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
Jan 12, 2024 • 55min
Post Debate Hacknalysis (Another One!)
The podcast discusses the recent CNN debate and analyzes the candidates' performances. They comment on the exchange between the candidates and compare it to a brawl. They also discuss campaign strategies, poll results, and the impact of endorsements. The hosts speculate on a New Hampshire debate and debate the future of the Republican Party.
Jan 3, 2024 • 54min
The Trumpire Strikes Back (with Kristen Soltis Anderson)
Expert Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson joins the hosts to discuss polling, Nikki Haley's campaign, Trump's defeat to Biden, the impact of Trump's indictment, tensions in the campaign, Trump's hypothetical argument, craving for normalcy, concerns over a Trump win, supporting office holders, recommended books, and upcoming topics.
Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 6min
Dictator for a Day
The Hacks discuss recent polling, the upcoming Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, Hunter Biden’s legal troubles, and the battle to be the new lion. They analyze the controversial statement about being a dictator for a day and its implications. They also address concerns about Biden's campaign strategy, the potential impact of the Hunter Biden indictment, and predictions for 2024.
Dec 7, 2023 • 41min
Post Debate Hacknalysis
Political strategists David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs provide analysis and commentary on the recent Republican primary debate, discussing the performances, candidate strategies, and national security issues. They also highlight Chris Christie's strong debate moment, Nikki Haley's momentum, and the moderators' aggressive questioning. The episode concludes with discussions on viewership numbers and bidding farewell.
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h
Eyes on Iowa (with Adam Nagourney)
Political reporter Adam Nagourney joins the Hacks to discuss the upcoming Iowa caucus and the battle between Haley and DeSantis. They also delve into the challenges faced by Biden, the difficulty of conveying economic confidence, and the process of writing a book about The New York Times. The episode concludes with a discussion on encouraging participation in the Iowa caucuses and the challenges, contrasts, and messaging in the Biden campaign.
Nov 21, 2023 • 37min
Hacksgiving
Axe and Murphy have a special Hacksgiving message for you!
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Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Circus Show (with Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann)
This week the Circus comes to town, literally, as the guys are joined by Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann, who created Showtime’s beloved show “The Circus.” The Hacks clown around while juggling a variety of topics, ranging from Biden’s acrobatics around recent poll numbers, Joe Manchin’s disappearing act, the elephants walking on a tight rope (and dropping off it), and Trump’s hare pulling. Tune in for even more puns, and even better analysis!
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Nov 9, 2023 • 49min
Ship Show
The hosts discuss the winners, the losers, and the battle for second in the Iowa caucus. They analyze the recent debate and evaluate the candidates' performances. Discussions include controversial remarks about a Ukrainian leader, Tim Scott's lack of impact, recent electoral successes and losses, and public perceptions of Biden and Trump as presidents.
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.
