After a distinguished run spanning 605 episodes, The Axe Files with David Axelrod, a flagship political podcast co-produced by CNN and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, aired its final episode on December 19, 2024. The concluding installment featured an in-depth conversation with U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, bringing to a close a series celebrated for its probing interviews with influential figures across the political spectrum. The podcast, renowned for delving beyond conventional soundbites, offered listeners nuanced insights into the lives, motivations, and perspectives of America’s key political players.
A Legacy of Deep Dive Political Discourse
Launched by David Axelrod, a veteran political strategist, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, and current CNN senior political commentator, The Axe Files carved out a unique space in the crowded landscape of political media. Axelrod, who also founded and directs the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IoP), conceived the podcast as an extension of the Institute’s mission: to foster robust, civil discourse and engage students and the public with practical politics. The partnership with CNN Podcasts amplified its reach, establishing it as a go-to source for comprehensive political interviews.
Over its tenure, the podcast consistently delivered long-form conversations, typically ranging from 50 to 70 minutes, allowing guests ample time to articulate complex ideas and share personal narratives that often illuminated their political philosophies. This format stood in stark contrast to the often-superficial exchanges characteristic of cable news or campaign soundbites, fulfilling Axelrod’s stated goal of helping listeners "get to know some of the most interesting players in politics" on a deeper level.
The Final Chapter: Ambassador Rahm Emanuel
The decision to conclude The Axe Files with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel held particular significance, given Emanuel’s close personal and professional relationship with Axelrod, dating back to their shared time in the Obama administration. Emanuel, known for his famously direct and often confrontational style honed during his years as a congressman, White House Chief of Staff, and Mayor of Chicago, presented an intriguing profile as a diplomat in Japan, a nation celebrated for its cultural emphasis on order and politeness.
In the 605th and final episode, Axelrod engaged Emanuel in a wide-ranging discussion covering his concluding tenure as Ambassador to Japan. The conversation explored how Emanuel adapted his distinctive approach to the nuances of international diplomacy and his growing affection for Japan. Key topics included the critical importance of America’s relationships within the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of China’s rising influence; Emanuel’s perspectives on the evolving situation in the Middle East; a historical framing of the 2024 presidential election; and his plans for what comes next upon his return to the United States. This interview provided a fitting capstone, reflecting the podcast’s commitment to examining both domestic and international political landscapes through the lens of individual experiences.
A Chronology of Recent Thought-Provoking Episodes
The final months of The Axe Files exemplified its enduring commitment to diverse viewpoints and substantive dialogue, featuring a varied roster of guests that underscored the breadth of contemporary political thought.
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December 12, 2024 – Ep. 604: Scott Jennings: A prominent conservative voice on CNN, Scott Jennings, offered a look into his journey from working for George W. Bush to being considered for a role in the Trump administration. Jennings, who identifies as a journalist at heart, discussed his early days in radio news, his Kentucky upbringing, his influential relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell, and his belief in the necessity of conservative voices within mainstream media. The conversation also touched upon the personal friendship between Jennings and Axelrod, highlighting the podcast’s capacity for bridging ideological divides through human connection.
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December 5, 2024 – Ep. 603: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez: Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who gained recognition for challenging conventional political wisdom, shared insights from her unique background. Growing up homeschooled in Texas, attending Reed College, and later co-owning an auto repair shop in rural Washington, Perez discussed her disdain for "staffer bros" who lack lived experience and emphasized the value of community immersion. Her interview explored what Democrats can learn about building respect and winning—and retaining—voters in diverse electoral landscapes.
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November 28, 2024 – The Best of The Axe Files: Jon Meacham: As a Thanksgiving special, the podcast revisited a compelling conversation with historian and writer Jon Meacham. The episode delved into Meacham’s book, And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, exploring Lincoln’s anti-slavery roots, lessons from his presidency applicable to current political challenges, the moral dilemmas facing the nation, and the essential qualities of a great American president. This re-broadcast underscored the podcast’s ability to connect historical context with contemporary issues.
