The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Former Navy SEAL and Texas Republican legislator, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, discusses his journey from military service to politics. Topics include tough immigration laws, aiding Ukraine, disliking Tucker Carlson, and the importance of voting in primaries.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, former Trump critic turned supporter, discusses his bestselling book 'Hillbilly Elegy' and the attraction of working class voters to Trump. Topics include job losses from trade to technology, military service impact, societal divisions, declining trust in institutions, and the importance of personal connections for building trust.

Political commentator and former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau expresses concerns about the Biden campaign, poll denialism, and the need for citizen engagement. He discusses the allure of demagogues, challenges facing democracy, and the importance of reinvigorating civic participation.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin is known for chronicling the lives and leadership styles of some of America’s most prominent presidents. But for her latest book she focused on a different sort of subject: her husband, the late political adviser Dick Goodwin. Part memoir, part history, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” tells the story of the decade through more than 300 boxes of Dick’s archives. Doris joined David to talk about the book, the parallels between the 1960s and today, the state of American democracy, and what can be learned about the present by looking to the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses his new book, lessons learned from the pandemic, challenges in public health & politics, controversies on the virus origins, and strengths of the public health system during a crisis. He also reflects on personal attacks faced, connecting with patients, and staying connected to people's lives.

Evgenia Kara-Murza did not intend to become a public figure. But that all changed after her husband, Russian political opposition leader and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, was arrested in Moscow in 2022. With Vladimir now serving a 25-year sentence in a Siberian prison, Evgenia has taken up his mission, advocating for the freedom of political prisoners and a democratic Russia. She joined David to talk about growing up during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Putin’s regime in Russia, the war in Ukraine, and why she won’t give up on fighting for her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From darkened streetlights and abandoned homes to pervasive graffiti and long waits for emergency services, Mayor Mike Duggan inherited a Detroit rife with problems, but also potential. Since he took office in 2014, Mayor Duggan has helmed a turnaround for the city, overseeing rising standards of living and significant economic growth. Mayor Duggan joined David at the newly re-opened Michigan Central to talk about the revitalization of Detroit, how Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer would fare as a presidential candidate, and the deeply felt ramifications of the Israel-Gaza war in his home state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta discusses his political career and personal reflections, including his immigrant background and experiences with troops. Topics include Ukraine aid delays, Afghanistan intelligence lapse, and Israel's fight against Hamas.

Former NBA player and basketball announcer Bill Walton discusses leadership, playing for John Wooden at UCLA, his battle with back troubles, and his love for the Grateful Dead in an inspiring conversation with David Axelrod.

George Stephanopoulos, author of 'The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis,' discusses the historic White House Situation Room, failed missions shaping presidencies, and media responsibility in covering Donald Trump in the 2024 election.