Ax File with David Axelrod
In 1998, Ian Bremmer, founder of Eurasia Group, made a name for himself when he successfully predicted the collapse of the Russian ruble. Since then, Bremmer has channeled its political science insights into a successful business, helping companies understand geopolitical risk as they shape their global strategy. . Bremmer and David talked with David about his rise from Chelsea, Massachusetts to Wall Street, what he believes could happen with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China, the risks of the US backing away from its position. global leadership and why a constitutional crisis has not been enough to bring about real change in America.
February 3, 2022
Ax File with David Axelrod
Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown grew up as the son of a minister in an industrial Scottish town before joining Britain’s Labor Party to eventually serve as Prime Minister. Since leaving office, The Rt. Hon. Brown has focused on social justice, most recently speaking out about shortcomings in the international response to Covid-19. He spoke with David about his concerns about rising nationalism in Europe and globally, how he sees the US role in world affairs, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the near miss. How the loss of vision led to a political career.
January 27, 2022
Ax File with David Axelrod
After graduating from college, Andrew Young had a moment of extreme lucidity while standing on top of a mountain. He suddenly realized that “everything has a purpose” and he continues to channel that purpose in his work as a civil rights leader and confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as a politician, and at the same time represented the United States in the world during her time as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. He and David reflect with David on his life and career, Dr. King’s legacy, the current debate on suffrage, and the political situation in America.
January 20, 2022
Ax File with David Axelrod
Journalist Barton Gellman has questioned power and authority ever since, as editor of the school newspaper, he sued his high school for censorship. He has had a distinguished career in the use and abuse of power, most recently in a series of poignant warnings for The Atlantic about Trump and threats to American democracy. He joined David to talk about how skepticism of power has shaped his career, grappling with the interests of national security versus self-government, and the dangerous future. potential he sees for American democracy.
January 13, 2022
Ax File with David Axelrod
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin gained national notoriety for leading the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump in January 2021, a procedure that comes just weeks after two complicated traumas: the one his son’s death and the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Raskin spoke with David about the loss of his son, Tommy, the January 6 uprising and its aftermath, the rifts in the electoral college, if the country could survive another presidency of Trump, and his new book, “The Unthinkable: Trauma, Truths, and Challenges of American Democracy. ”
January 6, 2022
Ax File with David Axelrod
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has faced an unprecedented series of crises during her four years in office. This week, we revisit our June 2021 conversation with the young, progressive Prime Minister who led her country through a terrorist attack, natural disaster and most recently is the Covid-19 pandemic. From her rural and working-class childhood to the nation’s highest office, Prime Minister Ardern says her focus has always been to create a …Show moremore just society. She talked with David about her early introduction to politics, the difference between working with the Trump and Biden administrations, her government’s response to Covid-19, New Zealand’s relationship with China. and how she measures her success.
December 30, 2021
Ax File with David Axelrod
This week, we’ll revisit our May 2021 conversation with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Psaki didn’t envision herself returning to the White House after serving as Communications Director under President Obama, but when President Joe Biden asked her to join his team, she agreed. She now speaks on behalf of the Biden administration and holds near-daily press conferences, what she calls the tip of the iceberg of her responsibilities. Jen joined David to talk about how the constant flow of…Show more The information that shapes her communications strategy, what a job as a press secretary really looks like, why the comparison between the Obama and Biden administrations falls short, and her expectations for a better time brief stint in his current role.
December 23, 2021
Ax File with David Axelrod
Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin intended to pursue international development work, but watching the twin towers fall on 9/11 while a graduate student in New York changed the trajectory of her career. aunt. Rep. Slotkin spent several years in the CIA before running for office, turning Trump County from red to blue in 2018. Rep. Slotkin talked with David about the difficulty of being a Midwestern member of the Democratic Party. , the rifts in Congress, the recent fatal shooting at her high school, and her time at the CIA and at the Pentagon show just how much of a role she plays as a politician.
December 16, 2021
Ax File with David Axelrod
After more than three decades in the military, including overseeing joint special operations and commanding the war in Afghanistan, retired General Stanley McChrystal has learned a thing or two about risk. He recently wrote “Risks: A Guide to Use”, a handbook on assessing and mitigating hazardous situations. He and David talked about his latest book, 20 years of the country in Afghanistan, how the US failed to successfully manage Covid-19 and the threat of misinformation.
December 9, 2021
Ax File with David Axelrod
A longtime Republican, Marc Short served as White House director of legislative affairs and chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during the Trump administration. He shared with David about his executive work, his relationship with Pence, the politicization of Covid-19, his first-hand account of the events of January 6, and his reflections. his thoughts on the role of the federal government.
December 2, 2021
