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
4 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
Tick Tock, Tick Tock (with Jonathan Martin)
Guest Jonathan Martin joins the hosts to discuss post-debate political landscape, challenges facing President Biden within Democratic Party, frustrations among young Biden workers, strategic conversations, analysis of Biden's reliance on a prompter, Democrats' support for Biden, importance of political stakes, and Biden's raised funds and debate aftermath.
Jun 28, 2024 • 37min
The Political Fairway (with David Plouffe)
David Plouffe joins Axe and Murphy to dissect the recent debate, analyzing Biden's performance and discussing the impact of Trump's harshness. They delve into candidate strategies, VP options, and concerns about the upcoming election. The discussion touches on down-ballot races, Biden's debate readiness, and the need to confront doubts about his suitability for the presidency.
4 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Trap (with David Plouffe)
Legendary Hack and campaign maestro David Plouffe joins The Davids and Mike to discuss upcoming debate strategies, including viral moments, cut mics, and traps for Biden and Trump. They map out scenarios and tactics for the candidates, offering an insider's guide to the debate stage.
Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
Naked On A Rock (with Jonathan Freedland)
Guest Jonathan Freedland joins to discuss debate prep, UK politics, and Netanyahu's US visit. Topics include ad messaging, UK weather, NHS recovery, Middle East impact on Michigan politics, and Israel-US relations. The conversation also touches on Biden's immigration focus, challenges in conflict resolution, and voter turnout dynamics.
Jun 11, 2024 • 58min
Double Haters (with Sarah Longwell)
Sarah Longwell, focus group guru and Bulwark legend, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss Trump's return to the campaign trail, concerns over teleprompter technology, Hunter Biden's conviction, debate preparation, double haters, swing voters, and potential VP nominees. The podcast also covers the impact of legal issues on Biden, the role of third-party candidates, and speculations about female candidates in the upcoming election.
16 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Guilties (with Mark McKinnon & Steve Israel)
Mark McKinnon and Steve Israel discuss Trump's guilty verdicts, messaging adjustments, impact on undecided voters, polling panic, upcoming debate, Trump VP candidate smell test, and more in a lively political discussion.
7 snips
May 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Angry Trump (with Chris Christie)
Former NJ governor and GOP hopeful Chris Christie joins the hosts to discuss Trump's debate mindset, legal troubles, Nikki Haley's endorsement, and the role of surrogates in campaigns. They also touch on leaf blowers and the importance of being the 'adult in the room'.
May 21, 2024 • 1h 8min
Wetting the Bed (with Howard Wolfson)
Legendary hack and master strategist Howard Wolfson joins the discussion on Trump's legal troubles and campaign financing. The Hacks compare Biden and Trump, preview the June debate, discuss foreign policy, and reveal Mike Murphy's pop culture presence.
5 snips
May 14, 2024 • 1h 9min
W.T.F., Man? (With John Heilemann)
Esteemed Hackeroo John Heilemann joins the hosts to discuss legal clashes with Trump, NY Times polls, economic trends, Middle East conflicts. Delve into Senate election stats, split-ticket voting, rising costs of living, Gaza bombings aftermath, and navigating election challenges.
May 7, 2024 • 1h 11min
Floors & Ceilings (with Doug Sosnik)
Former Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton, Doug Sosnik, joins the hosts to discuss Trump's legal antics, Big Campaign Energy, the race for GOP VP, capitalism, and more in a lively and insightful conversation.
