The Hacks are back, and so is the economy’s latest identity crisis. This week, Heilemann and Murphy are joined by veteran political strategist and former Clinton White House advisor Doug Sosnik! The Hacks break down the tariff wars, Wall Street’s reaction to Trump, the Tesla chainsaw massacre, government waste, the art of friendly media, and much more. Buckle up for some classic Hackery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 11, 2025•58 min
It’s Hack to the future (but worse!) Three bleary-eyed Hacks assemble this morning to break down Trump’s speech—because, apparently, the laws of gravity and politics no longer apply. Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dissect Democrats’ great appreciation for Musk, debate Elon’s possible motives, unravel a parliament of fluffers, and, of course, gold chainsaws. It’s a total and complete blabfest you won’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 05, 2025•53 min
Heilemann’s flying solo this week, but fear not! In the absence of Axe & Murphy, Heilemann is joined by two Hacks renowned for their razor-sharp analysis and impeccable wit: Sarah Longwell and Ambassador Patrick Gaspard. Together, they break down Trump’s presser with Macron, the latest in the Russia-Ukraine saga, the fine art of hiding behind empathy, Elon’s latest 4D chess move (or tantrum?), playing possum, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 25, 2025•57 min
Hack-a-doodle-doo! This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by a familiar face—former regular and now former Ambassador, the great Rahm Emanuel. The Hacks dive into inflation, Trump’s backchannel talks with Putin, DOGE intrusions, the kitten caucus, Eric Adams’ legal troubles, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 19, 2025•56 min
Forget the Super Bowl—Trump’s Gulf of America is the real spectacle this week. Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the expert Hackeroo and savant, Jonathan Martin, to break it all down. JMart dives into his latest POLITICO piece on USAID, while the Hacks dissect Trump’s shade-throwing at JD Vance, looming court battles, Elon Musk’s latest rampage, and a whole lot of political mayhem. Buckle up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 11, 2025•57 min
In this completely normal, not-at-all bonkers week, Axe and Murphy were joined by White House expert and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins—who is making her long-overdue Hacks debut. The Hacks break down Elon Musk’s latest antics, mouse traps for Democrats, tariffs, Trump’s cabinet scorecard, the state of the modern Democratic Party, Canada (yes, really), and the ongoing demolition of political norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min
This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the great, pen-stained hack, Robert Costa. The Hacks dive into Trump’s first week in office, his aggressive approach to mass deportations, the political impact of his January 6th pardons, outrage exhaustion, security concerns, upcoming nomination votes, CHIPS, tariffs, and so much more. It’s an open-mic-night presidency, and we’re here to walk you through it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Three bleary eyed, unpardonable Hacks convened this morning to walk you through yesterday’s circus. They discuss Trump overconsumption, Biden’s pardons, Trumps pardons, setting expectations, the atomic clock of grifting, changing the constitution, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by fan favorite and all-around cool guy Jonathan Martin! The Hacks kick things off with a front-line report from Mike Murphy on the LA wildfires, unpacking the implications for the city and the state’s future. They also dive into the status of Trump’s nominees, the business world cozying up to Trump, Biden’s evolving legacy, and the escalating drama within Trump’s inner circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Happy New Year, Hackeroos! Axe and Murphy rang in the new year with a journalism icon, the incomparable Jonathan Alter. Author of His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life, Alter joins the Hacks to reflect on the passing of President Carter and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. The Hacks also delve into the Biden transition, Trump’s ongoing legal battles, what to expect from his appointments and campaign promises, and the ever-changing role of social media in our democracy—along with the resp...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min
‘Twas a night filled with headlines, and all through the pod, Not a topic was skipped—not even David’s odd plod. Drones in the skies, with surveillance to show, And scandals aplenty that continue to grow. Trump’s lawsuits piled like stockings with care, While inaugural donations danced through the air. Inflation will be “slashed,” or so Trump has claimed, And RFK vowed, with no hint of delay, To make Big Pharma ads completely go away. So gather around for sharp wit and good cheer— It’s the wilde...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by expert Hack and pollster to the stars, John Anzalone. The Hacks dissect Trump’s Meet the Press interview, defy political gravity to forecast Trump’s future appointments, and ponder the fate of bipartisanship in a second Trump era. Plus, the guys tackle campaign loyalty, the screaming January 6th jail birds, and the state of the Democratic bench. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min
This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie! The Hacks dive into Christie’s unique insights as Donald Trump’s former Transition Team Chairman to explore what a second Trump term might look like: which cabinet picks are likely to stick, and which ones are simply Trump’s way of flipping the bird. Plus, the guys unpack the Hunter Biden pardon drama and ask Christie for his thoughts on the Kushner ambassadorship—an ironic twist, given their history. Learn mor...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Happy Hacksgiving, Hackeroos! As Axe bastes his turkey to perfection, Murphy and Heilemann carved out time this morning to talk about the true meaning of Thanksgiving—tariffs (the world’s most romantic word), moronomics, and the latest recipe for chaos courtesy of Trump’s cabinet picks. Plus, the stuffing-filled scrum for DNC leadership. We’re so grateful for all of you, our faithful listeners—without you, we’d just be a bunch of turkeys talking into the void. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Nov 26, 2024•53 min
This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by international Hack savant Jonathan Martin. The trio dives into Trump’s nomination circus, ranking his picks by sheer audacity and dissecting their broader implications. They also tackle the fight for DNC chair, the unraveling of democratic norms, and a potential political clash as wild as two tomcats in a pillowcase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min
