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The Institute of Politics & CNN

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.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Scott Jennings is well known as a conservative firebrand on CNN. From working for George W. Bush to being mentioned as a possible press secretary for Donald Trump, Scott has a deep background in Republican politics, yet he considers himself a journalist at heart. Scott joined David to talk about his early days in radio news, his childhood in rural Kentucky, his formative relationship with Sen. Mitch McConnell, his role at CNN and what he sees as the need for conservative voices in mainstream media, and the friendship Scott and David share.
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Ep. 604 — Scott Jennings

This week marks a significant moment for The Axe Files: our final episode. 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. For the final episode, David talked with his friend, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, who is finishing up his time abroad. Known for his brash, direct demeanor, some questioned his place as a diplomat in a country known for order and politeness. However, Amb. Emanuel had no problem putting his own spin on the job and grew to love Japan, as well. He joined David to talk about his time in Japan, China and the importance of America’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region; his thought on the situation in the Middle East; where the 2024 presidential election lands in history; and what comes next once he returns home.
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Ep. 605 — Ambassador Rahm Emanuel

Sen. Sanders tells David about his childhood in Brooklyn, his presidential campaign, and his stance on selfies.
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Ep. 1 - Sen. Bernie Sanders

Matthew Dowd, former chief strategist for George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign and current ABC News political analyst and visiting Fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, discusses his time in the White House, the possible rise of an independent political party, and the recent visit to the U.S. of Pope Francis.
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Ep. 2 - Matthew Dowd

Mark Kelly speaks with David about his reaction to the campus shooting in Roseburg, Ore., the assassination attempt in Tucson, Ariz., that his wife, ex-congresswoman Gabby Giffords, survived in 2011, and where he thinks the debate over gun control is heading in the future.
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Ep. 3 - Capt. Mark Kelly

Alastair Campbell, former spokesman for Tony Blair and author of the new book Winners and How They Succeed, talks with David about his career as a journalist, his alcoholism and nervous breakdown, his work with the Labour party, and his assessment of British politics and the U.S. presidential race.
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Ep. 4 - Alastair Campbell

2012 Republican presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney sits down with David Axelrod in San Diego to chat about his childhood in Michigan, his assessment of the 2016 race for the White House, and much more.
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Ep. 5 - Mitt Romney

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi chats with David about her childhood in Baltimore, her tenure as Speaker of the House, and President Obama's legacy.
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Ep. 6 - Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Jessica Yellin, former chief White House correspondent for CNN and current Fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, talks to David about her career in journalism, how covering political news has changed, and her upcoming new book.
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Ep. 7 - Jessica Yellin

Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer discusses his work as the Sheriff of Wall Street, his 2008 resignation, and his opinion of 2016 presidential contenders such as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
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Ep. 8 - Eliot Spitzer

Spike Lee, one of the leading African-American filmmakers of all time, speaks with David about his new movie on Chicago gun violence CHI-RAQ, race relations in the U.S., and his love of the New York Knicks.
Warning: This episode contains some explicit language.
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Ep. 13 - Spike Lee

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