The Axe Files with David Axelrod

The podcast discusses Arizona State University's innovative model for inclusivity and academic excellence, ASU's impact on addressing global challenges, and the importance of empowering educational innovation. They delve into the challenges faced by university presidents in the media spotlight, controversies surrounding free speech on campus, and the promotion of egalitarian education.

Congressman Pete Aguilar shares his personal journey from intern to Congress, highlighting his activism, family history, and lessons from sports. The discussion touches on gridlock in Congress, funding debates, and the importance of bipartisan cooperation for effective governance.

Former New Jersey Senator and NBA star Bill Bradley shares insights on bridging divides, personal narratives, fame in college, and political leadership. Discussions on bipartisan cooperation, social responsibility, and the impact of personal growth on political perspectives.

Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman discusses the Gaza conflict and trauma of Israel-Palestine conflict, explores social media's influence on communication, and navigates obstacles to peace negotiations. He also discusses Palestinian statehood and global politics, challenges of democracy and social media, and US competitiveness and immigration.

Senator Raphael Warnock's unique dual roles as a pastor and a senator are explored, highlighting his journey from Savannah to Atlanta. The podcast delves into his commitment to social justice, reflections on his roots and activism, the ongoing struggle to expand Medicaid in Georgia, and his views on post-Civil Rights era and the election of President Obama.

Stephanie Murphy truly is a great American story. Born in Vietnam a few years after the war, she and her family fled tyranny and were rescued at sea by the U.S. Navy. Raised in a trailer park in Virginia, she worked her way through college and graduate school. Post 9/11, she became a young star at the Department of Defense, working as an analyst at the highest levels of the Pentagon. Later, she was elected to three terms in Congress where she stood out from the partisans, ideologues, and bloviators, earning a reputation as an earnest and incisive problem solver. In the end, however, Stephanie Murphy may be most remembered for her service on the fateful January 6th committee. She joined David to talk about all of this, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Zeleny is one of America's very best political reporters, with decades of experience covering national campaigns for the Des Moines Register, the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, ABC, and CNN. David sat down with him the day of the New Hampshire primary to glean his insights into the current race. Their conversation also delved into Zeleny's personal journey – from his Nebraska farm childhood influencing his reporting to overcoming a lifelong speech impediment, establishing him as one of America's premier broadcast journalists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Miller has seen a lot. Born into the world of journalism as the son of a National Enquirer reporter, Miller's upbringing immersed him in a world of celebrities, club owners, mobsters, and law enforcement. Miller has spent his life toggling between television, journalism, and law enforcement. He has covered some of the most significant national security and crime stories in the past four decades, including a rare interview with Osama bin Laden. Miller has also served at the highest levels of the FBI, the nation's two largest police departments, and the office of the Director of National Intelligence. He joined David to discuss his expansive career and share his unique perspective on the intersections of crime, journalism, and national security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mick Mulvaney knows a lot about the central players in the Republican nominating drama. With a background as the former budget director and acting chief of staff to Donald Trump, Mulvaney played a crucial role in the political landscape. Serving in Congress alongside Ron DeSantis and co-founding the House Freedom Caucus, he offers a unique perspective on party dynamics. Sharing anecdotes from his time as a South Carolina legislator alongside state representative Nikki Haley, Mulvaney joins David in a reflective conversation on the current state of the Republican race and the twists and turns of his own political journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week The Axe Files team is sharing a special episode of Anderson Cooper’s extraordinary podcast All There Is. It’s a conversation about grief with President Joe Biden, who has faced more than his share in life. In it, he offers moving memories, lessons, and insights that are well worth hearing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices