The Smerconish Podcast
The Smerconish Podcast features spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events, aiming to avoid predictable left/right bias. It is designed for independent-minded listeners who want thoughtful analysis rather than partisan talking points. The podcast is tied to The Michael Smerconish Program, which airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS channel on weekday mornings and repeats in the evening. Each episode brings a straightforward, reasoned take on the day's political and cultural topics.
Episodes
Can We Agree: Democratic Socialism
This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #4. 'Can We Agree" is the program that asks whether two brilliant minds from opposite corners of an argument can find any common ground on the questions that matter most to Americans today. Subscribe to the Smerconish YouTube channel to never miss an episode!
"Socialism" is a word Republicans have used against Democrats as a slur for decades. N
Today's Poll Question: Will the midterm election results cause the president to make significant changes to his cabinet and/or policies?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the midterm election results cause the president to make significant changes to his cabinet and/or policies?
With Democrats favored to retake the House, and the Senate hanging in the balance, Michael looks beyond Election Day to a more consequential question: What will President Trump do if Republicans suffer a major defeat? Will he shake up his cabine
Neil Bush on What America Has Lost Since His Father Was President
What would George H.W. Bush think of today's deeply divided America? Michael sits down with the former president's son, Neil Bush, to reflect on his father's extraordinary legacy, the famous "Thousand Points of Light" speech, and why volunteerism may be the key to bringing Americans together again. As chairman of Points of Light, Bush shares personal memories of his parents, the values that shaped
Today's Poll Question: Will Elon Musk’s $276 million in donations keep the Senate in Republican hands?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Elon Musk's $276 million in donations keep the Senate in Republican hands?
With Republicans facing a difficult Senate map and Democrats increasingly optimistic about flipping control, Elon Musk is pouring hundreds of millions into the fight. Michael examines whether the world's richest man's massive political spending can overcome troubling poll number
Is Trump About to Expand the Iran War? Admiral Stavridis Weighs In
Deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have put President Trump at a dangerous crossroads in the war with Iran. Retired four-star Admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis joins Michael to explain who the Houthis are, why they're so difficult to defeat, and the three military options facing Trump. Should the U.S. launch more strikes, tighten the economic pressure, or avoid fu
Today's Poll Question: Is serving in public office today worth the risk of violence?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is serving in public office today worth the risk of violence?
Death threats, assassination attempts, and escalating political hostility are changing the reality of public service in America. Michael examines a New York Times investigation revealing widespread threats against governors, members of Congress, and local officials, alongside new Secret Service f
The Cornell Rape Case: Are We Missing the Real Problem?
What really went wrong at Cornell? Michael speaks with Hanna Stotland, an educational crisis consultant who has handled 363 campus sexual misconduct cases, about the controversial rape allegations, the role of drugs and alcohol, and what the public may be overlooking. Stotland argues that substance abuse is a common denominator in these cases—but is that victim-blaming or an uncomfortable truth? P
Today's Poll Question: Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person convicted of murder?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person convicted of murder?
As executions make headlines in Texas and Florida, California Governor Gavin Newsom considers commuting hundreds of death sentences, and the Trump administration revisits the use of firing squads, Michael examines America's complicated relationship with capital punishment. Gallup pollin
Having Second Thoughts About the Death Penalty
A botched execution in Tennessee, a firing squad in Texas, record-setting executions in Florida, and a possible mass commutation of death sentences in California. America's death penalty debate is back in the spotlight. Michael is a longtime supporter of capital punishment, but admits he's questioning his position more than ever. Is the death penalty justice or revenge? Does it deter crime? And wh
Today's Poll Question: As the media has gotten more diverse, has the bias of the “Dominant Media” against Trump worsened?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Mark Halperin that as the media has gotten more diverse, the bias of the dominant media against Trump has worsened?
