Hacks On Tap

This week Axe, Murphy, and Gibbs convened in the middle of the night to discuss the third GOP debate. The Hacks talk about the winners, the losers, and the battle for second in the Iowa caucus. Tune in to hear them discuss abortion messaging, dime store trump ideas, the royal we, panic polls, losers, and borscht sh!t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by the inimitable and unbelievable superstar Hackeroo Jonathan Martin. JMart is a senior reporter at POLITICO, and co-author of “This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future”. The guys break down the new Iowa poll, talk about who is up and who is down, Trump’s power in the GOP, the new Speaker of the House, Pence’s French vanilla problem, Dean Phillips, Israel and Palestine, the UAW strike, chat GPT speeches, and somehow so much more! Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. The Hacks pull back the circus curtains to reveal what’s going on behind the scenes in the speakers battle. The guys discuss the potential candidates, the relationship building across factions, role of democrats, and the commentary from the peanut gallery. The Hacks also discuss border security, Ukraine and Israel funding, Biden’s positioning on Israel, potential presidential Democratic challengers, Trump’s legal woes and plea deals. Plus the guys visit fantasy island while answering your mailbag questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by the great John Harwood! Fresh off his ProPublica interview with President Biden, Harwood joined the Hacks in discussing Trump’s ongoing legal drama, the future of the GOP, the politics of old men yelling at clouds, the essential role of the Speaker and the battle for it, Biden’s trip to Israel, FEC reports, unleashing dogs, and dancing on termites! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by one of the greatest Hacks in all of the land, Amy Walter, who is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. The Hacks discuss the Israel-Hamas war, Nikki Haley’s rising status and her foreign policy expertise, FEC reports, Biden’s economic numbers, Ukraine funding, the battle for the Speakership, independent candidate chaos, and so much more. Tune in for the political insight, stay through the whole episode to hear Murphy write/perform a jingle for Biden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This messy week we have a lot to cover: McCarthy’s battle with Gaetz, the nearly averted shutdown, the great aftermath of the second GOP debate, California Senate — so much stuff we had to bring in the inimitable Jonathan Martin. You may know him from his writing in POLITICO or his classes at Harvard! Make sure to tune in to hear about skullduggery, vendettas, psychic nutritionist political advisors, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Late last night, despite all three Hacks feeling a little bit dumber, the guys convened to record a special post debate Hacks on Tap. The Hacks declare their debate winners and losers, and predict who will be on the next debate stage. They also break down Newsom’s new strides, picket line politics, flip floppery, and battery powered boats. Don’t Donald Duck up and skip this episode, it’s a good one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. The Hacks discuss the upcoming GOP debate, the difficulties and nuances of interviewing Trump, DeSantis and Haley’s viability, aging presidents, nailing jello to walls, and clowns with flame throwers. Want to hear more from Sarah Longwell? Make sure to listen to The Focus Group podcast, new episodes will be coming out on Saturday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Gibbs & Murphy were joined by the great Bill Kristol, who is editor-at-large of The Bulwark. The Hacks discuss Bidens overseas trip, the role of the media, Republicans opening up an impeachment inquiry, and presidential polling around impeachment past. Plus the guys look into their Kristol ball and preview the next GOP debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Jeff Zeleny, who is the Chief National Affairs Correspondent for CNN. Jeff gives an update on what he has seen on the road in New Hampshire, the Hacks then break down Biden’s communication challenges, new poll numbers and the battle for the GOP nomination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. The Hacks discuss Trump’s most recent presidential portrait, his upcoming trial, and how this could impact the nominating process. The guys also talk about pre/post-Trump GOP candidates, post GOP debate performances, identify politics, Biden’s campaign performance, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The bleary-eyed Hacks convened early this morning to discuss the first GOP debate of the 2024 election and the poll vaulting nature of politics. The guys bloviate about Trump’s absence, Nikki’s breakthrough performance, Ramaswamy’s rising poll numbers, and the candidate responses on abortion, supporting Trump, and January 6th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you miss us? Well, we missed you so much that we decided to convene all three Hacks this week. