Hacks On Tap
Vox Media
When David Axelrod, Mike Murphy, and John Heilemann 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.
From the Vox Media Podcast Network
From the Vox Media Podcast Network
Episodes
Mentioned books
82 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 5min
Mad King Politics (with David Plouffe)
They dig into risks of war with Iran and how those moves shape political calculations. They debate why a leader might favor spectacle over strategy and the market signals that follow. They unpack congressional bargaining over DHS funding and the voter effects of the SAVE Act. They also break down hot primary battles, divisive Texas ads, and the importance of state-level power.
43 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 8min
The Luck of the Midterms (with Amy Walter)
Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, joins to decode midterm dynamics and political coalitions. She breaks down Joe Kent’s resignation, divides within the GOP over the Iran war, and how foreign conflict could reshape kitchen-table politics. Illinois primaries, massive outside spending, and Senate vulnerabilities also come under the microscope.
33 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 1min
On the Road (with Jonathan Martin)
A lively run-through of Jonathan Martin’s new road-show format and candid interview style. A deep dive into U.S. actions in Iran, shifting rationales, and the controversy over a Tomahawk strike hitting a school. Discussion of Trump’s chaotic White House dynamics, political fallout, and the midterm implications for both parties.
35 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 5min
Midterm Crossfire (with Mark McKinnon and Billy Begala)
Mark McKinnon, political consultant and media strategist who advised George W. Bush and co-created The Circus, analyzes the politics behind the Iran strikes and questions the administration’s strategy. He and the panel debate risks of escalation and political fallout. Then Billy Begala, veteran Democratic strategist, previews the high-stakes Texas Senate primary and its turnout and runoff dynamics.
39 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 49min
SOTU Special
Jonathan Martin, political reporter and commentator known for campaign coverage, breaks down the State of the Union. Conversation covers Trump's performance and tone. They debate the speech's relevance today. Discussion ranges from economic messaging and GOP reactions to foreign policy, voter ID fights, and the Senate map.
38 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 13min
Map-a-Lago (with Dave Wasserman)
Conversation ranges from plunging presidential approval polls to where a political floor might sit. They unpack ICE raids, Democratic messaging choices, and proposed oversight ideas. A national map check highlights key Senate battlegrounds like Texas, Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio. Redistricting, Midwest economic pressures, and how scandal and attention shape turnout also get attention.
44 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 7min
A Bigger Bowl (with Lis Smith)
Lis Smith, veteran Democratic strategist who advises high-profile campaigns. They spar over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl set and why the NFL courted him. Conversation shifts to recent Democratic special wins, GOP economic maneuvers for 2026, and intense debate over voter ID and turnout strategies. ICE reform, Epstein files, and Trump’s online provocations round out the week’s political skirmishes.
39 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 6min
Reading the Map (with Jonathan Martin)
They break down a surprising Democratic win in a Fort Worth special election and what it could mean for House battlegrounds. The conversation covers Trump’s efforts to federalize elections, attempts to obtain state voting files, and spectacle-driven political survival tactics. They also discuss Trump’s economic messaging vs. voters’ realities, the WSJ reporting on his crypto ties, and the shifting Senate and primary maps.
59 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 3min
Intentional Mayhem (with John Avlon)
John Avlon, veteran journalist and author, joins to dissect the fallout from the Alex Pretti killing. They explore how graphic video shapes public outrage. They debate ICE tactics, administration falsehoods, Second Amendment theater, DHS funding leverage, and the political fallout in Minneapolis and beyond.
53 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 2min
The Ugliest American
The hosts tackle a whirlwind of current events, from Trump's Davos arrival impacting America's image to his bizarre Nobel discussions and the fallout of his Greenland remarks. They debate the implications of ICE's controversial tactics on political mobilization and explore the Republicans' tightrope walk between party loyalty and dissent. With insights on tariffs affecting everyday life and a call for a focused Democratic message, the conversation dives deep into the chaotic political landscape ahead of the midterms.