More media choices than ever—but is mainstream news coverage becoming less fair? Michael Smerconish examines journalist Mark Halperin's provocative argument that legacy media outlets have grown increasingly biased against Do
Mark Halperin: The Media Is Trying to Destroy Trump
Is the press giving Donald Trump and Republicans a fair shake? 2WAY Political Analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish to argue that America’s “dominant media” applies a different standard to Democrats and Republicans—and that the problem has only intensified in the Trump era. They discuss coverage of Trump’s record and Democratic flip-flops, plus the extraordinary success of Fox News as it
Today's Poll Question: Who should remain anonymous in a rape accusation case, prior to a verdict?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Prior to a verdict, who should remain anonymous in a rape accusation case? Only the accuser, both the accuser and the accused, or no one?
Michael examines the difficult balance between victim privacy, the presumption of innocence, and the public’s right to know. Using the Cornell rape case as a backdrop, he looks at why the accuser remains anonymous while t
Did Russia Just Have a Plague Lab Leak? Annie Jacobsen Sounds the Alarm
Listen to Michael's Book Club Podcast interview with Annie Jacobson on her latest book "Biological War: A Scenario" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's Poll Question: Should NY AG Letitia James be the person to investigate the Cornell rape case?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should New York Attorney General Letitia James be the person to investigate the Cornell rape case? Michael examines whether AG James can fairly oversee the high-profile Cornell case after publicly referring to the accuser as a “survivor” before an investigation was completed. Drawing on arguments from former federal prosecutor Elie Honig and attorney Justin
Too Drunk to Consent? The Law Complicating the Cornell Rape Case
The latest developments in the Cornell rape case raise a complicated question: When is someone too intoxicated to legally consent to sex? Michael breaks down New York’s rape laws, the controversial “voluntary intoxication” loophole, and why the distinction between being drugged, unconscious, and voluntarily intoxicated could make this case extraordinarily difficult to prosecute. Plus, new reportin
Today's Poll Question: Is America over-policed or under-policed?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is America over-policed or under-policed? Michael explores a provocative argument from Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, "The American Way of Killing" (hear Michael's conversation with Gladwell on The Book Club Podcast later today): America may have too few police officers, not too many—and far too many people behind bars. Comparing U.S. cities with their Europe
The Midterm Map Is Shifting
With the 2026 midterms just weeks away, Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down the battle for control of the House and Senate—and why races in places like Kansas and Iowa deserve attention. They also revisit the Bernie Sanders–AOC 2028 idea, discuss Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s presidential potential, and examine Donald Trump’s stakes in the midterms. Could the political map be shifting fas
Today's Poll Question: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions?
Michael revisits the Cornell sexual assault case with new information now in the public record, including reporting on Jane Doe’s statements, text messages, the university’s Title IX process, and the district attorney’s decision not to initially bring charges. While acknowledging
Cornell Rape Case: You Can’t Unring the Bell
New details have emerged in the Cornell rape case, including reporting about Jane Doe’s statements to police, text messages after the alleged incident, and Cornell’s Title IX investigation. Michael is joined again by NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos to examine what the new information means for the renewed criminal investigation — and why, in Danny’s view, prosecutors may not be able to “unri
Today's Poll Question: Should AI designers consider religion when programming morality?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should AI designers consider religious doctrine when programming morality?
As artificial intelligence becomes a source of advice on everything from family conflicts to medical decisions, whose values should guide its answers? Michael examines reports that Anthropic has consulted religious scholars as it wrestles with the “moral formation” of AI—and consider
How Biased Is Michael Smerconish? The Numbers Are In
How biased is Michael? The latest Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart is out, and Michael is more than happy to share his report card: A Blutarsky. He breaks down where his CNN program and SiriusXM podcast land on the left-right media bias spectrum, compares his scores with some of the biggest names in news and commentary, and offers a theory for why his radio show lands slightly to the left of his TV prog
Today's Poll Question: Should Billionaires Pay a Wealth Tax—or Only Taxes on Income?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the government tax the wealth of billionaires, or stick to taxing income?
Michael examines the growing debate over whether enormous fortunes should be taxed based on wealth rather than income. Drawing on his conversation from yesterday with economist Gabriel Zucman, Michael explores proposals aimed at billionaires, including the argument that vast st
The Cornell Rape Case Is Reopened. Can Prosecutors Actually Win?
