Hacks On Tap
Vox Media
When David Axelrod, Mike Murphy, and John Heilemann 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.
From the Vox Media Podcast Network
From the Vox Media Podcast Network
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
End of Year Show
The hosts reflect on a turbulent year in politics, examining the backlash from Indiana Republicans against Trump's redistricting efforts. They discuss the impact of rising health-care premiums as Congress faces a critical time. There’s a deep dive into Trump's economic claims versus reality and the signs of fatigue among Republicans regarding his leadership. The show concludes with thoughts on emerging Democratic candidates and political strategies for 2026, alongside heartfelt tributes to public figures who passed this year.
58 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Canary in the Keystone Mine (with Bob Shrum)
Bob Shrum, a legendary Democratic strategist and former director of USC's Center for the Political Future, shares his insights on Trump's waning influence amidst economic troubles. They discuss potential messaging strategies for Trump and the GOP's internal struggles, including retirements and divisions. Shrum highlights the importance of focusing on opportunity and affordability for the Democrats while pondering the future of Trumpism. The conversation delves into signs of Trump fatigue, including cognitive decline, and anticipates potential contenders for 2028.
40 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h
Wag the Dog
The discussion touches on the implications of the Tennessee special election, exploring how it reflects national political dynamics. The hosts delve into Trump's cultural attacks and the significance of GOP retirements. They analyze the recent tragic National Guard shooting and critique responses to it. The complexities of Ukraine negotiations are examined, alongside thoughts on military legal risks and Trump's perceived vulnerabilities. Throughout, corgis provide amusing metaphors as they assess the influence of regional politics on broader trends.
65 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
Irrational exuberance (with Steve Israel)
Steve Israel, former U.S. congressman and author, returns with insights on congressional politics, redistricting, and campaign strategies. He discusses the implications of the Epstein files release and how it affects Republican turnout. They dive into Marjorie Taylor Greene's political maneuvers and her distancing from Trump. Israel also analyzes recent local election outcomes and their significance for future midterms. Plus, he teases his new thriller, The Einstein Conspiracy, a gripping story inspired by true events surrounding Einstein and a high-stakes FBI operation.
71 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
Trumplated Age (with Astead Herndon)
Astead Herndon, a seasoned political reporter and the new host at Vox.com, joins the conversation to dissect the current political landscape. He dives into the fallout from the recent government shutdown and critiques Democrats’ strategy, revealing key senators who shifted stances. The panel discusses Chuck Schumer's wavering leadership and speculates on Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions. Plus, they explore how Trump's messaging impacts economic concerns and the potential electoral ramifications of border policies in urban areas.
37 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 54min
Post-Election Hack-a-Thon (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, a veteran national political reporter for Politico, dives deep into the recent election results and their implications for both parties. He explains how narrow victory margins reveal widespread voter dissatisfaction with Trump. The conversation touches on the GOP's struggle with messaging around economic issues and the bold betting strategies of figures like Gavin Newsom. Youth turnout surges are highlighted as a game-changer, while the risks of election interference by Trump and his allies are meticulously unpacked.
33 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Wreckening (with Paul Begala)
Paul Begala, a seasoned Democratic political strategist and former advisor to President Bill Clinton, joins the conversation. They delve into Trump's potential bid for a third term and the constitutional implications. The panel debates Trump's military actions in Venezuela and the political fallout. They also analyze early voting trends in New York and speculate on Gavin Newsom's chances in the 2028 Democratic primary. Finally, discussions touch on crucial redistricting issues in Indiana and Virginia, emphasizing the significance of Black voter outreach.
74 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
No Sleep Till City Hall (with Howard Wolfson)
Howard Wolfson, an experienced political strategist and former New York deputy mayor now at Bloomberg, delves into the dynamics of the New York mayoral race. He discusses Mamdani's ascent and Cuomo's vulnerabilities, while evaluating Curtis Sliwa's impact on the contest. The conversation shifts to national trends, with a focus on how affordability shapes Democratic strategy in New Jersey and Virginia. Wolfson also addresses California's Prop 50, the ongoing protests for democracy, and the implications of Trump's AI-driven antics on political norms.
30 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ceasefire Abroad, Crossfire at Home (with Rahm Emanuel)
Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and two-term Mayor of Chicago, shares his insights on pressing global and domestic issues. He delves into the implications of the Gaza peace accord and Trump's shifting focus towards Russia-Ukraine. Emanuel discusses how wartime conduct has impacted Israel's reputation and reflects on the political ramifications of a government shutdown. He also critiques the militarization of immigration enforcement and considers unconventional candidates for Democratic renewal, highlighting the significant shifts in today's political landscape.
46 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 8min
Orbánized Crime
The hosts dive into the implications of Trump deploying troops to U.S. cities, sparking debates about militarized policing and public perception. They also tackle ICE's controversial tactics and the potential impact of a federal shutdown on various programs. The contrasting styles of governors Newsom and Pritzker shine a light on state-level responses to national issues. Plus, discussions on Trump's hints at pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell and concerns over media consolidation draw comparisons to authoritarian regimes.
