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Hacks On Tap

Cadence13

When 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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United States

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Cadence13

Description:

When 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.

Language:

English

Episodes

Trump Trouble in River City: A Deep Dive Into The IA GOP Caucus (With David Kochel)

3/21/2023
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.

Duration:01:04:07

The Orange Caligula (with Charlie Sykes)

3/14/2023
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!

Duration:01:02:07

The Payback Playbook (with Maggie Haberman)

3/7/2023
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!

Duration:01:06:36

Woke Wars (with Amy Walter)

2/28/2023
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.

Duration:01:03:09

Three Dimensional Vulcan Chess (with Doug Heye)

2/21/2023
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.

Duration:01:03:09

Medicare, Medicare, Medicare (with Steve Israel)

2/14/2023
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.

Duration:00:59:32

State Of The SOTU

2/8/2023
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!

Duration:01:02:14

I’m Right, You’re Evil (with Mark Mellman)

1/31/2023
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...

Duration:01:02:04

No There There (with Bill Kristol)

1/24/2023
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).

Duration:00:51:22

Mud On Biden’s Tuxedo

1/17/2023
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!

Duration:01:07:50

C-SPAN’s Greatest Hits (with Dave Wasserman)

1/10/2023
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.

Duration:01:04:01

The First Annual Hacky Awards!

12/20/2022
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!

Duration:01:07:38

Palace Intrigue (with Doug Heye)

12/13/2022
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!

Duration:01:04:12

Run Off Run Up (with Mo Elleithee)

12/6/2022
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!

Duration:01:05:12

The Dust Has Settled (with Ron Brownstein)

11/29/2022
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...

Duration:01:05:45

The Crow Episode

11/15/2022
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.

Duration:01:06:44

Prepping for the Apocalypse from Story of the Week

11/12/2022
Here’s a preview of a new podcast, Story of the Week. Each week, journalist Joel Stein chooses an article that fascinates him, convinces the writer to tell him about it, and then interrupts a good conversation by talking about himself. Sometimes the story will be the one everyone is talking about, like the New Yorker article on smoking hallucinogenic toads. Other times, it’s a story you might have missed, like the one in the Verge about the rock groupie turned hacker who had huge...

Duration:00:12:02

The Whackadoodle Factor (with Jonathan Martin)

11/10/2022
The midterm special hackathon extravaganza is finally here and we couldn’t think of a better guest to join us than POLITICO’s Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Columnist, Jonathan Martin. The Hacks discuss the results we have from the midterms and breakdown what that means for control of the Senate, House, and eventually The White House!

Duration:01:04:50

The Only Poll That Matters

11/1/2022
In their final episode before the midterms all three Hacks convene to discuss Obama emerging on the campaign trail, they update us on key races including: Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Utah — and they prepare us for the midterms — will it be a ripple or a wave? And don’t forget, your vote matters, VOTE!

Duration:01:05:21

Dire, Not Catastrophic (with Amy Walter)

10/25/2022
This week the Hacks were joined by a super esteemed Hackeroo, the formidable Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Together they put on their beer goggles to look back on past elections for context on today’s polarization; discuss upcoming debates, viral moments, and narrative benders; and talk all things midterms and gut instincts. Plus David’s dog, Mac, gets a shoutout! Woof!

Duration:00:59:55

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