A newly filed civil lawsuit has put an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University back in the spotlight—and prompted the local district attorney to reopen the investigation. Michael examines the graphic allegations, the accuser’s earlier sworn statement described by the DA, and the major discrepancies now at the center of the case. NBC senior legal analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael to di
Today's Poll Question: After President Trump leaves office, will presidential power go back to what it was before?
John Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.William (Bill) Galston holds the Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies and is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.Watch the latest episode of CAN WE AGREE? here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adv
Is Trump About to Cost Republicans Congress?
Early voting begins in just a few days in many states, so the midterm elections are underway. Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the forces shaping the battle for Congress. They examine shifting voter enthusiasm, Trump’s approval, the war in Iran, inflation and gas prices, and why historical midterm trends may only tell part of the story. Then, Michael opens the phones to
Today's Poll Question: Should Stay-at-Home Parents Get the Same Federal Child Care Aid as Daycare Users?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should stay-at-home parents get the same federal child care aid as parents who use daycare?
Michael examines a proposal that could expand federal child care assistance to families in which one parent works while the other stays home with the kids. He traces the idea to a 2021 Wall Street Journal essay co-authored by J.D. Vance and explores the arguments ove
Can the Dignity Index Fix America’s Toxic Politics?
Can Americans disagree politically without treating each other with contempt? Michael speaks with Special Olympics International Chairman Tim Shriver about the Dignity Index, an eight-point scale measuring contempt and dignity in our public discourse. With nearly 9 in 10 Smerconish.com voters saying a candidate’s civility toward opponents matters to their vote, they ask whether Americans are truly
Today's Poll Question: Would A Bernie/AOC Ticket Be Viable In 2028?
Bernie Sanders and AOC… on the same 2028 presidential ticket? Michael examines Mark Halperin’s provocative prediction that the two progressive stars could team up early and instantly reshape the Democratic primary. Could a Sanders–Ocasio-Cortez ticket actually be viable in 2028? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of pe
Should Parents Choose the Best School—or Try to Fix a Failing One?
Nikole Hannah-Jones made a principled decision to send her daughter to a struggling Brooklyn public school—but a decade later, she’s confronting the consequences. Michael examines her deeply personal story and the fierce debate it has sparked over school choice, segregation, teacher accountability, and a difficult question for every parent: When it comes to your child’s education, should principle
Today's Poll Question: Which Is More Likely: AI Ends Humanity or AI Cures Cancer?
Will AI destroy humanity—or save millions of lives? Michael explores the growing fears surrounding artificial intelligence alongside remarkable examples of AI improving healthcare, predicting sepsis, cutting hospital wait times, and potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment. So which future is more likely: AI apocalypse or AI medical miracle? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https:
Bernie and AOC in 2028? Mark Halperin Floats a Stunning Ticket
Could Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez join forces in 2028? Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish and floats the provocative possibility of a Bernie-AOC presidential ticket — and what it could mean for the Democratic field. Plus, they discuss the approaching midterms, Donald Trump’s battles with the media, and the growing 2028 conversation surrounding Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Or
Today's Poll Question: What was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years?
Listen to Dana Bash talk about her book "The Elections That Changed the World: Fifteen Pivotal Moments That Shaped How We Live" on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
America Wanted a Trump-Mamdani Fight. It Didn’t Get One
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are about as politically different as it gets—so what should we make of their surprisingly cordial meeting at Gracie Mansion? Michael examines whether either man is getting played, and whether their willingness to work together offers a rare lesson in political civility. New York City Councilman Frank Morano and former Trump White House
Today's Poll Question: Trump and Mamdani are working together. Who's getting played?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Trump and Mamdani working together. Who's getting played: Mamdani, Trump, Both, or Neither?
