Hacks On Tap - podcast cover

Hacks On Tap

Hacks On Tapwww.hacksontap.com
{"_":"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. \n","$":{"audioboom:html":"1"}}
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Episodes

Where’s the Manual for Mayhem?

Murphy is out on assignment this week, but thankfully Alex Wagner and Robert Gibbs are here to fill the void. The Hacks discuss Trump’s unrelenting attacks on mail-in voting and his attempts to undermine institutions like the Post Office that are vital to the election; the strategy—or lack thereof—behind granting sit-down interviews with the President; the latest speculation about Biden’s VP pick; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 04, 20201 hr 9 min

VP Jeebies (with John Heilemann)

This week we’re joined by super Hack John Heilemann, co-host of The Circus on Showtime. It’s no secret that one of Trump’s biggest obstacles to reelection is his own handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. What, if anything, can he do to make up ground before November? And with time running out for Biden to announce his VP pick, will he make a head or a heart decision? Plus, the recent polls are good news for Biden, but are Democrats too complacent? The Hacks discuss all this and more! Learn more abo...

Jul 29, 20201 hr 8 min

Fort Bragg-adocious (with Donna Brazile)

Axe and Murphy are joined this week by Democratic political strategist and former acting DNC Chair Donna Brazile. We talk about Trump’s new interview with Fox’s Chris Wallace, POTUS’s alternative reality strategy, and the Confederate-named military base controversy. We also assess the politics of the Democratic and Republican conventions, talk VP selection stakes, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 22, 20201 hr

Cognitive Distancing (with Mark McKinnon)

Axe and Murphy are joined by guest hack Mark McKinnon, former presidential adviser and co-host of Showtime’s The Circus. This week we talk Trump’s continuous Covid catastrophe, presidential ad wars, Roger Stone on the loose, Veepstakes, and more. We also answer listener questions on Trump and race, presidential debates, and third-party advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 14, 202056 min

Chaos Culture and a Special Senate Deep-Dive (with Amy Walter)

The Hacks return for a special Senate deep-dive with The Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter. First, we talk Trump’s new ad offensive, the torqued up grievance war, and how it may play in the 2020 presidential race. We turn to the Senate and assess the most competitive races: vulnerable seats, Republicans in trouble, and the likeliest blue-to-red flips. When will it be time for down-ballot Republicans to distance themselves from Trump? And can they — or is Trump too hard to dump? Learn more about...

Jul 08, 20201 hr 3 min

Pandemic Panic: Trump’s COVID Crack-Up (with John Heilemann)

This week the Hacks welcome back John Heilemann of Showtime’s The Circus and The Recount. We cover Covid's resurgence in red states and how it could affect Trump’s reelection bid, mixed messaging from the White House, Trump’s reckoning with race relations, new swing state polling, how Trump-Biden debates could impact the election, and more. We also answer listener questions on competitive Senate races, what the conventions might look like, and what advice we might give to those who might want to...

Jul 01, 20201 hr 3 min

Tirades in Tulsa (with Robert Gibbs)

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. We talk Trump’s Tulsa tirade and what the smaller-than-anticipated crowd size could mean for the campaign, the administration’s ongoing bungled pandemic response, big obstacles for Biden, the Bolton book, and more. Plus, we answer listener questions on whether a national crisis changes the importance of the economy in the minds of voters, to what extent we can trust polls this year, and Susan Rice VP specula...

Jun 23, 20201 hr

The President of Lawlessness and Disorder (with Alex Wagner)

Axe and Murphy are joined this week by Alex Wagner of Showtime’s “The Circus” and CBS News. Trumpworld is in turmoil as civil rights protests churn nationwide, POTUS’s poll numbers plunge, and the Supreme Court hands down a landmark pro-LGBTQ decision penned by Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch. The Hacks talk through what this means for Trump’s electoral prospects and more. Plus, we discuss statewide polling and competitive Senate races, and answer listener mailbag questions on whether anything Trum...

Jun 16, 202056 min

Protests, Polling, and Provisions (with Phil Rosenthal)

Joining Murphy at the helm this week is Phil Rosenthal, television writer, producer, and creator of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil.” This week, we talk Trump’s plummeting approval rating amid nationwide protests, what Joe Biden needs to do to from now until November, what the latest polling could portend for the general election, and more. We also talk about the politics of food and how a meal can bring people together, especially on the campaign trail. Finally, Murphy answers listener questions ...

Jun 09, 202046 min

A Nation Grieves and the President Seethes (with Robert Gibbs)

Axe and Murphy are joined this week by former Obama White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. We discuss the grief and outrage gripping the nation in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the suppression of peaceful protestors at Trump’s behest, how the politics of the moment have shifted, Joe Biden’s attempt to take the wheel, and more. The Hacks also take listener’s questions about Trump’s relationship with Twitter, the youth vote, and what polls portend for Trump. Learn more about your ad choice...

