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Hacks On Tap

Author: Hacks On Tap

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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.
304 Episodes
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Election Post-Mortem

Election Post-Mortem

2024-11-0701:09:572

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.
Landing the Plane

Landing the Plane

2024-11-0438:431

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!
Girls v. Boys

Girls v. Boys

2024-11-0253:574

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!
Crazier & Crazier

Crazier & Crazier

2024-10-2959:031

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!
The Sprint

The Sprint

2024-10-2201:11:49

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!
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!
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.
VP Debate

VP Debate

2024-10-0201:01:463

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!
Debate Post Mortem

Debate Post Mortem

2024-09-1101:05:395

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.
Debate Preview

Debate Preview

2024-09-0934:121

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!
Fuster Cluck

Fuster Cluck

2024-09-0301:12:021

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!
Mainstream v. Extreme

Mainstream v. Extreme

2024-08-2346:232

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!
Overtime Oration

Overtime Oration

2024-08-2054:121

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!
The Rule of Three

The Rule of Three

2024-08-1301:02:572

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.
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Comments (51)

Mary O'Brian

Stop bashing Boomers with a broad brush! There are a lot of us who have worked hard, have no sense of entitlement and try always to exhibit ethical/moral behavior. That Biden did something that doesn’t hold up to the highest standards has nothing to do with his year of birth. Thank you.

Dec 6th
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Jonathan Wolf

hacks, how come we are not making hay on the Senate report that Trump had his thumb on the justice department to prevent any investigation of kavanaugh?

Oct 14th
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Jessie Ross

I’ve been listening to 'Hacks On Tap' for a while now, and it never fails to impress! The insights shared are incredibly valuable and always presented in such a relatable and engaging way. https://sites.google.com/view/kraft-packaging-solution/home The hosts have a fantastic chemistry, making each episode both informative and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for actionable strategies or just some thought-provoking discussion, this podcast delivers every time. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve!

Sep 15th
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Ecere Seluk

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Jan 18th
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Janet S Lee

Christie won't endorse Nikki - ever! He doesn't trust that she won't ultimately endorse Trump - giving normies a permission structure to hold their noses and vote for the corrupt charlatan (as Sarah Longwell suggests Nikki will do).

Jan 12th
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Richard Thornton

Florida is where #woke and #boomers go to die! 😂🤣

Jan 15th
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Darcie Harris

How about if we stop using words like Trumpy, Trumpism & Trumpiest. What do those words really mean, truly stand for? Amoral? Corrupt? Authoritarian? Vulgar? Narcissistic? Power-hungry? Saying Trumpy is too benign. Let's call it like it is. Words matter.

Nov 14th
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Ed Potter

Is Ms. Haberman saying that no ill intent beyond satisfying his large ego is the likeliest reason he would steal ts/sci documents? BTW, isn't the sheer volume amazing? He must have thought that by attrition he would keep some of the materials he stole. Then, to satisfy what need, to do what? Oh man! The uncertainty is just maddening.

Aug 17th
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Darcie Harris

I agree with Mike...have a huge march with parents and children. And have a couple of dozen 10-year-olds testify in hearings!

May 26th
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Jonathan David Wolf

Hi guys, please don't forget to mention that the guy that federman ran down and held a gunpoint now endorses veteran interesting point that seems to get overlooked all the time! thanks Jonathan both keep up the great show

May 19th
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Estes Kefauver

i haven't heard anybody suggest that the leaker is somebody with access, but no official role inside the court: Ginny Thomas. She is delusional enough to believe the news would be greeted with cheers from her bubble, and has no care for her reputation outside that bubble.

May 5th
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Kasey Kitterman

Andrew's mailbag question touches on why I am no longer a registered Democrat. The Party 'Left' me & I'm hourly reminded why I'm glad I exercised my 'r'ight to leave them & I'm equally gladdened by the change in reverence expressed by so many others. The thing now is to wrest control of the Party from the urban centric elite panderer's & restore a centrist rural blue collar ethos to a working man's & woman's Party. The first step to redemption is dumping the 'preening darlings' of corporate news & getting the aged mid-century dead wood lefties out of Congress & back on the streets where their brand of political street theater belongs. Millennials' problems are not 1970s' problems & it's time we had Party leadership who recognize the difference!

Mar 4th
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Darcie Harris

Amanda, President Biden cannot "solve Covid." That's ridiculous. Nor can scientists, physicians, or researchers. All the Biden administration can do is help provide a defensive response to a disease that has a mind of it's own. Please don't be part of yet another misinformation campaign.

Feb 9th
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Danny Griffin

You guys prove Repubs and Dems can coexist. Your friendships shine through in a time when partisans demonize opponents. Thanks you for showing us the way.

Dec 15th
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Eliza Howarth

great podcast!!!!

Feb 9th
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Mary Lentz

great show

Jan 8th
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Ed Potter

I don't think anyone is buying Murphy's line about giving in to get along with the GOP! BEEN there time and again over the last 40 years. Nothing explains the Republican party accepting the abuse heaped upon us but hatred of US. They have betrayed US. They are cancerous. The president installs a bunch of goons in the Defence department on the last months of his 'administration' for no good reasons anyone can think of. The frog is boiling, it's eyes are bulging out. I ask (God) often, "What did we do to deserve this?"

Dec 18th
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Eliza Howarth

thanks, hacks! other political podcasts have an ax to grind, but you guys are brutally honest & equal opportunity b.s. callers.

Dec 17th
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Emily Elstad

Ok, I have got to ask... What the heck does "go all League of Women Voters on you" mean???

Nov 22nd
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Darcie Harris

My hope is that one of Biden's first appointments is a clinical psychologist who is an expert in how to extract people from cults!

Nov 13th
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