Michael connects the unexpected cordiality between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a broader question about dignity in politics. After a Gracie Mansion meeting focused on housing, immigration, and affordability, Michael asks whether e
AI Could Destroy Us—or Save Us
Michael opens with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis for a rapid-fire look at Iran, the Houthis, Ukraine, and the growing danger of humans weaponizing artificial intelligence. Then, after weeks of warnings about runaway AI and its potential for catastrophe, Michael turns to the other side of the story: how AI is already being used for good in education, medicine, public health, and everyda
Today's Poll Question: Is a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote? Michael Smerconish explores whether respect, dignity, and a willingness to work across political lines still matter when voters choose a candidate—or whether policy positions outweigh everything else. The conversation is prompted by Tim Shriver’s work with Unite and the Dignity Index, which f
How Bucks County Became Ground Zero for America’s Political Divide
'Bucks County, USA' premieres on PBS on September 20, 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's Poll Question: Should Robert Kraft Have Pressured Ed Sheeran to Remove Macklemore From His Tour?
Should Robert Kraft have pressured Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore from his tour? Michael breaks down the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks and the pressure from Kraft and other NFL owners. Was this a stand against hate speech, or did it cross the line into silencing political expression? Plus, Michael explains why the fallout may have only amplified the controversy. Host
Is the American Age Over?
Has America’s era of global dominance come to an end? Michael contrasts two very different assessments of U.S. power—one arguing that the “American Age” is over, and another saying the shining city has dimmed but remains formidable. From Trump, NATO and immigration to energy, China and America’s standing abroad, Michael lays out the debate and hears from listeners across the country. Original air
Today's Poll Question: Was the Boston Globe right to name the Clancy holdout juror?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was the Boston Globe right to name the Clancy holdout juror? Yes or no? Michael examines the fallout after the Boston Globe identified the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, despite a judge’s decision to seal jurors’ names over safety concerns. What does the disclosure mean for juror privacy, future high-profile trials, and people’s willi
Mark Halperin on 2028—and the AI Issue Nobody Can Ignore
Michael talks with political analyst Mark Halperin about the developing 2028 Democratic presidential field, including the potential contenders already positioning themselves for the race. Halperin updates us on his '8 for 2028' list with some surprising moves involving Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom. Then, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence, regulation, China and wh
Today's Poll Question: Who should regulate artificial intelligence?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who should regulate artificial intelligence? As AI advances at breathtaking speed, the debate over who should set the guardrails is intensifying. Michael explores the choices: federal regulation, state-by-state rules, oversight by AI companies themselves, or no regulation at all. The discussion features arguments from former cyber czar Richard Clarke and Ca
9/11 Death Investigator: Stop Calling Them "Jumpers"
For 25 years, we’ve heard the people who fell from the Twin Towers on 9/11 described as “jumpers.” Former New York City death investigator Barbara Butcher tells Michael why that word is wrong—and why every victim who died that day was officially classified as a homicide. A powerful conversation about language, dignity, and how we remember those lost on September 11. Original air date 14 September
Today's Poll Question: Is the Democratic Party's future democratic socialism?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's future democratic socialism?
Michael examines the ideological battle shaping the Democratic Party and introduces his new long-form YouTube series, Can We Agree? In the debut episode, Democratic centrist Congressman Tom Suozzi faces former Ohio State Senator and Bernie Sanders campaign co-chair Nina Turner over capitalism, democrati
AI Could Kill Us All? The People Building It Are Warning Us
The people building artificial intelligence are sounding increasingly dire warnings about what it could become—but Michael says the bigger story is what AI is already being used to do. He digs into Anthropic’s latest report detailing real-world cases involving mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, cyber operations and biological research, and asks whether government and industry are moving fast e
Today's Poll Question: Who REALLY Runs The American Economy?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who really runs the American economy? Is it big tech, big banks and big oil or the millionaires on Main Street?
