The Axe Files with David Axelrod

7,246
News #122

David Axelrod, the founder and director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, and CNN bring you The Axe Files, a series of revealing interviews with key figures in the political world. Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • gordoe72
    Suggestion
    Consider an interview with Anthony T. Ironman.šŸ¦‰
  • omnimr
    Oil Ads
    The podcast with Pfauff and Rove had all commercials for big oil group. All of them, the entire podcast. Way too much. Must have been 5-6 of the same ad touting oil use for American consumers.
  • Learner A.
    Plouffe, Rove and Axe
    What a delight it is to hear three political professionals discus the basics of campaigns with such insight and respect. Thank you!
  • JVivian
    Michael Crow
    Davidā€™s recent interview with Michael Crow was one of the most interesting and inspiring guests Iā€™ve heard. I wish more university presidents would step up and follow his lead. Education is the key.
  • El tigress
    Time is a Very precious essential part of life!
    Mr. Friedman and Axe, I also have no connection to any platform, social media, etc. this is why I can listen to all my podcast, read the New York Times as well as Washington Post,Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times. So like you, I am unencumbered and I feel very healthy in my 70s and Iā€™m thankful that we have a healthy democracy . For my mental health I watched two nights ago Jimmy Kimmel, interview with George Bush discuss his portrait book, which included a portrait of Madeline Albright, and all these lovely paintings of people who have immigrated here. I followed with watching his discussion with Barack Obama about his book followed by Michelle and it was wonderful to hear her talking about the girls. It was so essential to remembering that this time really did exist time when we all funded our wonderful politicians our statesman. This happened to be the day that Angel Chao died the sister of Elaine Chao, our former secretary of transportation , wife of Senator McConnell. All these great American's, all these great immigrants., and it was all pre Trump, pre Citizens united. Thank you for your weekly podcast. It helps me every week to keep on having faith in America.
  • JohnReader
    Another hack
    You hurt the Dems just about every time you open your mouth. I think you secretly love Trump. Canā€™t stand when networks give you a platform. Just retire!
  • amoi66
    Love the Podcast
    Andrew Gillumā€™s life story is an inspiration to me. I was a fan before, I'm a bigger fan after listening especially because Iā€™m also 1 of seven kids. Iā€™m the compassionate sister who does the same as his only sister with the important dates in the family. David, you are awesome.
  • JRW 1001
    Cassidy
    Love the insight. Too bad more are not getting the message. 4 more years of T will kill us all
  • PAyscue
    FORMER political commentator
    If you simp for not prosecuting TFG in ANY way, your credibility immediately goes to zero for the remainder of your pathetic career
  • Nutty mom
    LOVE THE AXE
    Such a pleasure to listen to these interviews. Always respectful and thoughtful, even personal while still maintaining professionalism. . Axe goes back to his reporting roots.
  • Lulu3305
    Sara Paretsky
    I love her novels. I was very impressed with the interview. Thank you for having such diverse guests on your podcast.
  • heeelllpp
    Suggestion
    How about interview with Yuval Noah Harari?
  • GP_NY
    Episode 558 - Walter Massey
    I have tremendously enjoyed many of Davidā€™s podcast episodes and would like to comment on Ep 558 with W. Massey: As I scientist (Ph.D. in physics) I see a need for increased communication from the science community on general interest and topics relevant to public discourse and politics. This episode is an outstanding example of communicating science topics as well as the human aspect of the people doing science and taking leadership roles at the intersection between science, business and politics. I was deeply moved by the story of Walter Masseyā€™s life, overcoming so many challenges in his distinguished career as a physicist and serving in many roles well beyond it.
  • A UK fan
    David Axelrod
    You have much to learn - youā€™re having sour grapes because the Joe Biden presidency has been far more successful in 3 years than the WHOLE 8 years of President Obama is obvious. Time to get behind the winner that is scranton Joe and stop being such a snob!
  • Kaytdid724
    Great interviews!
    David Axelrod is one of the best interviewers in the media right now! All of his shows are informative and also delve into history and feeling that a lot of interviews never get to.
  • trjdtujtcjtcjctjtcjfctjxrhxexe
    What a treat!
    A wonderful, feel-good episode with funny, poignant, historical anecdotes. We need to bend the arc again!
  • ebrparish
    Great episode!
    The Obama 15th Anniversary episode (No. 556) is just terrific. The magic of that day fifteen years ago is perfectly captured and preserved. Another great job, Axe!
  • NotTheRealBatman
    Heā€™s a Republican Now
    We lost David Axelrod folks. Itā€™s over. Heā€™s been rubbing elbows with the wrong people and has lost his faith. This man is pro Trump at this point.
  • golgikanji
    Isaacson: Barely Bearable
    Isaacson is like a lot of former CEOs I knowā€”thinks his way of saying things is the best, no need to give other participants time to express their ideas, talks over the interviewer. What a nightmare for Axe. Barely bearable. Tbh
  • Dr_Som
    David French
    David how could you let him endorse gay marriage as a matter of civil liberty and not press him on abortion? Should states be free to deny to marry same sex couples? Should churches be taxed? Contraception isnā€™t in the constitution should it be state dependent? Does he support the ERA? Paid maternity leave?
  • SquindifilusMonch
    Worth the Listen
    David is a great interviewer. Incredibly easy listen but also informative.
  • Baywood Resident
    Sally Yates
    Very well done.
  • fanfromohio
    John King
    Very well done!
  • WrigleyFieldMarshal
    Blair Hull Shouldā€™ve Won
    David Axelrod will forever be considered a detriment to humanity because he helped elect the most destructive president in American history.
  • JamaicangirlE
    Ro Khanna
    Please interview him I think he is the future of the Democratic Party. Smart and fearless and non threatening
  • New Independent
    Bill Gates
    I should be thankful to Mr. Axlerod for posting the Bill Gates interview. The unfortunate by product is that I have learned more about Mr. Gates, who is ā€œdeeply concernedā€ about his GOP friends and puts ā€œParty above Peopleā€ with all the bravado of a life insurance salesman. He is no Paul Boyer or Rusty Bowers and Mr. Axlerod threw him a few underhand pitches because Gates played the PTSD card, with little or no concern of the actual workers that didnā€™t have a cushy gig at Ping golf clubs to pay their bills. You sleep with dogs, you get some fleas Mr Gates. You deserve karma, not sympathy.
  • ggawin
    Interviews
    I listened to three segments and as I listen I can see how removed the guests and Axe are from the common person. Government does not create, it only takes. I also suggest the podcast investigate the Biden corruption and have Andrew McCarthy on. The listeners deserve to know what is going on and you can bang on him as much as you want but he will be professional and answer any biased questions asked.
  • BonnieMonday
    Great to hear from President Obama again!
    Thanks for this interview! I have missed hearing President Obamaā€™s voice and thoughts these past six years since he left office. It was interesting and reassuring to hear his analysis of democracy in the US and world today.
  • ftssss
    Consistently great interviews
    I am assured of learning interesting, useful and new information on a variety of subjects whenever I have the opportunity to listen to the Axe Files!! Great guests and Davidā€™s skillful, in-depth interviews are appreciated. Thank you, David and staff! F. Shelton
  • Huesos na ma era mi novia
    Kaitlin Collins interview
    Timely interview in light of the Trump Town Hall disaster. Her comment at the end ā€œif you need a co-hostā€¦ā€ leads me to believe that she is still searching for a home at CNN. Her Alabamian roots will help bring other important voices both to the Coasts as well as the middle of the Country. CNNā€¦this young & ambitious reporter is a keeperšŸ‘šŸ¼
  • Briard girl
    Michael Wilson
    I am not a big sports fan nor do I know of Mr Wilbon but thank you for a great interview. What an articulate, warm and engaging man!
  • disneygal18
    Why Is Gretchen Carlson Being Held Up As a Role Model?
    While I really enjoy this podcast, I must object to the latest guest, Gretchen Carlson. She keeps saying, "I wish I could talk about that." Well, if she'd actually gone through with the lawsuit and not just taken the money in a settlement, the whole world would have known what was going on at Fox News and maybe she could have saved some other woman the heartache of going through what she went through. Just admit that you were in it for the money and not to make it stop and I'll at least have a touch of respect for you, Ms. Carlson.
  • 541red
    An Orginal
    Check his CV lol
  • Useful back stories
    Comments about value of podcasts.
    The podcasts are an advanced seminar filled with interesting people. I agree Mr. Axelrod ought to be a good interviewer in that stop cutting off the guest as they are answering a question you posited. The conversation ought not morph to a competition to show how much you know. Additionally during at least 90% of the interviews you repeat your personal information, msny times as a non sequitur. This distracts from a valuable conversstion.
  • seattle cal
    Best political podcast
    Dear David, I love your podcast. I learn so much about the people you interview, while my garden gets cleaned up. Your interview of Gavin Newson was fantastic; based on It, if he runs for President he will get my vote (assuming this old lady lives long enough)!