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss Trump’s most recent indictment, the guys preview the upcoming GOP debate, set the scene for the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, and discuss Hunter Biden’s legal woes. Plus, Murphy gives a dispatch from his hammock in New Hampshire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Costa, the chief election and campaign correspondent for CBS news, joined Axe and Murphy to discuss the great pageantry of democracy. The Hacks discuss GOP polling and spending, knocking out frontrunners, unprecedented indictments, DeSantis DeSinking, escape valves, medals for democracy, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonkers news week Axe and Gibbs were joined by CNN’s chief political correspondent and anchor of “Inside Politics”. Dana walks us through the newest Trump indictment news, and the Hacks pick her brain on Trump’s messaging, what the indictments mean for 2024, and how the American people will serve as his jury. The Hacks also talk about Manchin campaigning in New Hampshire, Chris Christie qualifying for the GOP debate, Biden’s performance, Pence’s appeal, Faustian bargains, losers, cowards, chickens, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by former North Dakota Senator and current Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, Heidi Heitkamp! The Hacks discuss DeSantis’s bet on Iowa and his courtship of Kim Reynolds, the flipping of abortion as a political issue, Super PAC ads, fundraising number, rural messaging, and the crickets from Biden’s presidential campaign. Plus Heidi gives some Fargo wisdom to her governor and Murphy sneaks in a Gina Raimondo plug! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Murphy and Gibbs bumped a few former presidents to celebrate their favorite holiday by answering YOUR questions! The guys bloviate about Bidenomics, Enron accounting, chickens in tuxedos, Kevin’s caucus politics, Supreme Court rulings, and supremely delicious political food festivities! Tune in and happy forth to you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe was joined by living political legend/greatest Hack of all time James Carville and hat model/co-host of The Circus/also an amazing Hack Mark McKinnon. The guys discuss Christie’s post Covid vendetta against Trump, GOP field elimination and late entries, Trump’s leaked audio, DeSantis’ charisma problem, post-Roe politics, No Labels, breaking glass, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gibbs chats this week with the incomparable and always informative Maggie Haberman of the New York Times and Jonathan Martin of Politico. The Hacks discuss Trump’s indictment, his political and legal strategy (spoiler alert they’re the same), his Fox News interview, and whether or not he will participate in the GOP debates. They also discuss the primary challenges facing his GOP opponents, Hunter Biden’s charges, third party challengers to Biden, and Joe Manchin’s boat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by the Swiss Army Knife of political insight, Doug Heye. Doug taps into his experience as the former communications director for the RNC and deputy chief of staff to Eric Cantor to discuss the immediate term, long term, and short term repercussions of Trump’s second indictment, Chris Christie’s CNN Town Hall, DeSantis finding his lane, McCarthy’s negotiations/struggles with the freedom caucus, and so much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by a new (but already a favorite) Hack, Jeff Zeleny, who is the Chief National Affairs Correspondent for CNN. Jeff gives an update on what he has seen on the road in Iowa, the Hacks then breakdown the state of the GOP race, who they expect to qualify for the upcoming debate(s), and if Trump should even participate and why he probably will. Then the Hacks, aspiring cowboys, plan a trip to North Dakota! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by the man who wears many hats, both literally and figuratively, Mark McKinnon of Showtime’s “The Circus”. The Hacks break down the debt ceiling negotiations, what cat herding and goat rodeos are going on behind the scenes, the GOP race for the White House, DeSantis v. Trump, and also DeSantis v. technology. Plus, Murphy plays around with ChatGPT during the listener mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by Super Hackeroo and CNN Contributor Paul Begala. The Hacks discuss Tim Scott’s announcement, the battle for the GOP primary, debt ceiling (default) negotiations, the x-factor that is the candidate gene, the No Labels Party, Mount Rushmore politicians, gold toilets, and refreshing smiles! Plus so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by former politician and current Hack Joe Scarborough, who is the co-host of “Morning Joe” on MSNBC. The guys talk about Trump fatigue, the battle for the GOP nomination, the political earthquake that was the Dobbs decision, upcoming tremors, the danger of being too cautious, and so much more! Pull up a stool, pour a cold one, and tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Expert Hack Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the state of the 2024 presidential race. The Hacks also break down debt ceiling negotiations, discuss DeSantis’ meta strategy and if he has ever met-a-voter, invent a new word, and oh so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Hacks were joined by a superstar Hackeroo, the formidable Amy Walter, who is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Amy joined Axe and Murphy to discuss the debt ceiling negotiations, Trump fatigue, big Senate announcements and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Murphy