Michael explores the surprising wealth and economic influence of America’s “Main Street millionaires,” inspired by Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick’s new book, "The Everywhere Millionaire." From car dealers and contractors to doctors, lawyers, restaurate
Bonus Content: Everything That Didn't Fit In Our 9/11 25th Anniversary Tribute
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Michael Smerconish presents an expanded companion podcast episode to his three-hour SiriusXM POTUS tribute — featuring the remarkable archival interviews and full, unedited conversations that couldn’t fit on the radio.Hear James Meigs from Popular Mechanics debunk 9/11 conspiracy theories; journalists Michael Scherer and Peter Baker revisit the mission that
Never Forget: 25th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001
Twenty-five years after September 11, Michael Smerconish presents a special three-hour remembrance of the day that changed America — and asks what “Never Forget” means for a generation that wasn’t there.Drawing from a quarter century of extraordinary archival interviews, Michael revisits the warning signs before the attacks, the heroes of Flight 93, the fight for survival inside the Twin Towers, t
The Sam Bankman-Fried Case Isn’t What You Think
Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was convicted of fraud after prosecutors argued that billions of dollars in customer deposits were improperly funneled to his trading firm, Alameda Research. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and hit with an $11 billion forfeiture judgment. Now, Michael speaks with SBF’s Supreme Court attorney Jeffrey Fisher about why he believes
Today's Poll Question: Will Trump’s $5,000 Dividend Help Republicans—or Backfire?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Trump's $5000 dividend promise help Republicans in the midterms or will it backfire?
President Trump is promising every adult U.S. citizen a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the House and Senate—a proposal that could cost roughly $1.2 trillion. Michael examines the political calculation behind the pledge, the questions surrounding how it would work
"The Chaos Is The Point": Chris Coons Sounds Alarm on Trump’s Mail-In Voting Plan
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) joins Michael to discuss President Trump’s push to change mail-in voting, the battle for control of the House in the 2026 midterms, and what he sees as the administration’s priorities. Plus, Coons explains his bipartisan effort with Sen. Ted Cruz and other Senators to bring order to college sports, NIL payments, and the transfer portal, in the "Protect College Sports Act."
Today's Poll Question: Who Wins The House In November?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who wins the House in November - Democrats or Republicans? With the 2026 midterms approaching, Michael Smerconish examines whether Democrats are headed for a comfortable House victory—or whether Republicans can hold on. History strongly favors the opposition party in midterm elections, Trump’s approval rating stands at 36%, and Democrats lead the generic ba
Lindsay Clancy: Why Yale Law School's Jed Rubenfeld Predicts a Plea Deal
Why did the Lindsay Clancy case end in a mistrial—and what happens next? Michael speaks with Yale Law professor Jed Rubenfeld about the unusual Massachusetts insanity law that shaped the trial, why the jury never had voluntary manslaughter as an option, and why he believes the case may ultimately end in a plea deal. Michael then hears from listeners about the difficult legal and human questions su
Today's Poll Question: "Would America be better off as two countries?"
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Would America be better off as two countries?" Could America’s political divisions eventually become national borders? Michael examines the provocative idea of an American “disunion” through two very different lenses: Kurt Andersen’s new novel 'The Break-Up', which imagines a divided United States after civil conflict, and Syracuse professor Ryan Griffiths
What Your College Major Says About Your Politics
Can your college major predict your politics—or even how religious you are? Michael talks with Ryan Burge, a professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis’ John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, about fascinating new data showing sharp differences among finance, nursing, English, theater and other majors when it comes to ideology and religiosity. Then listeners call in to
The Government Took His $95,000 Plane Over a Six-Pack of Beer
A six-pack of beer could help redefine the Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. Michael breaks down the extraordinary Supreme Court case of an Alaska bush pilot whose $95,000 airplane was seized after alcohol was found aboard a flight to a dry village—and explains why the story is far more complicated than the headline suggests. Then, listeners weigh in on how much punishment is simply too much.
Josh Shapiro Says “Hell No” to Data Centers — The Developer Responds
Data centers are becoming one of America’s hottest political fights. Michael talks with Pennsylvania developer Brian O’Neill, who is seeking to build $18 billion worth of data center projects, about Governor Josh Shapiro’s opposition, concerns over power, water, jobs and local communities — and whether resistance to new development could cost the U.S. the AI race against China. Then, listeners fro
America Is Divided. Except at Costco.
