Axe, Murphy, and Gibbs convene to discuss the aftermath of the Iowa Caucus. Murphy, our boots-on-the-ground maestro, serves up firsthand accounts from the caucus battlegrounds. While Axe and Gibbs dissect Biden?s messaging problem. The Hacks also discuss crow burgers, building momentum, the romance of politics, what?s cooking in the other early states, dancing bears, tiny knives, and cracked crystal balls. The Hacks also walk the political prediction plank when discussing New Hampshire.

This week our trio of seasoned hacks dives headfirst into the CNN debate, mourns Chris Christie's campaign exit, and anticipates the Iowa Caucus outcomes. The gloves are off as Nikki Haley and DeSantis enter a political brawl, while Trump's town hall takes center stage. Our hacks offer sharp insights on Iowa's weather, candidates' dance moves, and the political intricacies of the great states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Tune in for a whirlwind tour of the week's political rollercoaster, because when it comes to politics, laughter is the ultimate survival strategy.

In the run-up to the Iowa Caucus, Axe and Murphy were joined by expert Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson. The Hacks dive into polling, discuss Nikki Haley?s blunder, the battle for second in Iowa, the promise of New Hampshire, blimps, blemishes, ugly zippers, and large orange marbles.

Axe, Gibbs, and Murphy convened for their final episode of the year! The Hacks discuss recent polling, the upcoming Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, the one man Biden campaign, singing off a song sheet, Hunter Biden?s legal troubles, and the battle to be the new lion. Plus, the guys make their 2024 predictions. 

We?ve kept you waiting long enough - here is the post debate Hacknalysis with your pals David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs. 

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by ink stained Hack, Adam Nagourney. Adam is a political reporter for the New York Times and author of ?The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism?.  The Hacks discuss the upcoming Iowa caucus, the battle brewing between Haley and DeSantis, the cost of Thanksgiving, messages from presidents past, eating crow, and slicing the salami a little too thin. Plus, Murphy dabbles in ventriloquism.

Axe and Murphy have a special Hacksgiving message for you!

This week the Circus comes to town, literally, as the guys are joined by Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann, who created Showtime?s beloved show ?The Circus.? The Hacks clown around while juggling a variety of topics, ranging from Biden?s acrobatics around recent poll numbers, Joe Manchin?s disappearing act, the elephants walking on a tight rope (and dropping off it), and Trump?s hare pulling. Tune in for even more puns, and even better analysis!

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. 

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! 

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!

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!

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. 

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! 

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! 

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!

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. 

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. 

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!

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. 

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. 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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.

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

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! 

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.

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! 

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! 

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! 

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!

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. 

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!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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).

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!

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.