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November 21, 2024 – Ep. 602: Chris LaCivita: Republican campaign operative Chris LaCivita, known for his strategic acumen and impactful political advertisements, discussed his role as co-manager of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The former Marine detailed his upbringing in Pittsburgh, how his military experience informs his campaign work, the distinctions between Trump’s 2024 campaign and previous cycles, and his analysis of the influence of issues like trans rights, abortion, and President Joe Biden on the electoral outcome.
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November 14, 2024 – Ep. 601: John Anzalone: Democratic pollster John Anzalone provided a critical examination of the role of polling in political strategy, emphasizing that pollsters are strategists, not prognosticators. Following the 2024 election, Anzalone offered advice to the Democratic Party, addressing the proliferation of lower-quality polling, the imperative for Democrats to refine their economic message to resonate with the "American Dream," the factors that impacted Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, and the potential of the party’s emerging leaders.
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October 31, 2024 – The Axe Files: The 600th Episode: A significant milestone was celebrated with CNN’s Anderson Cooper interviewing David Axelrod himself. This special episode explored the origins of The Axe Files, revisited some of its most memorable moments, reflected on Axelrod’s personal learnings about people and politics throughout the show’s journey, and discussed his expectations for election night. It was a rare moment of introspection for the podcast, turning the interviewer into the interviewee.
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October 24, 2024 – Ep. 599: Charlamagne tha God: Lenard McKelvey, better known as Charlamagne tha God, co-host of the nationally syndicated The Breakfast Club, shared his improbable rise in radio. The interview covered his small-town South Carolina upbringing, his journey addressing mental health and its impact on his relationship with his father, the mechanics of The Breakfast Club‘s success, and his candid thoughts on the 2024 presidential election, including his frustrations regarding narratives surrounding Black voters.
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October 17, 2024 – Ep. 598: John King: CNN’s John King discussed his “All Over the Map” project, an initiative to counter the "Washington, D.C. bubble" by traveling across states and engaging directly with voters ahead of the 2024 election. King elaborated on how Donald Trump was leveraging immigration to build support in suburban areas, the potential for ticket splitting due to abortion on the ballot, the disconnect between Washington and the rest of the country, and his assessment of the current state of the 2024 election.
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October 10, 2024 – Ep. 597: Ilana Dayan: A year after her initial conversation with Axelrod following the October 7 massacre in Israel, prominent Israeli journalist Ilana Dayan returned to discuss the ongoing complexities in the Middle East. The discussion addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political resilience, the challenges of reporting from Gaza, the political calculations influencing U.S. dealings with Israel, the intertwined necessity of both military action and diplomatic efforts in the region, and potential future developments between Israel and Iran.
The End of an Era: Implications for Political Journalism
The conclusion of The Axe Files marks a notable moment in political podcasting. For nearly a decade, the program stood as a testament to the enduring value of long-form interviews in a media environment often criticized for its brevity and polarization. David Axelrod’s unique ability to draw out candid responses from a wide array of guests—from presidential candidates and congressional leaders to journalists, strategists, and cultural figures—created a rich archive of political thought.
The podcast’s success underscored a consistent demand among audiences for nuanced political understanding, for narratives that extend beyond the daily news cycle, and for humanizing the figures who shape public policy. Its format allowed for exploration of guests’ personal histories, ethical dilemmas, and strategic thinking, fostering a more informed and empathetic engagement with the political world.
Axelrod’s own reflections on the final episode highlighted the profound impact of these conversations: "We hope you have found these conversations to be as eye-opening and inspiring as we have, and we’ll miss sharing stories with you each week." This sentiment resonates with a loyal listenership who valued the podcast’s commitment to thoughtful inquiry.
While The Axe Files concludes its weekly broadcasts, its extensive library of 605 episodes will remain a significant resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in modern American politics. The podcast’s legacy will undoubtedly influence future endeavors in political media, reaffirming the importance of deep, meaningful dialogue in fostering civic understanding and engagement. David Axelrod’s contributions through the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and his work with CNN will continue, but the distinctive voice and format of The Axe Files will be missed by those who sought a deeper understanding of the political landscape.