  • whplll
    Great Show
    I am a political junkie, and this podcast is head and shoulders above all the rest. And the great thing is the podcast you think might not be of interest are often Davidā€™s best.
  • soycd
    Add it to your weekly listening
    After finding this podcast last year Iā€™ve turned into a fan. Love how Axe brings out the human side of whoever heā€™s interviewing by starting with their history. Knowing where these people came from and what their life experiences have been helps frame why they are what they are today, rather you agree or not with their position.
  • B in Big Sky Country
    B Hoffman
    Would be 5 stars if not for the fact that David continues to cut his guests off in mid-sentence when they are answering a question he just asked.
  • luca487075
    Youā€™re a 509 edition with Liz Cheney
    What is really wonderful and is now part of history itā€™s not news that will fade away but will probably remain part of the historical record. I do wish though you were somebody would ask her what she thinks needs to be done about the people who are serving in the house Republicans all who voted against the certification of the election after after after they were evacuated to save their lives from insurgence. These people are cool adjacent at least I need to be looked into to see whether they should still be serving in our government or if theyā€™re Real danger to the institution they are now in charge of. It makes me afraid. And neither the committee i did not have an opinion on it. And someone needs to look into it. For having people serving in Congress who supported the coup and who will now not say in public out loud That Joe Biden is the legitimate President of the United States Sorry for all the typos if somebody does in fact read this. Iā€™m on a very old iPad and it wonā€™t cooperate. Thanks for your programs. Louise Buck and San Diego
  • Dr. Gull
    Professor of Medicine
    I am a fan of the Axe files. That said, I thought this was David Axelrodā€™s worst interview. Sununu is a self-serving blowhard who supported an election denier in the Governorā€™s election. Unfortunately, Axelrod let him off the hook for this and similar statements.
  • HerzleUS
    Top Interview of Amanda Gorman
    David is turning into one of my favorite interviewers, such depth, honesty, directness and inspiration!
  • friedlawyer
    Sununu Has Potential
    Sununu was doing fine until he pandered to to base regarding the wall. No engineer would seriously consider a wall unless he was tiptoeing around criticism of Trump. Apparently heā€™s a coward unwilling to tell the unvarnished truth. Heā€™ll need to find his moral compass. Good interview as always nevertheless.
  • Ms cocoa V
    Dr Fauci is amazing
    I love Dr Tony Fauci, he is super intelligent and God has gifted him with an extraordinary mind for science. I pray God will protect him and his family. I appreciate him for all he has done to protect me and my family from Covid 19. I pray he will enjoy his retirement and his beautiful family.
  • lowcountyr letgo
    Always 5 Stars
    What a great interview with Dr. Fauci. He is an American hero.
  • gybuse
    Thank you Dr Fauci!
    Thank you to all the scientists who helped us through and continue to help us through this pandemic. Science is a miracle! We are grateful! B NC
  • willa-grace
    What I learned (Pence interview)
    Itā€™s almost impossible to listen to Pence, but it was fascinating to listen to your voice, Mr. Axelrod. You couldā€™ve demolished him intellectually, factually, and rhetorically, but you didnā€™t. I heard your restraint. I also heard your passion and some of the pain that explains why do do what you do. The fun part was to listen to moments when your diplomacy found room for exasperation and a little knife slice every now and then. That made me so happy. Thank you.
  • akdenali
    Mike Pence
    Had to stop listening. Pence ā€˜s meandering responses to simple questions are an insult to the intelligence of the American people
  • AZ VJ
    Pence
    I cannot listen to one word Pence utters. Shame on anyone giving him a platform to hawk his book when his complicity with Trump has nearly destroyed our country. His despicable, mealy mouthed comments should make him a pariah to any public forum.
  • Liberal Cat Lady
    Mike Pence
    I tried to listen to this interview but Pence deflected all questions. He will never change. Just more blah blah blah from Mike. Nice try David.
  • wilde gg
    13 minutes in
    I am 13 minutes in to the interview with Mike Pence. Axeā€™s genuine humility shines in his Elephant in the Room question to the former VP (you wanna talk about civility in regard to the man for whom you worked??) Literally sick to my stomach by the rehearsed lines Pence delivers - Iā€™m a multi-published author and have sat thru many an editor/publisher/agent diatribe about how to respond to the sticky questions. I canā€™t believe Iā€™m going to listen to anything else Pence has to say, but I will finish this episode because of who is asking the questions. Love the show a little more with each episode and Iā€™ve loved it from episode 1.
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.