Explore every episode of the podcast Hacks On Tap

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!

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!

The Atlantic’s Mark Leibovich joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Biden’s messaging on the campaign trail ahead of the midterms, Ron DeSantis’ political future, the primaries in Florida and New York, and insights from Mark’s book, Thank You for Your Servitude: Donald Trump’s Washington and the Price of Submission.

New York Times senior political reporter Maggie Haberman joins Axe and Murphy to discuss how the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago impacts Trump’s political capital, whether the Department of Justice adequately understood the current political environment, Trump’s relationship with Kevin McCarthy, and what to expect from today’s primaries in Wyoming and Alaska. Plus, Maggie previews her forthcoming book, Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America.

Republican pollster and strategist Whit Ayres joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the FBI search of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home, Biden and the Democrats’ string of legislative victories and whether it will translate to success in the midterms, the status of key Senate races around the country, and the polling trends to watch this fall.

The Hacks are back with plenty of snacks to break down the results of an illuminating primary night. Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy discuss the surprising voter turnout in Kansas, the fate of pro-impeachment Republicans around the country, the growing slate of election deniers in key states, President Biden’s winning streak, and Speaker Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan.

Democratic strategist Lis Smith, author of Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story, joins Axe and Murphy to talk about the season finale of the January 6th hearings, Trump and Pence’s dueling speeches, the shifting size of the red wave in the midterms, and whether Biden finally has some bumper sticker wins under his belt. 

This week, formidable Hack and CNN contributor Paul Begala joins Gibbs and Murphy to discuss the unraveling of Build Back Better, the strategy of the 1/6 committee in advance of their highly anticipated hearing on Thursday, Trump’s donor courting tour, and - in between Murphy swooning over big oil - we venture across the pond* to discuss UK politics. 

*No horrible British accents were included in this recording of Hacks on Tap.

The Hacks are back to discuss whether the Department of Justice could indict Donald Trump, recent polling from The New York Times and what it portends for both Biden and Trump’s political future, how Biden should respond to questions about 2024, and the Senate race in Georgia. Plus, Murphy gets an opportunity to gloat and use the word “chortle,” a Hacks on Tap first.

The Hacks respond to a slightly delayed bat signal in this special edition of Hacks on Tap to break down the shocking testimony during the Jan. 6th hearings, whether the latest revelations impact Trump’s political future, the ramifications for the midterms, and whether Biden has a newfound opportunity to take charge on domestic issues.

Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Axe and Gibbs to discuss how Trump voters are reacting to the January 6th hearings, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade and whether it gives Democrats an opportunity to go on offense in the midterms, Mitch McConnell’s approach to the bipartisan gun control bill, Elise Stefanik’s hard turn to towards Trumpism, and more.

Amanda Carpenter, political columnist for The Bulwark, joins Axe and Murphy to discuss Trump’s political future in light of the Jan. 6 committee’s findings, the shocking number of election deniers on the ballot across the country, the merits of a gas tax holiday, Biden’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, and the LA mayor’s race.

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!

John Heilemann, host of the Hell & High Water podcast and executive editor of The Recount, is back with Axe and Murphy to discuss the revelations from the January 6th hearings, President Biden’s limited toolkit on inflation and what it means for the midterms, whispers of Biden’s political future, the bipartisan gun bill, and the races to watch in South Carolina.

Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Hamby, along with the team of expert journalists at Puck, as they let you in on the real conversations insiders are having across the four corners of power in America: Wall Street, Washington, Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Puck's contributors bring you smart conversation around the inside stories happening in these worlds. Presented in partnership with Cadence13 Studios, this podcast releases new episodes daily, Monday-Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

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. 

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.

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! 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by former New Jersey governor and recent GOP presidential hopeful, Chris Christie! The Hacks draw on Christie’s experience preparing Trump for past debates to discuss his mindset heading into the Biden debate, his legal saga and fear of jail, Nikki Haley’s endorsement, being the adult in the room, leaf blowers, surrogates, and much more.

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. 

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.

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.