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
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
Trump’s Vaccine Changes Put Parental Choice to the Test
Should parents have the final say on their child’s vaccines? Michael examines how the debate over parental choice has shifted following President Trump’s changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor for 1010 WINS (New York) and KYW (Philadelphia), joins Michael to explain what the changes mean, why he believes they aren’t supported by new science, and why his
Today's Poll Question: Should Parents Have the Final Say on Their Child’s Vaccines?
President Trump’s move to reduce the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines has put parental choice back at the center of the vaccine debate. Michael Smerconish asks where parental rights end when a child’s health is at stake, and whether people’s views on who should decide have changed along with the politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Trump, Air Force One & the Democratic Party’s Socialist Future
Michael is joined by Mark Halperin to unpack two big political stories: what the latest primary results really say about the rise of democratic socialism inside the Democratic Party, and the unanswered questions surrounding a reported threat to Air Force One. Who traveled with President Trump after he was moved to another aircraft, who was left behind—and was the story leaked on purpose? Plus, a d
Today's Poll Question: Is It Fair To Blame President Trump For The AF1 Decoy Operation, A Security Decision He Says Was Made By The Secret Service?
President Trump says the Secret Service ordered the Air Force One decoy operation. But a revealing Clinton-era precedent raises a bigger question: could the White House have said no? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Trump’s Air Force One Deception: Necessary Security or Dangerous Decoy?
President Trump boarded Air Force One in full view of the cameras—but he wasn’t on it when it took off. Facing a reported Iranian assassination threat, Trump was secretly moved by catering truck to another aircraft while White House staff and journalists continued their journey believing the president was aboard. Michael asks: Were they being used as decoys? Was the Washington Post right to reveal
Today's Poll Question: Was It Appropriate To Leave Press and Staff Aboard AF1 When Trump Was Removed Due To Iran Threat?
A credible Iranian threat forced Trump into a secret Air Force One switch. But reporters and staff were left aboard the original plane. Smart security—or were they used as decoys? Michael puts the question to you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Why Everyone Is Suddenly Fighting About the WNBA
A viral WNBA foul sends Michael down a rabbit hole: Are race and politics really driving the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark and the league—or are fans being fed a misleading narrative? Howard Megdal, author of Becoming Caitlin Clark, joins Michael to separate perception from data. Plus, the conversation expands to Angel Reese, Sophie Cunningham, transgender athletes, media coverage, and why
Today's Poll Question: Will The Strait of Hormuz Be Open On (Midterm) Election Day?
Can Iran outlast Trump? Michael examines whether Tehran can keep the Strait of Hormuz closed through the midterms—and what it could mean for oil prices and American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Inside the Unsolved Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home, investigators appear no closer to solving the case. Michael speaks with Wall Street Journal reporter Valerie Bauerlein about the ransom notes, surveillance footage, early law-enforcement missteps, and the baffling lack of a breakthrough. How can someone vanish without a trace—and will the mystery of Savannah Guthrie’s mother ever b
Today's Poll Question: Does Donald Trump Really Believe The 2020 Election Was Stolen From Him?
Does Donald Trump actually believe the 2020 election was stolen—or does he know he lost? Michael examines the evidence, the psychology, and a question that may never have a definitive answer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nick Saban, Bipolar Disorder and the Mental Health Crisis in College Sports
Michael sits down with OnBalance founder and former college quarterback Walt Norley for a candid conversation about bipolar disorder, the pressures facing student-athletes and the mental-health crisis unfolding on college campuses. Norley shares stories involving Nick Saban and Tony Dorsett, explains why athletes are often reluctant to seek help, and offers parents practical questions to ask about
Today's Poll Question: Are Democrats having their own MAGA moment?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are Democrats having their own Maga moment?
Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow Michigan Democratic Senate primary victory may reveal something larger than an ideological shift. Michael examines how anger at party leadership, frustration with the establishment and distrust of traditional ideas about electability are fueling a Democratic insurgency. Drawing comparisons
Mark Halperin’s New 2028 Rankings: Shapiro Surges to No. 1
Mark Halperin unveils his latest rankings of the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field—and there is a new name at No. 1. Michael presses the political analyst and "Wide World of News" publisher on why Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has moved ahead of Gavin Newsom, where Mark Kelly fits into the race, and whether the Democratic primary could become a battle between the party’s establishm
Today's Poll Question: Is the AI-driven economy a house of cards?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the AI-driven economy a house of cards?
Stocks are reaching historic highs as America’s largest technology companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI chips, data centers, utilities, and construction. But billionaire investor Ray Dalio says the enthusiasm bears troubling similarities to the bubbles of 1929 and 2000. Michael examines whether to
The 2026 Midterms: Blue Wave Incoming?
Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the latest data on the 2026 midterms, explaining why history points toward a Democratic wave—even as polarization, redistricting, and campaign cash could limit the gains. Plus, why this year's election may tell us far less about the 2028 presidential race than many assume. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question: Can Sanders-style Progressive Democrats Win General Elections In Swing States Like Michigan?
