Mixed Messages (with Sasha Issenberg)

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the legendary Hack and master strategist, Howard Wolfson. The Hacks delve into Trump's legal troubles: where are they headed, and do voters care? They compare the Biden and Trump campaign financing reports, preview the June presidential debate, discuss foreign policy issues, and reveal Mike Murphy's pop culture presence.

This week, Axe and Gibbs were joined by one of our esteemed Hackeroos, a favorite among all-stars, none other than John Heilemann. Together, they delve into various topics, including the rotating cast of characters in court with Donald Trump, the latest poll findings from the New York Times, economic trends and the rising cost of living, as well as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, plus so much more! 

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by an expert Hackeroo, Doug Sosnik, former Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton. the Hacks discuss Trump’s legal antics, Big Campaign Energy (BCE), puppy slayers, the race for GOP VP, RFK’s unbaked cake, escape valves, capitalism, and so much more.

This week Murphy and Gibbs were joined by the great Paul Begala, CNN contributor and former counselor to President Bill Clinton. The Hacks discuss the White House Correspondents Dinner, Trump’s ongoing legal issues, CNN’s newest poll, unconventional media opportunities, shooting puppies(???), and so much more!

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. The Hacks discuss Johnson’s Speakership and the battle to pass aid packages, star GOP recruits, foreign wars, campus free speech, Biden’s messaging, and Trump’s trials.