The Last Bipartisan Gathering Spot in Politics Has Disappeared
David Axelrod’s podcast served as a rare platform for individuals from opposing political parties to come together and exchange ideas.
TroibNews 
In an era where members of opposing political parties seldom share the screen, political interviews have become brief and superficial. The recent election cycle has seemingly pushed the last digital town square into decline, making David Axelrod's podcast an oasis amidst the chaos.
After an impressive run of 605 episodes over more than nine years, Axelrod is wrapping up his program with an interview featuring fellow Chicagoan Rahm Emanuel.
The conclusion of "The Axe Files" evokes a sense of sadness, particularly because its insights are now more crucial than ever.
The show fostered respectful dialogue and offered more illumination than contention, steering clear of sensationalist conflicts. However, this piece is meant to celebrate Axe's contributions rather than succumb to nostalgia for a past era of civil discussion.
What truly distinguished the program during these times was Axelrod's ability to conduct candid, in-depth interviews with significant figures from both political parties. Where else today can audiences find such a combination?
It’s worth noting that Axelrod also hosted various media personalities and individuals from diverse fields; I myself participated in a session back in 2016. The experience was akin to being in a therapy session as well as a journalistic interview.
Although Axelrod lacks psychiatric credentials as far as I know, he was an exceptional political reporter for the Chicago Tribune. His background in journalism was evident in each episode, where he often aimed to elicit newsworthy insights or thoughtful reflections. He had a clear disdain for guests who came prepared with rehearsed talking points.
Rather than conducting interrogations, Axelrod typically opened interviews by exploring guests' backstories — “tell me about your folks” — and their origins. As the son of an immigrant, he consistently found commonality with those who were only a generation or two removed from struggle, regardless of their political affiliations.
This approach contributed to the show's significance. Axelrod presented his guests as fully realized, complex individuals. For those seeking simplistic portrayals of political tribes, there were plenty of other outlets to choose from.
Axelrod is a Democrat and has voiced strong concerns about President-elect Donald Trump's resurgence. Yet, he took pride in the number of Republicans who agreed — sometimes reluctantly — to partake in thoughtful conversations with a former Democratic strategist and architect of Barack Obama’s political ascent.
Truth be told, many Republicans accepted the invitation partly because Axelrod’s stature in American politics conferred prestige upon them. He has navigated the actual smoke-filled rooms of politics — and even some less metaphorical ones in Illinois — earning respect from political practitioners across the spectrum.
Moreover, Republicans appreciated Axelrod because, to use a term from his faith tradition, he is a mensch.
He challenged guests without ambushing them. His goal was for them to share their stories, delve into their experiences, and engage in the challenging task of discussing the current political landscape. Fittingly, two of Axelrod’s final interviews featured prominent GOP figures from this year’s campaign: Trump co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita and CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who has become somewhat of an Axelrod protégé.
These two figures that many followed this year became well-known through their “Axe Files” discussions, offering insights into the influences that shaped them.
Another captivating aspect of the show was Axelrod’s respect for his audience’s intelligence. He presented complex topics rather than surface-level discussions. If one didn’t grasp the significance of having 90-year-old Abner Mikva, the legendary Chicago lawmaker, on the podcast only months before his passing, perhaps the show wasn’t intended for them.
To put it bluntly: transitioning from much of today’s TV news chatter, which often masquerades as political insight, to podcasts like “The Axe Files” is like moving from mainstream sitcoms to critically acclaimed series such as The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. Who would want to go back?
Consider Senator Bernie Sanders, a staple on television news. In a brief seven-minute segment, viewers wouldn’t learn about significant topics such as how his Brooklyn upbringing involved avoiding discussions about Hitler, Stalin, and Walter O’Malley, or how his stance on gun legislation would have differed had he represented his hometown instead of rural Vermont.
Sanders shared these insights during his 2015 appearance as Axelrod’s first guest, where he also recounted his student civil rights activism at the University of Chicago, Axelrod’s alma mater and the birthplace of the Institute of Politics he founded.
“That pod set the tone,” Axelrod recounted this week.
He also engaged the late Senator John McCain in a poignant conversation, during which McCain reflected on his time spent visiting and comforting an ailing Mo Udall, a former Arizona lawmaker confined to a nursing home. It’s left unsaid, but imagine a prominent Republican doing such a thing for a prominent Democrat facing illness on a weekly basis.
Although Axelrod understands that politics is often contentious and carries lingering resentments, his connections within major political circles allowed him to secure noteworthy guests.
Among the highlights was a remarkable 2016 conversation with basketball legend Bill Walton. Walton’s unique character — his passion for the Grateful Dead, the West, and John Wooden — shone through as he matched wits with Axelrod. It’s a discussion well worth hearing; it leaves listeners feeling as though they’ve participated in an intense three-on-three basketball game against a formidable opponent.
I often tuned into Axelrod’s episodes during long drives. While many podcasts are enjoyable, the best ones create an experience akin to sitting down at Manny’s Deli, eavesdropping on two folks sharing stories over a half-eaten Reuben and a bowl of matzo ball soup.
It’s important to note that Axelrod didn’t just show up unprepared, as Larry King might have with Kato Kaelin, asking random questions while taking calls from viewers sprinkled throughout the hour.
Axelrod meticulously researched his guests and frequently surprised them with his knowledge about their lives. The significant effort it required is likely why he decided to finish with over 600 episodes, especially since he also co-hosts a different podcast, Hacks on Tap, with Mike Murphy and John Heilemann.
Nonetheless, the "Axe Files" will be missed, and I know many others will feel the same.
