jonathan Martin. The trio dives into Trump’s nomination circus, ranking his picks by sheer audacity and dissecting their broader implications. They also tackle the fight for DNC chair, the unraveling of democratic norms, and a potential political clash as wild as two tomcats in a pillowcase.
Duration:01:01:37
Picking Through the Rubble
11/12/2024
This week, the Hacks report from the esteemed Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. They sift through the aftermath of the election to analyze the strategies of both the Trump and Harris campaigns, Trump’s proposed appointments, the battle for leadership, and what these developments mean for the next four years and beyond.
Duration:00:57:40
Election Post-Mortem
11/7/2024
Well folks, we have our results. Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dive into the numbers and break down what this means for the next four years. They also explore the dynamics of both campaigns, analyzing shifting polling trends, key battleground states, and the broader political landscape to offer their insights on what the next chapter in American politics will hold.
Duration:01:12:50
Landing the Plane
11/4/2024
On the eve of the election, the excitement is palpable as voters get ready to cast their ballots. The Hacks gather for one last huddle, dissecting the campaign’s vibe shift, Trump’s latest missteps, and the buzz from the new Iowa Seltzer poll. They recap the whirlwind of the past ten days and Murphy throws in a bold prediction. Tune in to find out what they’re thinking—and don’t forget to make your voice heard and vote!
Duration:00:37:16
Girls v. Boys
11/2/2024
Happy Saturday, Hackeroos! This morning, the Hacks gathered for a pre-Election spectacular you won’t want to miss! They recorded a double minisode, diving into topics like candy a$$ draft dodgers, closing arguments, and Elon’s payolas. Plus, they explore the final paid media spots from both campaigns. Tune in for all the insights!
Duration:00:52:43
Crazier & Crazier
10/29/2024
With the election just a week away, the political landscape is like a reality show finale—full of drama, plot twists, and a few surprise guest stars! Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dissect Trump’s tumultuous NYC rally, compare the enemies list versus the to-do list, explore the art of channeling the negative force, discuss Beyoncé (!), analyze Trump’s Joe Rogan interview, delve into Michelle Obama’s impassioned speech, and so much more! Listen to the end for a special celebrity mailbag question!
Duration:00:59:37
The Sprint
10/22/2024
Well, Hackeroos, we’re just two weeks away from the big showdown! Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann are really getting to the shaft of things as they discuss the final sprint of the Harris and Trump Campaign. The Hacks discuss Trump’s obsession with Arnold Palmer, Harris’s Fox News interview, Trump losing energy, the blue wall thesis, nose holding republicans, campaign messaging, early mail vote counts, and so much more!
Duration:01:11:13
Margin of Effort (with Ron Brownstein)
10/15/2024
Hack-A-Doodle-Doo! We are three weeks out from election day, so Axe & Murphy have enlisted their favorite political whiz, Ron Brownstein, the human encyclopedia of hackfoolery! The Hacks break down the state of the race, dissect Harris’s messaging hits and misses, and explore how the popular vote, Senate, and House races could differ from the top of the ticket. They’ll introduce you to a lovely hammer-swinging couple, discuss giant magnets, layer cakes, and so much more!
Duration:01:07:59
Murder Genes & Media Gymnastics (with Mike Bender)
10/8/2024
This week, Heilemann and Murphy were joined by the esteemed and remarkably flexible Mike Bender, NYT political correspondent and author of Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost. The Hacks break down murder genes, Harris’s media blitz, take bets on whether there will be another presidential debate, moments of crazy strength, being in the zone, wiggly flip-flopping, and so much more.
Duration:01:18:02
VP Debate
10/2/2024
Three bleary-eyed, bloviating Hacks convened this morning to dissect the VP debate. The Hacks leave no stone unturned, exploring everything from electric vehicle politics to eyeliner choices—because it's all fair game, as long as the leading man isn’t upstaged. Tune in to hear about manatee killer instincts, Vance’s early debate wins, Walz’s underdog finish, a slick yet sloppy tie, and so much more!
Duration:01:01:07
Poller Coaster (with Alyssa Farah Griffin)
9/24/2024
This week Axe and Murphy were joined Alyssa Farah Griffin, host of The View and former Trump White House communications staffer. The Hacks dive into poll-a-palooza, viral pet songs, Trump’s internal messaging battle, radioactive candidates, and so much more. Buckle up!
Duration:01:06:25
It’s the Economy, Stupid (with James Carville)
9/16/2024
This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by The Ragin' Cajun himself. They explored the latest political developments, including another assassination attempt on Trump, the case Kamala Harris and her team need to make, and a thorough analysis of the economy and Bidenomics. They also previewed the upcoming documentary that chronicles Carville’s career and the battles he’s fought—because if anyone knows how to tell a legendary story, it’s Carville!
Duration:01:03:32
Debate Post Mortem
9/11/2024
In a caffeine-fueled fever dream, three overworked faux doctors gathered this morning to dissect last night’s presidential debate. Join us as our "medical experts" administer a thorough post-mortem on the debate’s highs and lows: from the subtle art of baiting former presidents to whether your furry friends are in danger from political shrapnel. We’ll also diagnose the hot-button issues, dissect the theatrical stagecraft, and predict the political fallout with a dose of diagnostic wit.
Duration:01:05:09
Debate Preview
9/9/2024
This morning the Hacks gathered bright and early just for you, to dish out a can’t-miss debate preview. As the post-convention sugar high fades and a fresh New York Times poll shakes up the race, the Hacks dive into the high-stakes drama of the upcoming debate. They break down how each camp is gearing up for the spotlight, what we can expect from the moderators, and much more. Plus, in a truly scientific endeavor, the guys offer their highly precise, definitely-not-just-a-guess estimates on TV audience size. Don’t miss it!
Duration:00:33:22