Jun 03, 20201 hr

Masks and Gaffes (with John Heilemann)

Axe and Murphy are joined by guest hack John Heilemann of The Recount and Showtime’s The Circus . This week we unpack the latest polling, what the Hacks think might move persuadable voters, Biden’s most recent gaffe and how it might impact the veepstakes, convention apprehension, and more. Plus, we answer listener questions on campaign strategy, Arizona's potential to flip from red to blue, and the likelihood of Trump swapping out VP Pence for Nikki Haley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

May 27, 20201 hr

POTUS’s Prescription: Hoaxes and Hydroxy (with Rahm Emanuel)

Guest hack Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor and Chief of Staff to President Obama, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Trump’s trip down hydroxychloroquine lane, the Democratic party’s messaging problem, ‘Obamagate,’ and more. Plus, Axe, Murphy, and Rahm answer listener questions on Trump’s teflon approval ratings, the effectiveness of negative campaign ads, and what young people can do to get involved in politics and public service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

May 20, 202057 min

Prevailin’ or Just Wailin’? (with Robert Gibbs)

Axe and Murphy are joined this week by Robert Gibbs, former White House press secretary. This week we talk Trump’s tantrum press briefing, Obama’s criticism of the federal government’s response to COVID-19, the state of various Senate races, and more. The Hacks also answer listener questions on the odds that Michelle Obama returns to the political arena and why betting markets often differ from the polls — and which to believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 12, 202058 min

Ain't No Abe Lincoln (with Alex Wagner)

The Hacks are joined this week by Alex Wagner, host of Crooked Media’s new podcast “Six Feet Apart” and co-host of Showtime’s The Circus. We talk Trump’s pivot from running on the economy to running from the economy, and the wild comparison he made between himself and President Lincoln. The Hacks also discuss Axe & David Plouffe’s New York Times op-ed in which they give advice to Team Biden, developments in the Tara Reade sexual assault allegations, and the state of play in competitive Senat...

May 06, 20201 hr 3 min

Trump Derails and Clorox Cocktails (with John Heilemann)

Axe and Murphy reunite this week with special guest hack John Heilemann of MSNBC, The Recount, and Showtime’s The Circus. The Hacks talk Trump’s China blame game and the politics of the economy. Plus, they discuss what Biden can and should be doing to define himself in the campaign—so Trump doesn't do it for him. Finally, they take listeners’ questions on the Veepstakes, Mike Bloomberg’s war chest, and Democratic populism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 28, 20201 hr 2 min

Open Mic Night and Gov Fights (with Mark McKinnon)

Axe and Murphy unite virtually with guest hack Mark McKinnon, former presidential adviser and co-host of Showtime’s The Circus. This week, we talk POTUS’ push to re-open the economy, the latest general election polling and what it could portend for November. We also break down Biden’s new ad and debate whether news networks should air Trump’s daily press briefings. Finally, we sort through the mail bag and answer listeners’ questions on Elizabeth Warren as a potential vice presidential pick, why...

Apr 22, 20201 hr 4 min

Trump's Total Authority (with Rahm Emanuel)

Axe and Murphy return with fellow super-hack and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel to talk all the latest, including Trump’s presser meltdown, Obama’s Biden endorsement, the Wisconsin election, and more. We reach into the mail bag and take listeners’ questions on Biden’s vice presidential pick, Trump’s removal of the Coronavirus fund watchdog, and what happens if Trump refuses to leave office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 15, 202052 min

Trump’s Prescription: Mixed Messaging

The Hacks are once again joined by former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to break down the latest in a raucous week in DC. Wisconsin improbably held its primary amid a pandemic, despite the governor’s attempt to postpone it. Could this set a precedent for November? Axe, Murphy, and Gibbs discuss the ousting of yet another White House press secretary and what this means for the administration. Plus, they discuss the probability of a virtual convention and what more, if anything, the Bid...

Apr 07, 202056 min

Reality vs. A Reality Show

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by former Obama White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to discuss the latest: When reality becomes reality TV: Trump’s daily press briefings threaten to sweep reality under the rug in a barrage of disinformation. Is Trump’s tactic an effective one? Where’s Joe?—In the throes of a pandemic, it seems impossible for Biden to forge a platform of his own. Could Biden's empathetic message be seen as the antidote to Trump, or will the general election simply be a ...

Apr 01, 202050 min

A Crisis of Confidence

The socially-distanced Hacks reunite virtually to discuss the latest: Trump twists his tune as the dire COVID-19 consequences take hold. Trump is zeroing in on the pandemic’s economic impact, but will this messaging be effective, and is it smart? Biden’s buzz abates as coronavirus coverage rightfully continues to dominate news cycles. Axe and Murphy put on their campaign hats and offer strategic advice for the presumptive Democratic nominee: how should he position himself during a nationwide cri...

