
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

Feb 20, 2024 • 57min
Main Character Energy (with Steve Israel)
Former congressman and savant Steve Israel joins the discussion as they explore kitchen table issues, speculate on State of the Union topics, marvel at Tim Scott's flexibility, and pay tribute to Alexei Navalny. The Hacks also dissect adventures of the 'useful idiot' in Russia, discuss sneaker culture at Sneaker Con, NY-03 race insights, and draw from the Suozzi blueprint.

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
Riding the Dragon (with Kasie Hunt)
CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst, Kasie Hunt joins Axe and Murphy on Hacks On Tap. They discuss Biden's age, his press conference, the new Michigan, immigration bill negotiations, Trump's geopolitical antics, and more!

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 1min
Cynicism on Steroids (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist for Politico and a Sublime Hackeroo, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the alleged rigging of the Nevada primary, lackluster opposition to Trump, challenges faced by Democrats, refocusing Biden's messaging, running a cabinet campaign, and the importance of a robust field operation. They also touch on Zbiotics, a pre-alcohol probiotic drink.

Jan 31, 2024 • 59min
Under His Skin
Jonathan Karl, ABC News's chief Washington correspondent, and co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, joins the Hacks to discuss Nikki Haley's campaign and Trump's unpredictable nature. They dive into the unique dynamics of campaigning from courthouses, the importance of reasonableness, and even play chess with irate chimpanzees.

Jan 25, 2024 • 53min
It’s Not Over…?
The Hacks discuss the New Hampshire primary results and its implications for the 2024 political landscape. They analyze a candidate's decision to stay in the race despite low chances of winning. The hosts explore potential presidential aspirations and challenges for the Republican party. They also delve into the political landscape in New Hampshire and the role of the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in Biden's campaign. Trump's gaffes, increasing consumer confidence, the future of electric vehicles, and overcoming division are also discussed.

Jan 16, 2024 • 51min
The Shiniest Silver Medal
Discussion on aftermath of Iowa Caucus, Biden's messaging problem, building momentum, romance of politics, cooking in early states, dancing bears, tiny knives, cracked crystal balls, equating Biden with Trump, phone call and endorsement between Trump and Tim Scott, Nikki Haley's campaign strategies and challenges, importance of clear campaign message, focusing on the future, perception and image of President Joe Biden, potential New Hampshire upset, ongoing impeachment trial of Donald Trump

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.