Hacks On Tap

Dave Wasserman, US House editor of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the plethora of primaries happening around the country, what the results from recent races tell us about the national political environment, whether any voters will be swayed by the January 6th committee hearings, and how the politics of gun control will play out in suburban areas this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Sosnik, former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the headwinds Democrats face in the midterms and the importance of narrative storytelling in politics. Plus, the Hacks take a close look at the Senate race in Pennsylvania and dive into the jumbo mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hacks convene for what was supposed to be an election night recap but instead was an all too familiar discussion on gun violence in America. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy talk about the latest school shooting in Texas, the politics of gun control, and the results of Tuesday night’s primary races. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe and Murphy break down the results from the primary races in a number of key states in this special edition of Hacks on Tap. They discuss the highly-anticipated Republican Senate race in Pennsylvania, the fate of Congressman Madison Cawthorn and other candidates backed by Trump, how progressive Democratic candidates fared across the country, and ultimately the fact that Trumpism is alive and well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve reached maximum Hacks capacity this week with not one but two guest Hacks, Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns of The New York Times. They join Axe and Murphy to discuss the MAGA-fication of Republican primary races, the politics of Roe v. Wade, and Martin and Burns’ new book, This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy followed the bat signal and convened for a special edition of Hacks on Tap. They discuss the results of the Ohio primary election, what JD Vance’s (or is it JP?) victory says about Trump and Trumpism, the bombshell leak out of the Supreme Court, and how the politics of Roe v. Wade will influence voter turnout in the midterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark McKinnon, executive producer and co-host of The Circus, joins Axe and Gibbs to talk about Ron DeSantis’ war with Mickey Mouse, leaked audio of Kevin McCarthy after January 6th, why the midterms will exacerbate polarization in Congress, and what it takes to craft a strong campaign slogan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whit Ayres, Republican pollster and strategist, joins Gibbs and Murphy to talk about the power of Trump’s endorsement in primary races, the states to watch this fall, and how our political system has become unstable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Begala, CNN contributor and former counselor to President Bill Clinton, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss rising consumer prices, the “some other dude did it” defense, Biden’s budding immigration issue, and Trump’s endorsement of Dr. Oz in Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

C13 Originals and Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Jon Meacham, co-creators of the 2021 Webby Award-winning Best Podcast Series It Was Said and the acclaimed podcast Hope, Through History, join together again for a brand-new series that will guide listeners through critical moments in our history. Every Monday through Friday, Meacham travels back to impactful events that occurred on that date in history—the birth of a visionary filmmaker, the debut of an iconic athlete, the discovery of a lifesaving cure, a triumphant legal victory. You’ll learn how that event shaped politics, art, culture, sports and science, and why it’s still relevant today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Congressman and chair of the DCCC Steve Israel joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the domestic policy challenges that stem from the war in Ukraine, Democrats’ strategy for the midterms, the special election in Alaska, and what will move swing voters in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by the inimitable New York Times reporter and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman to discuss Biden’s trip to Poland, the January 6th committee, Trump on the campaign trail, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist and CNN senior political analyst Ron Brownstein joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, how the culture wars may shape upcoming elections, the changing demographics in the country, and the races that will decide control of the Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic strategist and communications guru Stephanie Cutter joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the importance of message discipline for both parties as we approach the midterms, the latest polling numbers, and Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pollster Mark Mellman joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the domestic political implications of Biden’s decision to ban Russian energy imports, how Democrats should move forward with their agenda ahead of the midterm elections, and the growing influence of Latino voters in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hacks convene for a special late-night recap of President Biden’s first State of the Union address. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss Biden’s rebuke of Putin, the moments of rare bipartisan unity, the speech’s messaging misses and successes, and the country’s esteemed designated survivor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America, host of Offline, and former speechwriter for Barack Obama, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss Biden’s condemnation of Putin’s aggression toward Ukraine, the political implications of US sanctions against Russia, what Biden needs to accomplish in his upcoming State of the Union speech, and whether Trump’s legal troubles will impact his political future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the latest in the Trump vs. McConnell saga, the political influence of parents, and Biden’s upcoming State of the Union speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not one but two guest Hacks join Axe this week while Murphy and Gibbs are away on assignment. John Heilemann, Executive Editor of The Recount, and Amanda Carpenter, political columnist for The Bulwark, chat with Axe about Mike Pence’s attempt to pivot away from Trump, the RNC’s censure of Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, whether Democrats should invoke Trump in the midterm elections, the latest chapter of Covid politics, and Biden’s Supreme Court nomination process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the Hacks assemble to mark episode number 150. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss the strength of Trump’s grip on the GOP, the latest in the standoff with Russia, the politics of the Supreme Court, and why at the end of the day, political messaging rules all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jennifer Palmieri, co-host of Showtime’s The Circus and former White House communications director, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss Biden’s hot mic moment, escalating tensions with Russia over Ukraine, how the Biden administration should communicate the story of America’s resilience, and Newt Gingrich’s gift to Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the anniversary of President Biden’s inauguration approaches, the Hacks called in Jonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, to reflect on Biden’s first year in office. They discuss whether Biden needs a reset, the fate of some of the administration’s key legislation, the messaging and campaign strategies for both parties in the midterms, and if we’re witnessing the early signs of a Donald Trump vs Ron DeSantis showdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic political strategist Addisu Demissie joins Axe and Murphy to discuss President Biden’s speech on the anniversary of the January 6th attack on the Capitol, his condemnation of Trump, the voting rights fight, and the fate of the filibuster in the Senate. The Hacks also posit their essay contest vs. multiple choice election theory and examine the 2022 Senate map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark McKinnon, the Stetson-wearing executive producer and co-host of Showtime’s the Circus, joins Gibbs and Murphy to help the Hacks kick off 2022. With the one-year anniversary of January 6th looming, the Hacks discuss the House select committee’s investigation into the attack on the Capitol, Trump’s legal troubles, and what Biden can learn from Hollywood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To mark the end of 2021, Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy convene for a special holiday mailbag edition of Hacks on Tap. The Hacks discuss Manchin’s Build Back Better bombshell before taking questions from our esteemed listeners. Plus, Murphy’s year is made when a very special guest makes a surprise appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Montana Governor Steve Bullock joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the warning signs he sees for Democrats in rural America, the messaging challenges around Biden’s Build Back Better bill, the latest revelations from the January 6th committee, and speculation about the 2024 presidential race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark and director of Defending Democracy Together, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss some of the must-watch races in 2022, Trump’s continued efforts to subvert our democracy, and Kristol provides his “lit” 2024 Democratic ticket prediction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Heilemann, executive editor of The Recount and host of the Hell & High Water podcast, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the political ramifications of the new coronavirus variant, whether the Biden administration should wade into the culture wars, and the shocking normalization of political violence in this country. Plus, Murphy introduces us to the one and only Uncle Walt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Veteran Republican pollster and strategist Tony Fabrizio joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the long-awaited signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, whether the legislation will have a measurable impact on upcoming elections, the political implications for rising prices, and this week’s “WTF” moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the disconnect between the positive economic indicators and Americans’ pessimism about the state of the country, the passage of the infrastructure bill and the messaging opportunities and challenges it presents for the Biden administration, and the Hacks experience their own supply chain issues live on air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy assemble to discuss Election Day 2021, including the rough night for Democrats, the impact of national politics on local races, the reset Democrats—and Biden—need in order to avoid huge losses in the midterms, and whether Glenn Youngkin has successfully cracked the code when it comes to GOP success in the Trump era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Wasserman, US House editor of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the final stretch of the Virginia governor’s race, the impact of Democrats’ actions—or lack thereof—in Congress on the upcoming election, and the latest redistricting developments and projections for the midterms. Plus, Wasserman reveals how he came up with his iconic phrase, “I’ve seen enough.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the hacks look into their crystal ball with former Virginia Congressman Tom Davis to discuss Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial election. Then, they time travel to figure out how Biden can make big moves to pass his infrastructure bill and how the 2022 midterms could effect leadership positions in both the Democratic and Republican Party. Plus, Murphy taps into his artistic side when he answers a listener question from the mailbag! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Steve Israel, former Congressman and future bookshop owner, joined Axe and Murphy to talk about Trump’s endorsement of Chuck Grassley, Trump’s power over the GOP and how Dems can use it to fuel turnout in 2022, the Virginia Governor’s race, never-ending negotiations on the hill, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy are together again (and full of puns) to discuss Biden hitting the road to tout his “Build Back Better” plan, the debt ceiling debacle, Trump’s upcoming trip to Iowa, and the latest in Virginia’s gubernatorial race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Anzalone, a longtime Democratic pollster who polls for President Biden, joins Gibbs and Murphy to talk about this “eventful” week in Washington. The Hacks discuss Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s latest plan for the infrastructure bill and the Democrats’ reconciliation bill, how the events of this week might impact messaging for the 2022 midterm elections, and President Biden’s approval rating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the rift between progressive and moderate Democrats over the size and scope of their economic agenda, the latest example of Trump’s grip on the Republican Party, and whether foreign policy matters to voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent, co-anchor of State of the Union, and host of the new podcast Total Recall: California’s Political Circus, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss the results of the California recall election and the key takeaways for Democrats’ messaging as we head into the midterms. The Hacks also cover the latest on the Democrats’ social spending package and ponder whether Independents are truly independent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Hamby, host of Snapchat’s Good Luck America and founding partner of and contributor to Puck, joins Gibbs and Murphy for a deep dive into the upcoming recall election in California, including how the effort to remove Governor Gavin Newsom from office came to be and their predictions about whether he survives. Plus, the Hacks discuss Texas’ new abortion ban and its impact on the 2022 midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Axe and Gibbs are joined by Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark, to discuss the public perception and political ramifications of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the resurgence of COVID and its implications for Biden’s approval rating and beyond, and the needle Nancy Pelosi must thread in order to advance Biden’s agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s all Hacks on deck this week as Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy convene to discuss the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the scenes of panic and chaos in Kabul, Biden’s address to the nation, and the political implications of it all. Plus, the Hacks unpack the latest in the Democrats’ efforts to pass Biden’s economic agenda and the most recent developments in the California recall election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Begala, CNN contributor and former counselor to President Clinton, joins Axe and Murphy to help make sense of not one but two breaking news alerts in the span of one hour. The Hacks discuss the most recent efforts by some members of the GOP to further politicize the pandemic, the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and where the legislation goes from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Private first class hackaroo Mark McKinnon, executive producer and co-host of Showtime’s The Circus, joins Axe and Gibbs to talk about the CDC’s messaging mishaps, the New York Attorney General’s finding that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed state employees, and how much political currency bipartisanship actually wields. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jackie Calmes, national columnist for the Los Angeles Times and author of Dissent: The Radicalization of the Republican Party and Its Capture of the Court, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the powerful testimony delivered during the opening hearing on the insurrection, the latest bumps in the road for infrastructure negotiations, the impact of the Delta variant on Biden's agenda, and the "Shakespearean" tales playing out around the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Gibbs and Murphy were joined by former Congressman Steve Israel who graciously shared his expertise as a former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair to discuss redistricting, campaign fundraising, and the upcoming 2022 midterms. They also discussed infrastructure negotiations and the (both physical and metaphorical) tools Nancy Pelosi uses to negotiate, Murphy explains his WWII analogy, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Minnesota Senator Al Franken joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the latest lunacy to come out of CPAC, the escalating fight over voting rights and the possibility of a filibuster carve-out, and whether the largest price spike since 2008 will impact negotiations in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark and director of Defending Democracy Together, joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss efforts to increase vaccination rates amid heightened concerns about the Delta variant, the two-track infrastructure legislation, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Vice President Kamala Harris, and the politics of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic political strategist and communications expert Stephanie Cutter joins Axe and Murphy to discuss the efforts to save the bipartisan infrastructure deal after Biden’s botched rollout, the early jockeying among ’24 GOP presidential hopefuls to capture the Trump base, and whether Vice President Kamala Harris has been set up for success. Plus, the Hacks discuss the triumph that was the reimagined Democratic National Convention and inauguration celebration, both of which are eligible for Emmy Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Walter, national editor of the Cook Political Report and a PBS NewsHour contributor, joins Axe and Gibbs to talk about the “political theater” surrounding the voting rights bill, the likelihood that Democrats stay united on infrastructure spending, and how rising crime in New York City has shaped the focus of the city’s mayoral primary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Wolfson, Democratic political strategist and former Deputy Mayor of New York City, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Joe Biden’s first foreign trip as president, why this is a pivotal moment for democracy, and the challenges that remain for a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Plus, the Hacks take a deep dive into New York City’s mayoral race and explore the ways in which the primary is a microcosm of the debate over messaging in the Democratic Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices