Hacks On Tap

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News #238Politics #85

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. 
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Recent Reviews
  • Etiyoung
    Comments on your Chain Reactionaries on 6/18/25
    In your discussion regarding the motivation and timing of Israel’s Prime Minister to attack Iran at this moment, you either forgot or most likely neglected to mention the following reasons: A) At this time Iran is closer than at any other time before to actually produce and use and nuclear weapon. This weapon is intended to be used against Israel, as expressed unambiguously by the Iranian regime. B) Iran has financed and armed Hizbullah, Hamas, the Huthis in Yemen, all it’s proxies - to create a ring of fire against Israel. For decades, Israel was being barraged with missiles coming from Lebanon in the north and Gaza from the South, and just recently Yemen joined this “party”. C) Israel cannot afford one more time, following 10/7/23, the imminent nuclear threat that is lurking over its head and ignore the Iranian threats. When they promise to destroy you - you got to believe them! 10/7 is still fresh in our minds, we still have hostages there, rotting in the tunnel. D) Iran has a clock counting time down to 2040, as a marker to when neither the Jews or the State of Israel will still be on this planet. You can still visit this clock in the center square of Tehran, unless the IDF cleaned that square last week. So please, don’t omit facts from your narrative. Of course the US has its own considerations and politics, but for Israel it is a question of survival. Don’t forget 10/7/23 and how close we came. What would you do in our place? Israelis NEVER raise their arms in defeat, we raise our heads up high.
  • local302chuck
    Cope show
    Murphy and axelrod, are entertaining even if I generally disagree with them. They also seem like they might be decent human beings. John heilman is just despicable. Pompous stupid rude bag of garbage. Dump him for nearly anyone.
  • Peter2014
    HOT and Marc Short please get your facts straight on LA protests
    On your most recent episode "Executive Disorder" with Mark Short it was reported several times that several police cars were set on fire. They were not police cars, they were driverless Waymo ride-shares with no one in them. Splitting hairs? Possibly, but burning police cars implies a higher level of lawlessness. These protests were not out of control riots anymore than the celebration after the Lakers or Rams (or Eagles in PHI for that matter) win a championship and fans get unruly.
  • feminist warrior
    Marc Short 🤮
    We can call Marc - “tip toe through the tulips Marc” the way he shimmies around the discussions of fat47
  • 541red
    Good mix
    Marc short glad he was on, interesting. Have Chuck Todd on please 🤙
  • ijuhbjijhyghjjij
    Short on morality
    Wow. Having a real Steven miller apologist on the show. Fascinating and revolting all at once.
  • Newport456
    Love the Pod, NOT Marc Short
    This episode with Marc Short marks the first time I’ve ever stopped listening to this pod about 1/3 of the way through. Miller is responsible for the grotesque manhunts taking place in our neighborhoods. Miller separated thousands of families in Trump 1.0. Anyone who has come to “respect”Stephen Miller after working with him and thinks of Miller as “sincere” is not worth the time.
  • nbsfmc
    Heilemann is insufferable
    Why is he here?! Kompromat? He drones on and on and says absolutely nothing. All the reviews complain about him for a reason —> skip ahead for 2 mins every time he starts up, and you’ll miss nothing. —> Axe had to tell him to let someone answer today. Either mute him or get another cohost.
  • Betty in AZ
    Thanks for bonus pod
    Appreciated getting Murphy’s and Jonathan ‘s take on Trump/Musk blow up
  • nyc-l
    Dem for Murphy
    Murphy keeps it witty and Smart - Ax when too far-started sounding angry-I probably agree with acts a little more politically, but Murphy makes me think and open my mind-the whole beauty of the show was their friendship, but when Ax gets me and it’s no fun anymore Lis Smith is the absolute worst was very disrespectful to Murph and doesn’t get it this show isn’t about arguing with one another and agreeing or disagreeing- They should just keep to friends bringing other people in They have to be funny, witty, and smart like Murph or it should just be old hacks of ax and Murphy-Paul, Bagalia and Carville are good additions and of course, Tim Miller Please be mindful not to have obnoxious people like lis Smith I stopped listening the moment she came on
  • Orakamaru
    Interruptus
    I love the show but you guys keep interrupting each other, including the guest. Please try to control yourselves
  • Mr. Stringbean
    Shut up Ax!
    Axelrod loves the sound of his voice. Shut up! Let your guest speak!
  • GrodonCole
    Week in week out
    The best pod on Earth
  • jtdncdk
    Heilman
    As soon as I heard Heilman’s voice I switched Podcasts. If you need to buy him out of a contract please do so. You guys will be ahead.
  • laurainminnesota
    Guys… Research!
    PSA tests are usually not done after 70 or 75!
  • ca123thy
    Good show
    👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
  • AndyBr1
    Heilemann gone - YES!
    Axe - 5 stars. Murphy -5 stars. Bless you for two (Heilemann-free) podcasts I was actually able to listen to. MHGA = Make Hacks Great Again. Ditch windbag Heilemann!
  • BelleAm
    You just ignore millions of Americans?
    Over 5 million Americans marched to protest Trumusk last Saturday, with support from crowds across the globe. I tuned in to hear what you guys had to say about it. What did we get? Crickets. Instead: tariffs, tariffs, tariffs and stock market market market. Nothing about innocent people being dragged to detention camps with no word to their family or friends (aka “disappearing” them). Barely anything about Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or *housing.* You talk vaguely about “prices” and, a tiny bit, food prices. People are already furious and terrified of these emperor-wannabes, and you guys make sports metaphors and talk about political strategy like it’s a football game, and not life-or-death for real people, many of whom can’t afford to see a decent dentist or eye doctor. Get a friggin’ clue. Unfollowing.
  • skylar blue 805
    Tariffs? Nah..
    It's a pay to play scheme. If a country lines Trump's pockets the tariffs will disappear. Trump could care less about tariffs except to use them as a hammer.
  • PlayingInScottsdale
    Please Lose Heileman
    I am so tired of listening to this guy drone on and on and on and on. In today’s pot, he said I have a question and then he did a two minute speech. What is the matter with him and what is the matter with you that you have him on your podcast?
  • Gary Robbins
    Tired of Trans
    The Democrats are committed to losing elections as long as they keep with their trans ideology. For the first time ever, I refused to continue to listen to a Hacks on Tap Podcast. I am very disappointed that they can not see the unfairness of biological males with their superior upper body strength competing with females. I disagree with both election deniers on the right and biology deniers on the left.
  • kat11:27
    Question for You All
    I hear your commentary about “…he’s fighting the courts…” and “…the next president…”, and I feel like you’re missing a very pertinent detail about this administration. It is not functioning as a typical administration. 47 does not want a “next president”. Before he got in office, he stated: "…in four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not gonna have to vote." So why are you all pontificating as if there is not an effort underway to make sure there is not another presidential election in 2028? 👀
  • Asdfigurb rurbthwkwbw
    Axe and Murphy are the best
    So glad axe is back. It’s not the same without you
  • Rick_1961_NYC
    Ditch Heilemann
    I look forward to this show every week. I’ve also really disliked the choice of Heilemann as a replacement for the great Admiral Gibbs (an opinion many reviewers seem to share). That said, I gave him the benefit of the doubt — until his little anti-millennial screed this week. Don’t trash your credibility, especially for someone who doesn’t seem to know how to read a room. Axe and Murphy, both clearly dedicated to instilling a passion for politics in future generations, can do better for a co-host.
  • listener954
    Need my weekly fix of Hacks!
    Heilman is better guest than rotating hack. As a recovering Republican (of sorts) love Murphy. Shameful what the Trump hacks have done to the Oval Office and our country. And sadly the Dems appear to be lacking. Just beware of “the bubble” — seems podcasters are not immune.
  • JustaGoodGuyMKE
    It’s a Shame
    It’s a shame. Hacks On Tap used to be a wonderful bipartisan podcast to give you both sides of the political perspectives. Now it is solidly left of center and essentially a liberal podcast. It is 100% negative towards Trump and the Republicans and not helpful for those of us who want a middle of the road analysis.
  • TheRealist88
    Heilemann’s “UHH”
    Good political discussion and interviews but Heilemann says UHH every 3rd word and is very distracting
  • Ephraim Gleeker
    Sell the team
    If heilman is the succession plan then Murphy and Axelrod are better off killing this thing when they hang it up.
  • NY1235at
    Not able to meet the moment.
    These guys are from a political era that has passed. This is not a question of age but of temperament. They cannot fully see the scale of the crisis caused by Trump, or the urgency of the moment.
  • Appreciative_Listener
    No longer meets the mark
    I‘ve been a regular listener to Hacks for years. I enjoyed the humor and get that the whole premise is that politics needs to be pragmatic in order to be successful. But this week’s discussion of the fate of USAID was too cynical for me and no longer meets the mark of addressing what’s happening to our country under Trump. I will not be listening in the future.
  • McCainJarhead
    Love your work.
    Love Murphy, Axelrod, and Heilman. But y’all may want to tell Apple Podcasts this is Heilman’s gig now. He’s nowhere to be found on the masthead. Give the man some respect. 🤣
  • somsom4576987
    Sound Quality
    Axelrod needs to allow others to speak. His questions are rambling and to show his knowledge. He interrupts everyone else. The guests don’t have much opportunity to speak. Collins was silenced again and again. I listen to learn from Murphy. Unfortunately, Murphy is usually shut down by Axelrod.
  • akoeh7
    Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho Heilemann Has Got to Go!
    Lord knows I love a bloviator, but please show Heilemann the door. His “jokes” are so annoyingly bad and his mile-long interview/discussion style is grating. This show is the only political commentary I can take in these days but he makes me consider leaving my hacks!
