608 episodes
The Axe Files with David Axelrod The Institute of Politics & CNN
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4.7 • 189 Ratings
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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.
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Ep. 576 — Fareed Zakaria
According to Fareed Zakaria, we are living in an age of revolution, kindled by the converging factors of technological advancement, information proliferation, globalization, and cultural shifts. He joined David during a live taping of The Axe Files at the University Club of Chicago to talk about what he discovered in researching his new book, “Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present,” how past revolutions inform today, how the US electoral system magnifies polarization, the ways in which the ideas of left and right politics have changed, and his mixed feelings on the upcoming trials of former President Donald Trump.
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Ep. 575 — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi may have made history as the first woman elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives, but she made her reputation as an effective leader with a knack for building consensus and pushing landmark legislation across the finish line. She joined David live at Arizona State University to talk about the political skills she learned from her father, her work to pass the Affordable Care Act, her unfavorable opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, why she wishes the Department of Justice would have moved faster on investigating January 6, 2021, and much more.
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Ep. 574— Sister Simone Campbell
Sister Simone Campbell has never shied away from fighting for the underdog. Since childhood, she has looked for ways to assist those in need, a drive further fueled by the early loss of her sister to Hodgkin's lymphoma. Sister Simone joined David to talk about making a name for herself as an advocate for the Affordable Care Act, deciding to attend law school in addition to taking her vows as a Catholic nun, intertwining her faith with activism, and centering her faith in the present.
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Ep. 573 — David Plouffe and Karl Rove
This episode is a little different from the normal Axe Files. David sat down at Arizona State University with two legendary political strategists: Karl Rove, the architect of George W. Bush’s campaigns, and David Plouffe, David’s old partner and the brilliant manager behind the 2008 Barack Obama campaign. You can find their personal stories in past episodes of The Axe Files (Karl Rove episode #80, and David Plouffe episodes #43 and #418), but in this conversation, they talked about the Biden-Trump rematch, which they all agreed is the most unusual campaign of their lifetimes.
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Ep. 572 — Chris Christie
Eight years ago, then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie shook up the political world by dropping out of the race for president to endorse Donald Trump. Since the election of 2020 and the events that followed, including a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, Christie has become one of Trump’s fiercest critics and unsuccessfully challenged him in this year’s primary elections. He talked with David about the arc of his journey from ally and advisor to outspoken foe. He discusses their ruptured relationship and offers fascinating insights into the now-thrice-nominated Trump and his capture of the Republican Party.
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Best of The Axe Files: Alastair Campbell
This week, we're revisiting a conversation from the early days of The Axe Files, way back in 2015, featuring Alastair Campbell. He served as the communications guru for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Campbell, a prolific author and speaker, shares poignant insights into his own struggles with mental illness, in addition to delving into political matters. They explore various topics, including the emerging candidacy of Donald Trump, who was embarking on his unlikely journey to the presidency at the time.
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Customer Reviews
I get so much from this
I’m am so grateful that I discovered the Axe Files. I have learned so much about the guests and consequently their places in recent American history and , along the way, David’s own experiences. As a Briton in Kent UK, I have gained lots of insight through listening to people who are so interesting and hold so much influence in the America of today. I have listened to many back episodes and my intention is to work my way through them. Thank you David Axelrod and the team. You do a great job. Keep it going!
He usually interviews himself
I like the show but by god does he like to talk about himself. His guests are fascinating people, and yet 40% of each episode is him answering the questions he asks.
Can be great….
I really enjoy the Axe Files. The interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin was particularly brilliant. It was akin to over hearing a private conversation between two very well educated, clever people. Gretchen Carlson seemed to take advantage of Axelrod’s relaxed style. She answered no questions of interest and her reasons for joining Fox in the first place were laughable and self-serving. She was able to tell us all how brilliant she was both intellectually and as a musician…many times. Maybe she has something interesting to say but she didn’t and David let her get away with the “my lawyers have told me I shouldn’t discuss that” throughout.