
Hacks On Tap
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 18, 2023 • 1h 9min
Pudding Politics (with Jonathan Martin)
This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by expert Hack and political Scribe Jonathan Martin of POLITICO. The Hacks review GOP primary attack ads, discuss the rollercoaster that is DeSantis’ feud with Disney, break down Diane Feinstein’s Senate absence and what this could mean for the battle for her seat, and Murphy goes on a trip to Iowa!

Apr 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
Out-Trumping Trump (with John Heilemann)
This week Axe and Murphy were joined by their favorite guest Hack, John Heilemann, of Showtime’s The Circus. The guys talk about Biden’s history of slow walking, the DNC announcement that the 2024 convention will be in the great city of Chicago (not that any of the Hacks are biased), the expulsion of two of the Tennessee Three, and how the GOP presidential contenders can be successful beyond Trump.

Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 10min
Stormy Tuesday (with Paul Begala)
This uneventful week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by gentleman Hack Paul Begala to discuss the first ever criminal indictment of a U.S. President. The Hacks break down the indictment, Trump’s surrender, and his speech. Plus the Hacks are joined by their Midwestern correspondent to dive into the Chicago Mayor’s race as well as the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race.

Mar 29, 2023 • 1h
Premature Indictment Excitement? (with Mark McKinnon)
Axe and Murphy are joined by Mark McKinnon of Showtime’s “The Circus” to talk about the latest three-ring political spectacle. The Hacks break down Trump's most recent legal battles and give a campaign trail update. And in light of another horrific school shooting they talk about the politics of gun safety legislation.

Mar 21, 2023 • 1h 4min
Trump Trouble in River City: A Deep Dive Into The IA GOP Caucus (With David Kochel)
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.

4 snips
Mar 14, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Orange Caligula (with Charlie Sykes)
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!

Mar 7, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Payback Playbook (with Maggie Haberman)
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!

Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 3min
Woke Wars (with Amy Walter)
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.

Feb 22, 2023 • 1h 3min
Three Dimensional Vulcan Chess (with Doug Heye)
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.

Feb 15, 2023 • 60min
Medicare, Medicare, Medicare (with Steve Israel)
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.