  • Vicky the Archivist
    Keeps me honest
    It occurs to me that since Jan. 20, these guys are a pride of elderly lions yapping at the hyenas suddenly overrunning the veldt. Block that metaphor. I’m an (R ) in Cali and listen mostly to conservative pods, but this one keeps me honest.
  • JTHYaounde
    I’m out because of Heilemann
    Show was great with Murphy and Axe. Heilemann is turning the show into an msnbc panel.
  • $cott68
    300!
    Congrats on 300 episodes guys! Former R here with TDS, so Mike speaks to my soul but also appreciate David and his takes and great insights. HOWEVER, adding JHeil was the masterstroke for the pod. Have always enjoyed his reporting, tv hits and The Circus. For me, JHeil is like “More Cowbell!”
  • False Equivalence
    Fascinating Insight into Political Strategy
    These guys are great at what they do. Tough information delivered with humor. I can’t wait to hear what they recommend for developing the next administration. What will it take to win in 2026 and 2028? How much will losers have to imitate winners? Will it always be voter manipulation instead of voter education?Certainly more pandering and less policy is needed for turnout. Every action needs to be a spectacle. How can anyone accomplish this while keeping a foot in reality? Who’s charismatic enough to win and motivated to want the job? I hope we can get some answers. Keep up the great work!
  • jarbradbury
    Altadena/ Eaton Canyon Fire
    Hi. Julie Anne Robinson here. I love the show and in particular the great Mike Murphy. But I feel compelled to say I’m frustrated by the characterization of the fires as Palisades and Malibu. I write from the fringe of the massive Eaton Canyon fire which has decimated one of the most beautiful parts of LA - Altadena with its rich heritage. Please share widely. It’s tragic.
  • makeupmyname
    Ow.
    Could someone tell Jonathon Martin to stop screaming when he talks? Yes, the audience is listening. Just make your point without the metaphoric volume, please.
  • _gerhaus_
    New Co-Host is blah
    Loved Hacks, until they got a non-Hack as their third leg. I wish JH the best of luck, but it’s ruining the show. I can listen to a reporter run his yap on many other podcasts. I miss the good old days.
  • Mncxds
    Heilemann has ruined this podcast
    Heilemann is a bloviator extraordinaire— thank god for the fast forward button
  • LauraMC20-18
    Heilemann is a no go
    I really enjoyed this podcast when it was Gibbs instead of Heilemann. I just don’t think Heilemann is a good fit. He goes on too long, doesn’t know when to let others jump in; doesn’t let conversations advance or jokes end; his questions take longer to ask than the answer to give. Ultimately it feels like his goal is to hear his own voice as much as possible versus to facilitate a conversation that is interesting for the listener. I had hoped this would resolve itself and Heilemann would be coached over time but it’s been a few months and still the same. I hope something changes before I give up on listening .
  • PLPLPLPLP1
    Heilemann is annoying.
    Very annoying
  • eileen334455
    Sell outs
    Unfortunate that you were too busy sucking up to Christy to ask him why he didn’t come out and announced Donald Trump during the election. You guys lost all credibility with me. You just want guests and based on your failure to do that I don’t think any of you guys actually care about the outcome. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
  • 1Cynthia
    Hacks is the Greatest (But do something about JH)
    Hacks is legend as a podcast, and as a podcast junkie it’s one of my favorites. But sadly, JH is no Robert Gibbs. Heileman talks too much on his own podcast, and now he’s brought that skill to the Hacks pod. Please strap JH into a chair, tape his mouth, and make him listen to himself. And for the love of all that is holy, nobody wants to keep hearing him work in the phrase, “this woman that I’m dating right now…” Seriously, JH has a lot to offer and is a great reporter, but can he offer it with fewer words? This can still be a great fit, but JH needs to get out of his own way and learn how to listen. Loyal subscriber here, just offering some tough love.
  • Angry about "Album Only"
    Is Murphy Still Conservative or Just Another Joe Scarborough?
    Once upon a time I used to listen to this podcast religiously until I realized the uniparty actually existed. How many times did Murphy complain about the radical policies Biden was implementing? Probably none. He makes his money as a Democrat now and like Liz Cheney has no place to go home to so he shills for the Dems. Very sad indeed.
  • Rust Belt Boomer
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Listening while I do my prep for the big day of food and football. Love you guys, but this liberal of 52+ years of voting for Dems has a secret crush on Murph. I thinks it’s all the historical and hysterical references to the furors of the past when discussing DJT. Thanks, guys. You’re keeping me sane.
  • CJMcMac
    Thank you Hacks!!
    Axe and Murphy are my sanity coaches - SO grateful for this essential, amazing podcast!!!
  • Bpbluepill
    Stop the Hellman shade!
    I love Hellman! Yes, he takes a while to bring the plane in for a landing but he is smart, funny and insightful! I appreciate his take on everything. Give him a break! BTW Tulsi is the most frightening pick! B NC
  • momkatsr
    H boorish
    Love the free wheeling collegiality and respect between Axe and Murphy but H has totally changed the tone from thoughtful conversation to a self-righteous screed. Not fun.
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