Mar 24, 202043 min

“I’m dealing with a #$%*ing global crisis” (with John Heilemann)

The socially-distanced Hacks reunite with special guest John Heilemann of MSNBC, Showtime’s The Circus , and The Recount. As the gravity of the Coronavirus escalates and the world shudders to a halt, where do we go from here? What does it mean for what’s left of the Democratic primary and beyond? In the wake of another round of primaries on Tuesday, Bernie’s chance at nabbing the nomination dwindles even further. Will he bow out any time soon, and what becomes of his loyal base? Reality cuts thr...

Mar 19, 202055 min

A Debate, Uncharted Waters, and the Veepstakes Begin

The Hacks convene the day after what might be the last debate of the primary to share their reactions and analysis. What did Biden and Sanders do well and where did they miss the mark? Will Biden’s promise to choose a woman as his running mate change the game? And with COVID-19 rightfully dominating the news, where does the race go from here? Tune in to hear the latest from Hacks on Tap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 16, 202036 min

The Bern Cools and Politics of a Pandemic

Another Super Tuesday is behind us! Bernie Sanders makes it clear he intends to stay in the race — for now. What does this mean for the upcoming head-to-head debate in Arizona? What message does Biden need to send to Sanders’ supporters in order to gain their support? Axe and Murphy dive into the data from last night's contests to see what, if anything, the turnout may portend for the general election. Plus, the Hacks talk politics of the Coronavirus. We also take listeners' questions on the new...

Mar 12, 202047 min

Super Tuesday Recap: And Then There Were Two

Turns out Super Tuesday was super exciting. The Hacks spent a day taking it all in and are now ready to sort through the fallout. Where did Biden’s surprise surge come from? Now that the race has narrowed to two, what’s the path forward for both candidates? Are the Democrats still facing the prospect of a contested convention? Plus, Axe and Murphy open the mail bag to take listeners’ questions. Tune in to hear all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...

Mar 05, 202054 min

The Fact of the Matter is… Joe is Back!

The Hacks convene in the aftermath of the South Carolina Democratic primary to talk about what Joe Biden’s win might mean for the rest of the race. Did Biden get his Mo-Joe back? Buttigieg drops out — does this portend the end for Klobuchar and Warren as well? And what should we be looking for on Super Tuesday? ...All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 02, 202028 min

BONUS: How To Vote for the Next President

On this bonus crossover episode, the Hacks join Slate's "How To! With Charles Duhigg" to discuss how to weigh ideology vs. electability and rank the issues that really matter. They talk to an Independent voter who hasn't made up his mind. Can their advice help Anthony—and all of us—make sure our vote counts? Released February 25, 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 27, 202029 min

Will the Democratic Party Bern?—On to South Carolina

The Hacks are back for a special post-Nevada, pre-South Carolina pod: First, Sanders claims his surge has the Democratic establishment worried: can anyone best Bernie or will the Democratic socialist nab the nomination? And what might a Sanders nomination mean for down-ballot races? The aftermath of Bloomberg's paltry debate performance remains to be seen, but may spell trouble for the billionaire. Will another media blitz move the needle for the former mayor? As we turn the corner on Nevada and...

Feb 25, 202052 min

Sin City Slugfest: Democrats Duke it Out

The Hacks are back to break down the latest Democratic debate from Las Vegas, Nevada– Mike Bloomberg makes his debate stage debut but bombs under a barrage of blows. He may have fallen short on the debate stage at the hands of Elizabeth Warren and others, but will his incoming ad blitzes erase his paltry performance? Plus, Pete Buttigieg takes some of the wind out of Klobuchar’s sails, but will this muddle in the middle ultimately benefit Bernie? Where are we now? As we lurch toward Super Tuesda...

Feb 20, 202047 min

Live Free or Die: New Hampshire Votes

The Hacks are back to break down the results out of New Hampshire. Bernie Sanders narrowly edged out Pete Buttigieg in the first in the nation primary. Amy Klobuchar proved that the “Klobusurge” is real after a strong debate performance propelled her to a third place finish in New Hampshire. As we look towards Nevada and beyond, what do the results from the first two contests mean for Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren? What do Buttigieg and Klobuchar need to do to continue their momentum in the lea...

Feb 12, 202051 min

Quality (Out-of) Control: Iowa’s Meltdown and On to New Hampshire

Bleary-eyed and results-less, Murphy and guest hack Robert Gibbs join forces to wade through last night’s Iowa caucus madness. Are the Iowa caucuses no longer viable? Laden with technical difficulties and “quality control” issues, was the mangled process the nail in the coffin for Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status? Or for caucuses in general? As the country holds its breath, multiple candidates seize on the opportunity to tout a “victory” speech: to what degree is the real winner’s spotlight dil...

Feb 04, 202058 min
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