and Gibbs were joined by guest genius Jen Psaki who is host of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” on Sundays at 12 p.m. ET and the former White House Press Secretary for President Joe Biden. The Hacks breakdown the recent CNN and Fox News talent oustings, review Biden’s announcement video, and discuss the GOP primary battle. Plus the hacks are joined, yet again, by our trusted veteran hack road correspondent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by expert Hack and political Scribe Jonathan Martin of POLITICO. The Hacks review GOP primary attack ads, discuss the rollercoaster that is DeSantis’ feud with Disney, break down Diane Feinstein’s Senate absence and what this could mean for the battle for her seat, and Murphy goes on a trip to Iowa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by their favorite guest Hack, John Heilemann, of Showtime’s The Circus. The guys talk about Biden’s history of slow walking, the DNC announcement that the 2024 convention will be in the great city of Chicago (not that any of the Hacks are biased), the expulsion of two of the Tennessee Three, and how the GOP presidential contenders can be successful beyond Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This uneventful week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by gentleman Hack Paul Begala to discuss the first ever criminal indictment of a U.S. President. The Hacks break down the indictment, Trump’s surrender, and his speech. Plus the Hacks are joined by their Midwestern correspondent to dive into the Chicago Mayor’s race as well as the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe and Murphy are joined by Mark McKinnon of Showtime’s “The Circus” to talk about the latest three-ring political spectacle. The Hacks break down Trump's most recent legal battles and give a campaign trail update. And in light of another horrific school shooting they talk about the politics of gun safety legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by Mr. Iowa himself, super hack extraordinaire David Kochel. The Hacks address the indictment incitement (and excitement) looming over Manhattan, how Trump and his GOP friends and foes are responding, and how this will impact the 2024 election. Plus the Hacks dive deep into the cornfields of Iowa and discuss the upcoming caucus, the advantages and disadvantages for the current slate of GOP candidates, and of course the Iowa State Fair butter cow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Sykes, Editor at Large of The Bulwark, host of the Bulwark Podcast, and author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind” joined Axe and Murphy to talk about the SVB bank crisis, the politics of bailouts, debt ceiling and budget negotiations, we check in on the Republicans on the campaign trail, and they look ahead to what all of this means for 2024, and beyond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for the New York Times and a legendary reporter, to discuss all things Trump v. DeSantis. The Hacks break down their dueling speeches, mixed messages, loyalty pledges, nicknames, insults, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Hacks were joined by a superstar Hackeroo, the formidable Amy Walter, who is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Amy joined Axe and Gibbs (Murphy was busy voting in Chicago) to discuss the DeSantis book tour, Trump’s standing in the Republican Party, the Michigan Senate race, and what and when to expect results from the Chicago Mayor’s race. Plus David previews his Axe Files interview with Peter Meijer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Hacks were joined by Hackeroo (and very friendly guy) Doug Heye. Doug taps into his experience as the former communications director for the RNC and deputy chief of staff to Eric Cantor to discuss the 2024 primary field, Biden’s recent trip to Ukraine, and how age will factor into both Biden and Trump’s next steps. The Hacks also dive into the Midwest and look at a Wisconsin Supreme Court Race and the Chicago Mayor’s race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Congressman and chair of the DCCC Steve Israel joins Axe and Murphy for our duo Valentines Day and 200th episode special(!) to discuss the all the hot air over spy balloons, social security as a campaign message, Trump vs. DeSantis, and honestly, Trump vs. Everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three bleary-eyed Hacks convene to discuss Biden’s State of the Union address. Axe and Gibbs reflect on their experience in crafting SOTU speeches and the various special interests that you have to navigate. The Hacks also break down Biden’s acuity, his messaging, the historical significance of this speech, and the various shushing, swearing, and shouting that occurred. Plus, Axe learns what a Karen is! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by Super Pollster Extraordinaire Mark Mellman. The Hacks set the stage for Biden’s State of the Union address: how does this historically impact presidential approval ratings, what are the marching orders Biden will give his base, and how will he define the Republican Party? They also look back at the 2022 midterms, discuss Trump campaigning in South Carolina over the weekend, and discuss the Chicago mayor’s race. Plus Murphy challenges you to a joke-off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the ongoing classified documents probe and the impact it could have on 2024, Ron Klain’s departure from the White House, and how secret documents should be handled. Plus, Mike “longtime Chicago voter” Murphy shares his thoughts on the upcoming Chicago mayoral election (along with actual voter David Axelrod). