Hacks on Tap with David Axelrod and Mike Murphy

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 audience size. Don’t miss it!

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 tremendous, beautiful, and the best you’ve ever seen. Believe me!

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!

The Hacks are LIVE from the iconic Chicago institution, Manny’s Deli! Join Axe, Heilemann, and Murphy as they dig into Biden’s speeches—yes, both of them—and take a deep dive into the highs and lows of the other speakers' performances. They’ll be serving up hot takes—make that hot latkes—on filibustering, whether the messaging hit the mark, and, of course, how many times Murphy plans to cast his vote while he's in the Windy City. And don’t miss their special segment where they debate if a good corned beef can save a bad policy!

Axe and Murphy kick off this week's episode with an exciting announcement that’s sure to shake things up! After the big reveal, they dive into Trump’s glitchy X interview, the evolving role of social media in this election cycle and what it means for the future of politics, check in on polling, Kamalamentum, and Walz Weirdness. With the DNC convention headed to our beloved Chicago, the guys share their thoughts on what to expect.

*Disclaimer: The Executive Producer of this podcast is from the great state of Minnesota.* This oh for cute week Axe and Murphy were joined by the great John Anzalone. In exciting but not at all predictable news, Minnesota has once again produced a Vice Presidential candidate. The Hacks discuss how Minnesota is the best state in the union, dontcha know, Walz’s unparalleled experience with state (a)fairs, how the campaign is pivoting to build the Wal(l)z messaging, and how the announcement could (purple) rain on Trump’s parade. Can the man from 10,000 lakes rise up to meet these high stakes as he enters skol-ding hot waters? Grab a pop, and a Juicy Lucy, and tune in!

This week, Murphy was joined by Mr. Politics, Bob Costa, and Politico reporter and current flâneur in Paris, Jonathan Martin. The Hacks dive into the vice presidential contenders, the Biden-to-Harris transition relay, the race to put new ads on the air, and Donald Trump's messaging hurdles against his new opponent. And naturally, our very own Mike Murphy clinches the gold medal for his spot-on Hacks on Tap prediction

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!

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!