In an increasingly fragmented America, could Costco be one of the last places that still brings everyone together? Michael explores how the warehouse giant became an unlikely cultural phenomenon—from $5 rotisserie chickens and $1.50 hot dogs to date nights, marriage proposals and remarkably loyal employees—and asks listeners: What is Costco’s secret sauce? Listen in about how its not just a place
The Truth About Trump’s Tariffs on Canada: Former Ambassador David L. Cohen Explains
Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen joins Michael to unpack the escalating U.S.-Canada trade fight, President Trump’s tariffs, and whether Canada has really been taking advantage of the United States. Cohen explains who actually pays the price for tariffs, why he believes America has “wronged” its closest neighbor, and whether the historic alliance can recover. Hosted by Simplecast, an
Today's Poll Question: Would You Let A Child Of Yours Play Tackle Football?
Football season is back—but would you let your kid take the field? Michael weighs the alarming new CTE data, the dangers of youth tackle football, and the social pressure parents face when everyone else is playing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Meta’s $18 Billion Reckoning: Are We All Addicted?
Meta has agreed to an historic nearly $18 billion settlement over claims that Facebook and Instagram harm kids—but Michael says the story is bigger than teenagers. With new limits on screen time, overnight access and notifications, could adults live by the same rules? Michael examines America’s growing dependence on phones, the decline of face-to-face interaction, and takes calls from listeners ab
Today's Poll Question: Are the U.S. and Canada still allies?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are the US and Canada still allies? For generations, the U.S.-Canada relationship was one Americans rarely had reason to question. Now tariffs, collapsed trade negotiations, Donald Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric, and growing Canadian resistance are putting that assumption under strain. Michael examines both sides: NATO, NORAD and Five Eyes cooperation remain
Was Dolly Parton the Last Person America Agreed On?
Michael remembers Dolly Parton and asks what made her such a rare, universally beloved American figure - she did what politics can't: Unite us. Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers calls in from the road to discuss Dolly’s authenticity, her place in American culture, and whether anyone today can still bring people together across political and generational divides. Original air date 26 August 2026.
Today's Poll Question: Which Is Worse? Building Data Centers, or Losing The AI Race to China?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is worse, building data centers or losing to China the AI race they power?
Michael examines the growing backlash against massive AI data centers—and the national-security stakes of refusing to build them. With Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly wary of data centers in their own communities, politicians are scrambling to respond. But Senator John Fette
Why America’s $40 Trillion Debt Matters to Your Wallet
America’s national debt has crossed a staggering $40 trillion — but what does that actually mean for you? Michael sits down with Michael A. Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, to explain how the country got here, why mounting debt affects everything from mortgages to Social Security, and what it would really take for Washington to change course. Plus, listeners weigh in
Today's Poll Question: When a Party Can’t Win, Should It Get Out of the Way For A Strong Independent Candidate?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: In a state where one party can't win a Senate seat, should that party step aside for a strong independent? Michael examines a provocative Senate strategy taking shape in deep-red states: Democrats clearing the field for independent candidates who may have a better chance of defeating Republicans. From Seth Bodnar’s campaign in Montana to independent bids in
Charles Barkley Unfiltered: Politics, the WNBA & 2028
Charles Barkley joins Michael Smerconish for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about America’s political divide, the WNBA and transgender athletes, Caitlin Clark, race and sexuality in sports, and the 2028 presidential field. Sir Charles also weighs in on AI’s threat to American workers, the value of the trades, his own political independence — and why he thinks both parties are failing ordi
Today's Poll Question: If the Public Can Attend, Should Cameras Have a Right to Be There Too?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should cameras be allowed in every government proceeding that the public has a right to attend? Today Michael makes the case for a “Smerconish Sunshine Rule”: if citizens are legally entitled to watch their government conduct public business, cameras should be allowed to watch too. With C-SPAN simulcasting his SiriusXM program this week, he looks at nearly
Inside Trump’s Mysterious Air Force One Security Move
Michael talks with Steve Atkiss, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Operations and a longtime presidential trip director, about the extraordinary security maneuver that separated President Trump from Air Force One in Turkey. Atkiss takes listeners inside the secretive world of presidential travel and continuity-of-government planning, sharing stories from Bush’s surprise Than
Today's Poll Question: Would You Pay Higher Taxes and Take Benefit Cuts to Fix the $40 Trillion Debt?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would you accept both higher taxes on yourself and reduced Social Security and Medicare benefits in order to reduce the $40 trillion national debt? Michael confronts a problem Americans overwhelmingly say matters—but one Washington has repeatedly failed to solve. With the national debt now above $40 trillion and interest costs mounting, Michael revisits Pet
America Is $40 Trillion in Debt. Now What?