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Hacks were joined by Super Hackeroo Douglas Heye who led comms shops in the House, Senate, and for the RNC. The Hacks dive into the nuances and intricacies of the House Rules Committee, discuss the enigma that is George Santos (is that really his name?), the Biden classified documents saga, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hacks kick off 2023 with esteemed guest Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Axe, Murphy, and Wasserman discuss the dramatic election for Speaker of the House and what it reveals about internal House dynamics, the discovery of classified documents in Biden’s private office, the Biden administration’s stance on immigration, and upcoming elections around the country to keep an eye on, including the Chicago mayoral race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hacks convene to host the first annual post-midterm end of year holiday spectacular award show! Join us as we award the biggest winners and losers of 2022, the biggest political story of the year, best and worst campaigns of the year, the biggest missed story of 2022, the biggest story to expect in 2023, and the Hacks give honorable mentions to the rising stars in each party! We hope you have a Hacky New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Hacks were joined by Hackeroo (and very friendly guy) Doug Heye. Doug taps into his experience as the former communications director for the RNC and deputy chief of staff to Eric Cantor to discuss the Republican in-fighting for the next Speaker of the House. The Hacks also discuss the strategy behind Sinema leaving the Democratic Party, how that shapes upcoming races, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mo Elleithee, former communications director for the Democratic National Committee and current executive director of the Georgetown Institute of Politics, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss all things Georgia on runoff day — the final ads, Biden and Trump’s influence there, and what the results will mean for both parties. Mo also walks us through the new primary schedules and how that could reshape elections as we know them! Plus so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by a man whose many titles will take up most of our episode description. He is a Senior Editor at The Atlantic, a Senior Political Analyst for CNN, and the author of “Rock Me on the Water: 1974 — The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics”. Now that the dust has settled they look back on the midterms and discuss the upcoming races, if there are still swing states, and the future of both parties. Plus Ron shares his favorite book! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the one-week anniversary of the 2022 midterms and to celebrate Gibbs and Murphy dive deep into the results. The Republicans may have underperformed nationally but where did they make state gains and why? Who is on the Democratic bench for 2024 and who will they face on the Republican side? Does anyone read our listener mailbag questions anymore? All of these questions, and more, will be addressed! Tune in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here’s a preview of a new podcast, Story of the Week. Each week, journalist Joel Stein chooses an article that fascinates him, convinces the writer to tell him about it, and then interrupts a good conversation by talking about himself. Sometimes the story will be the one everyone is talking about, like the New Yorker article on smoking hallucinogenic toads. Other times, it’s a story you might have missed, like the one in the Verge about the rock groupie turned hacker who had huge corporations at her mercy. Stories that stick with you long after you forget whatever headline you just doom-scrolled through. In this preview, Joel is joined by Douglas Rushkoff to talk about his experience speaking to a group of tech billionaires in the middle of the desert. He thought he’d be chatting about the latest in tech advancements, but all these guys wanted to talk about was building doomsday bunkers. Hear the full episode, and more from Story of the Week at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/sotw?sid=hacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The midterm special hackathon extravaganza is finally here and we couldn’t think of a better guest to join us than POLITICO’s Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Columnist, Jonathan Martin. The Hacks discuss the results we have from the midterms and breakdown what that means for control of the Senate, House, and eventually The White House! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their final episode before the midterms all three Hacks convene to discuss Obama emerging on the campaign trail, they update us on key races including: Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Utah — and they prepare us for the midterms — will it be a ripple or a wave? And don’t forget, your vote matters, VOTE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices