282 episodes

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.

Hacks On Tap Hacks On Tap

    • News
    • 4.8 • 7.4K Ratings

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.

    Kamalat (with John Heilemann)

    Kamalat (with John Heilemann)

    This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by expert Hackeroo and high-velocity pundit, John Heilemann. Because clearly, there's just not enough breaking news happening in the world. The Hacks salute Joe Biden’s decision, and dive into the next steps of the Kamala Harris presidential campaign: Inheriting the Biden operation, coming out with new messaging and ads, reversing the Biden age issue, and who could be the Vice President’s Vice President? The Hacks also cover “brat,” campaign attack ads, inflation, the border, Dobbs, and so much more!

    • 1 hr 2 min
    The Fight (with Tim Alberta)

    The Fight (with Tim Alberta)

    This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by esteemed journalist, Republican chronicler, and author Tim Alberta. Together, they dive into an incredibly significant and historic news cycle, covering the shocking attempted assassination of a former president, the opening night of the Republican National Convention, Trump's VP pick and protégé, classified documents, political shifts, strength versus weakness, legacy politics, and much more.

    • 54 min
    Press Panic (with Bill Kristol)

    Press Panic (with Bill Kristol)

    This week, famous elitists Axe Murphy donned their velvet suits to catch up with fellow elite Hack and friend of the pod, Bill Kristol. The Hacks dive into Biden’s path forward, the growing significance of Kamala Harris and her future ambitions, Trump’s veepstakes, backup contenders, White House press shenanigans, campaign leaks, political backstabbing, and more!

    • 58 min
    Tick Tock, Tick Tock (with Jonathan Martin)

    Tick Tock, Tick Tock (with Jonathan Martin)

    This week Axe and Murphy were joined by provocateur, world traveler, food & wine expert, and nationally ranked ballroom dancer, Jonathan Martin. The guys breakdown the post debate political landscape in the public and behind closed doors, check in on a few key states, and prepare for a new batch of polls. 

    • 1 hr 4 min
    The Political Fairway (with David Plouffe)

    The Political Fairway (with David Plouffe)

    Axe and Murphy teed off bright and early this morning to putt heads with David Plouffe. We had a pre-debate chat with him and wanted to regroup to compare-and-contrast notes. The Hacks drive straight into last night's debate: the overall outcome, the impact of no audience and mic cuts, which VP candidate landed a hole-in-one, sidestepping tough questions like a sand trap, and a whole lot more.

    • 37 min
    The Trap (with David Plouffe)

    The Trap (with David Plouffe)

    This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the legendary Hack and campaign maestro, David Plouffe. The Davids and Mike delve deep into the upcoming debate and how the campaigns are preparing. Who will poke first, big red forehead buttons, viral moments, cut mics, counter punching, pivoting, baiting, and the ultimate traps. The Hacks also map out the best case, worst case, and just-get-through-it scenarios for both the Biden and Trump camps. Get ready for an insider’s guide to the debate stage!

    • 1 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
7.4K Ratings

7.4K Ratings

KJH🙄 ,

No yelling or hysteria -thank you

I have been a Mike Murphy fan since way back when, and David Axelrod has the best voice. As a disgruntled former R, I have listened to you since the beginning.
I know Abe Vigoda!

Continually Thinking ,

Nobody Shuts Up

The show is informative with varying viewpoints. I like that everyone from the hosts to the guests can come on and be true to their beliefs and still be civil. The problem is the constant talking over each other and often times disregarding their guests. Axelrod is the worst offender, but Murphy has gotten worse with it too. It’s made the show harder to listen to.

DRMICKEY67 ,

On top of the issues!

The show is a mixture of experience and nuance with a reasonable about of humor. Well done and very informative!!!

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