The U.S. national debt has crossed $40 trillion. So who pays the bill? Michael breaks down how America got here, revisits past efforts to rein in the debt, and asks whether voters would accept higher taxes or reduced Social Security and Medicare benefits. Plus, listeners join the debate with solutions of their own. Original air date 20 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See htt
Today's Poll Question: Is the Natalie Harp story Much Ado About Nothing?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Natalie Harp story Much Ado About Nothing? Jon Ossoff’s two-word reference to “Natalie” ignited a political and media firestorm around Trump aide Natalie Harp—but is there really a larger story here? Michael examines why Ossoff’s remark went viral, the backlash from conservatives, David Axelrod’s criticism of the attack, Julie K. Brown’s provocative
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: Mark Halperin on the Natalie Harp Firestorm
Michael is joined by Mark Halperin to unpack the sudden scrutiny surrounding President Trump aide Natalie Harp and the backlash to Senator Jon Ossoff’s comments about her. Was Ossoff’s remark sexist—or has Washington turned a half-sentence into “much ado about nothing”? Then Michael opens the phones and hears from listeners on whether the controversy deserves all the attention it’s getting. Origin
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. grow or shrink its footprint in the Middle East?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should we be growing or shrinking our footprint in the Middle East? With the Pentagon reportedly reassessing America’s military presence across the region, Michael asks whether decades of bases, troops, and intervention are still making the United States safer. He reflects on his own visit to U.S. military installations in Qatar and Djibouti and examines th
“The Strait Is Closed”: Admiral Stavridis on Iran, Trump and What Comes Next
Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael Smerconish to assess the escalating confrontation with Iran, why he says the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, Trump’s approach to North Korea, and the extraordinary 260-plus-day deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. Then, listeners who served at sea share firsthand stories of long Navy deployments, life aboard submarines and aircraft carriers, and what
Today's Poll Question: Is the Jason Arday tragedy a story of affirmative action gone too far, or a racist witch hunt?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Jason Arday tragedy a story of affirmative action in the extreme, a racist witch hunt, or both? Michael examines the troubling and complicated story of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, whose death followed intense scrutiny of plagiarism allegations and extraordinary claims about his academic and personal history. Was Cambridge too eager to elevate a
Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty — But Where Was the Remorse?
Michael Smerconish reacts to Luigi Mangione’s guilty plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson — and to what he says was notably missing: remorse. He examines Mangione’s courtroom statement, his lawyers’ double-jeopardy strategy, and the continuing public anger toward America’s health insurance system. Then, listeners weigh in on a provocative question: Do Mangione’s grievan
Today's Poll Question: The White House East Wing has already been demolished. Should the Trump Ballroom now be built?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: The White House East Wing has already been demolished. Should the Trump Ballroom now be built? The fight over President Trump’s proposed White House ballroom has shifted dramatically. With an appeals court blocking above-ground construction unless Congress approves it, the administration is asking the Supreme Court to intervene—and increasingly arguing that
The New Vaccine Rules Have Parents Asking: Who Can We Trust?
Michael asks a deceptively simple question: Should parents have the final say on their child’s vaccines? Dr. Brian McDonough joins to examine the Trump administration’s changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, the science behind the longstanding MMR schedule, rising measles concerns, and a growing crisis of trust in government health agencies. Plus, callers weigh in on where parental choice e
Today's Poll Question: Should Grades Still Matter?
Should grades still matter? As the University of Michigan prepares to replace traditional grades with pass/no-credit marks for first-semester students, Michael examines why we started grading students in the first place—and whether grades encourage achievement or get in the way of learning. Is rethinking the GPA smart education reform, or are we simply coddling students? Hosted by Simplecast, an A
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