
About this episode
In which John Heilemann talks with David Axelrod, former senior White House adviser and top campaign strategist for Barack Obama, and currently director of the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, senior political commentator for CNN, and host of The Axe Files podcast.
As 2021 comes to an end, Heilemann and Axelrod sit down together in New York City for a look back at the year in politics, from the Biden administration’s successes and mishaps, Covid-19, the polarization and paralysis in Washington, and Donald Trump’s continued stranglehold on the Republican Party. Axelrod reminisces about his storied career as a political reporter, Democratic strategist, and architect of Barack Obama's rise to the White House. Looking ahead to 2022, Axelrod lays out what he sees as the greatest challenges ahead for Democrats — and American democracy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Impolitic with John Heilemann publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Impolitic with John Heilemann

Sebastian Mallaby: The Ghost in the Machine
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 20, 20261:19:48failed

Peter Hamby: Swalwell’s Fall, POTUS v. Pontifex, & The VP’s Podcast Mouth
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 17, 20261:04:53failed

Does Kara Swisher Really Want to Live Forever? Should We?
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 13, 202655:58failed

George Conway’s Single-Issue Congressional Campaign: “Get the F*cker Out”
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 10, 20261:25:52failed