276 episodes

When David Axelrod, Mike Murphy and Robert Gibbs 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

When David Axelrod, Mike Murphy and Robert Gibbs 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.

    Naked On A Rock (with Jonathan Freedland)

    Naked On A Rock (with Jonathan Freedland)

    This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland, who also hosts the Guardian's "Politics Weekly America" podcast and co-hosts the Unholy podcast. The Hacks discuss debate preparation: microphone logistics and optics, messaging from convicted felons, and playing checkers with Charles Manson. In this international edition of Hacks on Tap, they hop across the pond to discuss UK politics and weather, and then talk about Israel and what to expect from Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. Plus, we celebrate one of our very own in-house Hacks!

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Double Haters (with Sarah Longwell)

    Double Haters (with Sarah Longwell)

    This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by focus group guru and Bulwark legend, Sarah Longwell. Trump is out of the courtroom and back on the trail, the Hacks break down his concerns over teleprompter technology, Hunter Biden’s conviction, how both camps are preparing for the debate, vibe sessions v. recessions, dancing bears, and so much more!

    • 58 min
    The Guilties (with Mark McKinnon & Steve Israel)

    The Guilties (with Mark McKinnon & Steve Israel)

    This week Murphy is flying solo, so he brought in A-team Hackeroos and frequent guests Mark McKinnon and Steve Israel. The Hacks discuss Trump’s 34 guilty verdicts and how both sides should adjust their messaging, what this means for undecided voters, the second big polling panic, the upcoming debate worth all the marbles, the Trump VP candidate smell test, pop vs. soda, and so so so much more. You won’t want to miss this one!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    The Angry Trump (with Chris Christie)

    The Angry Trump (with Chris Christie)

    This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by former New Jersey governor and recent GOP presidential hopeful, Chris Christie! The Hacks draw on Christie’s experience preparing Trump for past debates to discuss his mindset heading into the Biden debate, his legal saga and fear of jail, Nikki Haley’s endorsement, being the adult in the room, leaf blowers, surrogates, and much more.

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Wetting the Bed (with Howard Wolfson)

    Wetting the Bed (with Howard Wolfson)

    This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the legendary Hack and master strategist, Howard Wolfson. The Hacks delve into Trump's legal troubles: where are they headed, and do voters care? They compare the Biden and Trump campaign financing reports, preview the June presidential debate, discuss foreign policy issues, and reveal Mike Murphy's pop culture presence.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    W.T.F., Man? (With John Heilemann)

    W.T.F., Man? (With John Heilemann)

    This week, Axe and Gibbs were joined by one of our esteemed Hackeroos, a favorite among all-stars, none other than John Heilemann. Together, they delve into various topics, including the rotating cast of characters in court with Donald Trump, the latest poll findings from the New York Times, economic trends and the rising cost of living, as well as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, plus so much more! 

    • 1 hr 9 min

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