As he introduced Emanuel on his final episode, Axelrod stated his intention was to provide “one small antidote to the coarse nature of today’s politics and social media culture that so often reduces people to negative caricatures and robs us of our common humanity.”
Mission accomplished, brother.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
After an impressive run of 605 episodes over more than nine years, Axelrod is wrapping up his program with an interview featuring fellow Chicagoan Rahm Emanuel.
The conclusion of "The Axe Files" evokes a sense of sadness, particularly because its insights are now more crucial than ever.
The show fostered respectful dialogue and offered more illumination than contention, steering clear of sensationalist conflicts. However, this piece is meant to celebrate Axe's contributions rather than succumb to nostalgia for a past era of civil discussion.
What truly distinguished the program during these times was Axelrod's ability to conduct candid, in-depth interviews with significant figures from both political parties. Where else today can audiences find such a combination?
It’s worth noting that Axelrod also hosted various media personalities and individuals from diverse fields; I myself participated in a session back in 2016. The experience was akin to being in a therapy session as well as a journalistic interview.
Although Axelrod lacks psychiatric credentials as far as I know, he was an exceptional political reporter for the Chicago Tribune. His background in journalism was evident in each episode, where he often aimed to elicit newsworthy insights or thoughtful reflections. He had a clear disdain for guests who came prepared with rehearsed talking points.
Rather than conducting interrogations, Axelrod typically opened interviews by exploring guests' backstories — “tell me about your folks” — and their origins. As the son of an immigrant, he consistently found commonality with those who were only a generation or two removed from struggle, regardless of their political affiliations.
This approach contributed to the show's significance. Axelrod presented his guests as fully realized, complex individuals. For those seeking simplistic portrayals of political tribes, there were plenty of other outlets to choose from.
Axelrod is a Democrat and has voiced strong concerns about President-elect Donald Trump's resurgence. Yet, he took pride in the number of Republicans who agreed — sometimes reluctantly — to partake in thoughtful conversations with a former Democratic strategist and architect of Barack Obama’s political ascent.
Truth be told, many Republicans accepted the invitation partly because Axelrod’s stature in American politics conferred prestige upon them. He has navigated the actual smoke-filled rooms of politics — and even some less metaphorical ones in Illinois — earning respect from political practitioners across the spectrum.
Moreover, Republicans appreciated Axelrod because, to use a term from his faith tradition, he is a mensch.
He challenged guests without ambushing them. His goal was for them to share their stories, delve into their experiences, and engage in the challenging task of discussing the current political landscape. Fittingly, two of Axelrod’s final interviews featured prominent GOP figures from this year’s campaign: Trump co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita and CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who has become somewhat of an Axelrod protégé.
These two figures that many followed this year became well-known through their “Axe Files” discussions, offering insights into the influences that shaped them.
Another captivating aspect of the show was Axelrod’s respect for his audience’s intelligence. He presented complex topics rather than surface-level discussions. If one didn’t grasp the significance of having 90-year-old Abner Mikva, the legendary Chicago lawmaker, on the podcast only months before his passing, perhaps the show wasn’t intended for them.
To put it bluntly: transitioning from much of today’s TV news chatter, which often masquerades as political insight, to podcasts like “The Axe Files” is like moving from mainstream sitcoms to critically acclaimed series such as The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. Who would want to go back?
Consider Senator Bernie Sanders, a staple on television news. In a brief seven-minute segment, viewers wouldn’t learn about significant topics such as how his Brooklyn upbringing involved avoiding discussions about Hitler, Stalin, and Walter O’Malley, or how his stance on gun legislation would have differed had he represented his hometown instead of rural Vermont.
Sanders shared these insights during his 2015 appearance as Axelrod’s first guest, where he also recounted his student civil rights activism at the University of Chicago, Axelrod’s alma mater and the birthplace of the Institute of Politics he founded.
“That pod set the tone,” Axelrod recounted this week.
He also engaged the late Senator John McCain in a poignant conversation, during which McCain reflected on his time spent visiting and comforting an ailing Mo Udall, a former Arizona lawmaker confined to a nursing home. It’s left unsaid, but imagine a prominent Republican doing such a thing for a prominent Democrat facing illness on a weekly basis.
Although Axelrod understands that politics is often contentious and carries lingering resentments, his connections within major political circles allowed him to secure noteworthy guests.
Among the highlights was a remarkable 2016 conversation with basketball legend Bill Walton. Walton’s unique character — his passion for the Grateful Dead, the West, and John Wooden — shone through as he matched wits with Axelrod. It’s a discussion well worth hearing; it leaves listeners feeling as though they’ve participated in an intense three-on-three basketball game against a formidable opponent.
I often tuned into Axelrod’s episodes during long drives. While many podcasts are enjoyable, the best ones create an experience akin to sitting down at Manny’s Deli, eavesdropping on two folks sharing stories over a half-eaten Reuben and a bowl of matzo ball soup.
It’s important to note that Axelrod didn’t just show up unprepared, as Larry King might have with Kato Kaelin, asking random questions while taking calls from viewers sprinkled throughout the hour.
Axelrod meticulously researched his guests and frequently surprised them with his knowledge about their lives. The significant effort it required is likely why he decided to finish with over 600 episodes, especially since he also co-hosts a different podcast, Hacks on Tap, with Mike Murphy and John Heilemann.
Nonetheless, the "Axe Files" will be missed, and I know many others will feel the same.
As he introduced Emanuel on his final episode, Axelrod stated his intention was to provide “one small antidote to the coarse nature of today’s politics and social media culture that so often reduces people to negative caricatures and robs us of our common humanity.”
Mission accomplished, brother.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
