David Axelrod is a renowned Democratic political strategist, most notably for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. These days, he runs the nonpartisan Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago and hosts a hit podcast, The Axe Files, where he interviews major political figures. In this special crossover episode, Katie and Brian turn the tables on "Axe" and get his own story, including his early days in gritty Chicago journalism, his father's death from suicide, and his family's efforts on behalf of his daughter, Lauren, who has epilepsy. Plus, they discuss his former client, Hillary Clinton, and the future of the Democratic party.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

David Axelrod is a renowned Democratic political strategist, most notably for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. These days, he runs the nonpartisan Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago and hosts a hit podcast, The Axe Files, where he interviews major political figures. In this special crossover episode, Katie and Brian turn the tables on "Axe" and get his own story, including his early days in gritty Chicago journalism, his father's death from suicide, and his family's efforts on behalf of his daughter, Lauren, who has epilepsy. Plus, they discuss his former client, Hillary Clinton, and the future of the Democratic party. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking those same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. 

Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

🎉 Big news! Next Question with Katie is nominated for Best News & Politics Podcast at the @TheWebbyAwards!

These awards are fan-voted—and we need YOUR help to bring it home 🏆🎧🗳️

Voting’s open now through April 17th. Hit that vote button 👉 https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/music

Tired of political headlines that feel like d&eacute;j&agrave; vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie&rsquo;s asking those same questions&mdash;and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she&rsquo;s breaking down what&rsquo;s worth your attention (and what&rsquo;s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7&mdash;but we can stay informed without losing our minds.&nbsp;
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.
🎉 Big news!&nbsp;Next Question with Katie&nbsp;is nominated for&nbsp;Best News &amp; Politics Podcast&nbsp;at the @TheWebbyAwards!
These awards are fan-voted&mdash;and we need YOUR help to bring it home 🏆🎧🗳️
Voting&rsquo;s open now through April 17th. Hit that vote button 👉&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvote.webbyawards.com%2FPublicVoting%23%2F2025%2Fpodcasts%2Fshows%2Fmusic&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMeredithBarnes%40iheartmedia.com%7C95ec7d21e71443fb6ad808dd75dc78d1%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638796311966818329%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=9byzUj8ZcAtESjmNd6bmdw2CV%2BjN7E4g7342WjEhXE0%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/music</a>

Next Question with Katie Couric

David Axelrod: Axe Files Crossover

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ad2ed8cc-7ba2-43d7-a8c7-ae28007016ba/transcript

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