This week, the Hacks report from the esteemed Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. They sift through the aftermath of the election to analyze the strategies of both the Trump and Harris campaigns, Trump’s proposed appointments, the battle for leadership, and what these developments mean for the next four years and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12, 2024•58 min
Well folks, we have our results. Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dive into the numbers and break down what this means for the next four years. They also explore the dynamics of both campaigns, analyzing shifting polling trends, key battleground states, and the broader political landscape to offer their insights on what the next chapter in American politics will hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 13 min
On the eve of the election, the excitement is palpable as voters get ready to cast their ballots. The Hacks gather for one last huddle, dissecting the campaign’s vibe shift, Trump’s latest missteps, and the buzz from the new Iowa Seltzer poll. They recap the whirlwind of the past ten days and Murphy throws in a bold prediction. Tune in to find out what they’re thinking—and don’t forget to make your voice heard and vote! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min
Happy Saturday, Hackeroos! This morning, the Hacks gathered for a pre-Election spectacular you won’t want to miss! They recorded a double minisode, diving into topics like candy a$$ draft dodgers, closing arguments, and Elon’s payolas. Plus, they explore the final paid media spots from both campaigns. Tune in for all the insights! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 02, 2024•53 min
With the election just a week away, the political landscape is like a reality show finale—full of drama, plot twists, and a few surprise guest stars! Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dissect Trump’s tumultuous NYC rally, compare the enemies list versus the to-do list, explore the art of channeling the negative force, discuss Beyoncé (!), analyze Trump’s Joe Rogan interview, delve into Michelle Obama’s impassioned speech, and so much more! Listen to the end for a special celebrity mailbag question! Lea...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr
Well, Hackeroos, we’re just two weeks away from the big showdown! Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann are really getting to the shaft of things as they discuss the final sprint of the Harris and Trump Campaign. The Hacks discuss Trump’s obsession with Arnold Palmer, Harris’s Fox News interview, Trump losing energy, the blue wall thesis, nose holding republicans, campaign messaging, early mail vote counts, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Hack-A-Doodle-Doo! We are three weeks out from election day, so Axe & Murphy have enlisted their favorite political whiz, Ron Brownstein, the human encyclopedia of hackfoolery! The Hacks break down the state of the race, dissect Harris’s messaging hits and misses, and explore how the popular vote, Senate, and House races could differ from the top of the ticket. They’ll introduce you to a lovely hammer-swinging couple, discuss giant magnets, layer cakes, and so much more! Learn more about you...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This week, Heilemann and Murphy were joined by the esteemed and remarkably flexible Mike Bender, NYT political correspondent and author of Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost . The Hacks break down murder genes, Harris’s media blitz, take bets on whether there will be another presidential debate, moments of crazy strength, being in the zone, wiggly flip-flopping, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Three bleary-eyed, bloviating Hacks convened this morning to dissect the VP debate. The Hacks leave no stone unturned, exploring everything from electric vehicle politics to eyeliner choices—because it's all fair game, as long as the leading man isn’t upstaged. Tune in to hear about manatee killer instincts, Vance’s early debate wins, Walz’s underdog finish, a slick yet sloppy tie, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min
This week Axe and Murphy were joined Alyssa Farah Griffin, host of The View and former Trump White House communications staffer. The Hacks dive into poll-a-palooza, viral pet songs, Trump’s internal messaging battle, radioactive candidates, and so much more. Buckle up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min
This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by The Ragin' Cajun himself. They explored the latest political developments, including another assassination attempt on Trump, the case Kamala Harris and her team need to make, and a thorough analysis of the economy and Bidenomics. They also previewed the upcoming documentary that chronicles Carville’s career and the battles he’s fought—because if anyone knows how to tell a legendary story, it’s Carville! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In a caffeine-fueled fever dream, three overworked faux doctors gathered this morning to dissect last night’s presidential debate. Join us as our "medical experts" administer a thorough post-mortem on the debate’s highs and lows: from the subtle art of baiting former presidents to whether your furry friends are in danger from political shrapnel. We’ll also diagnose the hot-button issues, dissect the theatrical stagecraft, and predict the political fallout with a dose of diagnostic wit. Learn mor...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This morning the Hacks gathered bright and early just for you, to dish out a can’t-miss debate preview. As the post-convention sugar high fades and a fresh New York Times poll shakes up the race, the Hacks dive into the high-stakes drama of the upcoming debate. They break down how each camp is gearing up for the spotlight, what we can expect from the moderators, and much more. Plus, in a truly scientific endeavor, the guys offer their highly precise, definitely-not-just-a-guess estimates on TV a...
Sep 09, 2024•33 min
Happy post-Labor Day campaign sprint to all who celebrate! The Hacks gathered this morning to dissect the Harris & Walz interview, figure out who's taken the toughest swings at Mike Pence, and take a deep dive into how abortion might shake up this election. They also discuss Trump’s struggle to stay on message, his strong man schtick, the battle for Pennsylvania, and cross pollinating between swing states. And in true Trump fashion, they’ve got an announcement that’s not just exciting—it’s t...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 11 min
This bleary-eyed morning, the Hacks gathered to dish out their final takes on the Democratic National Convention. They tackled Kamala’s speech, Trump’s misdialed thoughts on Kamala’s speech, where the campaigns go from here, RFK dropping out, Chicago being an extraordinary host city, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 23, 2024•45 min
