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
Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 3min
Chaos, Vendettas & Drama (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, senior reporter at POLITICO and co-author of 'This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future', joins the hosts to discuss the Iowa poll, Trump's power in the GOP, the new Speaker of the House, Pence's French vanilla problem, Israel and Palestine, the UAW strike, GPT speeches, and more!
Oct 24, 2023 • 60min
Congressional Clown Show (with Scott Jennings)
This week, the Hacks are joined by Scott Jennings, GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. They discuss the ongoing search for a new Speaker of the House, the challenges of building relationships across factions, the impact of a border security package on Republican voters, differing views on international involvement, and shifting perspectives and loyalties among Republicans and Democrats.
Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 4min
Riding Indictments (with John Harwood)
This week Axe and Murphy were joined by the great John Harwood! Fresh off his ProPublica interview with President Biden, Harwood joined the Hacks in discussing Trump’s ongoing legal drama, the future of the GOP, the politics of old men yelling at clouds, the essential role of the Speaker and the battle for it, Biden’s trip to Israel, FEC reports, unleashing dogs, and dancing on termites! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 10, 2023 • 55min
A Loser’s Lament (with Amy Walter)
Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, joins the Hacks to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, Nikki Haley's rising status, FEC reports, Biden's economic numbers, Ukraine funding, the battle for the Speakership, independent candidate chaos, and more. Stay tuned to hear Murphy's jingle for Biden.
Oct 3, 2023 • 1h 1min
The Fight Within The Fight (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, writer for POLITICO and Harvard instructor, joins the hosts to discuss McCarthy's battle with Gaetz, the nearly averted shutdown, the aftermath of the second GOP debate, and California Senate. They dive into skullduggery, vendettas, psychic nutritionist political advisors, and more!
Sep 28, 2023 • 50min
Post Debate Hacknalysis
The hosts react to the recent debate, discuss Trump's absence and the ensuing drama, analyze Biden's tactics in Michigan, and speculate on upcoming debates and candidates' performances. They also explore the limitations of national polling in general election races and express surprise at the absence of questions about Trump during the debate.
Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Dancing Bear Theory (with Sarah Longwell)
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the upcoming GOP debate, the difficulties of interviewing Trump, DeSantis and Haley’s viability, aging presidents, nailing jello to walls, and clowns with flame throwers.
Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
Pony Faced Cowboys (with Bill Kristol)
This week Gibbs & Murphy are joined by Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark. They discuss Biden's overseas trip, media coverage of geopolitical issues, the analysis of the Republican electorate and divisions within the party, Trump's re-nomination, and the lack of credit given to Biden's infrastructure efforts. Plus, they share their experience driving an EV across the country and discuss insights on Russia from Gary Kasparov's book.
Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 1min
Talk A Little Louder (with Jeff Zeleny)
This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Jeff Zeleny, who is the Chief National Affairs Correspondent for CNN. Jeff gives an update on what he has seen on the road in New Hampshire, the Hacks then break down Biden’s communication challenges, new poll numbers and the battle for the GOP nomination.
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Aug 29, 2023 • 60min
The MAGA Hymn Book (with Scott Jennings)
This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. The Hacks discuss Trump’s most recent presidential portrait, his upcoming trial, and how this could impact the nominating process. The guys also talk about pre/post-Trump GOP candidates, post GOP debate performances, identify politics, Biden’s campaign performance, and so much more!
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