Today's poll tackles a question that could reshape the Democratic Party: Can a Sanders-style progressive win in a battleground state? Michael explores Michigan's high-stakes Senate primary, the rise of young progressive voters, and what the results could mean for 2026 and beyond Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Hidden Story Behind Todd Blanche's DOJ Confirmation
Should Dr. Anthony Fauci testify before Congress with immunity? Michael examines why nearly 50,000 poll voters overwhelmingly said yes, then unpacks the controversial Todd Blanche DOJ agreement, Trump's IRS audit protections, and the growing debate over "lawfare" against political opponents. A deep dive into one of Washington's most complicated—and consequential—legal and political battles. Hosted
Today's Poll Question: Of These Threats, Which Worries You Most?
What keeps you up at night: nuclear war, AI, climate change—or a biological attack? What should we fear most? Michael previews his conversation with bestselling author Annie Jacobsen and explores today's poll on the biggest threats facing the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Inside the Fight Over AI Regulation, China, and America's Future
Mark Zuckerberg argues that superintelligence should be widely available, while former White House cyber czar Richard Clarke warns AI may need safeguards more like a dangerous pathogen than a consumer product. Michael explores the growing debate over AI regulation, China's role in the global AI race, data centers, guardrails, and whether America is moving too fast—or not fast enough. Hosted by Sim
Today's Poll Question: Was Dr. Anthony Fauci Justified in Invoking the Fifth Amendment?
Was Anthony Fauci right to plead the Fifth? Michael breaks down the explosive Senate hearing, the politics of "lawfare," and why he believes the biggest takeaway has nothing to do with Fauci—and everything to do with America's broken political system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Hidden Cost of the AI Boom: The Data Center Wars Are Just Beginning
America needs data centers to power AI, but few communities want one nearby. Michael talks with The Free Press senior editor and writer Joe Nocera about the growing battle over data centers—who benefits, who pays and whether transparency, tax revenue and new technology can ease local resistance. Then, listeners weigh in on jobs, electricity, water, farmland and whether states should pause construc
Today's Poll Question: Should your state pause construction of new data centers?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should your state pause construction of new data centers?
Michael examines the growing backlash against the massive facilities powering AI and the modern internet. With New York moving to halt certain projects, other states considering restrictions, and voters worried about electricity costs, water use, and strain on the grid, the debate is quickly becoming
Fauci Takes the Fifth: What Is He Hiding?
Dr. Anthony Fauci invokes the Fifth Amendment before a Senate committee as Michael examines his newly released diaries, the lingering questions surrounding COVID’s origins and the bitter debate over masks and pandemic policy. Then Mark Halperin joins Michael to discuss Fauci’s media relationships, Mitch McConnell’s health, Gavin Newsom’s political future, the 2028 Democratic primary calendar and t
Today's Poll Question: On balance, did Dr. Anthony Fauci do more good or more harm?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: On balance, did Dr. Anthony Fauci do more good or more harm?
Anthony Fauci returns to Capitol Hill under subpoena as newly released pandemic diaries revive questions about COVID’s origins, school closures, masking guidance, and what officials knew behind the scenes. Michael examines Fauci’s private notes, his past public statements, and the looming confront
Mark Kelly Could Be the Democrats’ 2028 Wild Card (...or Not.)
Michael speaks with The Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich about his revealing profile of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly—combat veteran, astronaut, devoted husband to Gabby Giffords, and possible 2028 presidential contender. They examine why Kamala Harris passed him over for vice president, whether his extraordinary résumé can overcome his limitations as a campaign performer, and what the remarkable
Today's Poll Question: How much longer will the war with Iran last?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How much longer will war with Iran last? Michael examines whether the U.S.-Iran conflict is approaching an end or settling into a prolonged confrontation. With attacks paused and mediators reporting progress toward renewed negotiations, President Trump says talks are going well—but warns military action could resume. New CBS polling reveals widespread uncer
Small Plane, Big (Independent) Political Idea: Michael’s West Virginia Weekend
Michael recounts his eventful West Virginia weekend—from a thrilling flight aboard a small Cirrus aircraft to a visit to the historic Greenbrier—before revealing the real reason for his trip. He went to join Joe and Heather Manchin as they launch their new Independent Leadership Council, an effort to help elect genuinely independent candidates who could hold the balance of power in Congress. Also,
Why Is Trump Less Risk-Averse in His Second Term?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Why is President Trump so much less risk averse in his second term compared to his first?
After reading Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Regime Change, Michael examines what may explain the more brazen, high-risk style of Trump’s second term. Is it the freedom of being term-limited, Supreme Court-recognized immunity for official acts, greater confidence
6,600 Noncitizens Registered, Nearly 400 Voted: What Happened in New Jersey?
New Jersey says a software error mistakenly added approximately 6,600 noncitizens to its voter rolls—and fewer than 400 ultimately cast ballots. Does the incident undermine claims that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare, or show that isolated errors can be detected and corrected? Michael speaks with David Becker, executive director and founder of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation &
Today's Poll Question: Can Federal Prosecutors Force Journalists to Reveal Their Sources?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is it ever appropriate for federal prosecutors to subpoena journalists to reveal their confidential sources?
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed four New York Times journalists after their reporting raised questions about whether a Qatar-donated Air Force One had adequate security protections. Michael examines the clash between national security investigati
Who Should Vote First in 2028? Michael’s Democratic Primary Strategy Game
Michael turns the Democratic Party’s 2028 primary calendar into a political strategy game: Which state should vote first, and could that decision determine the eventual presidential nominee? He weighs diversity, geography, affordability, voter access and general-election competitiveness before making the case for Nevada. Then listeners join the debate, offering alternatives including Maryland, Ohi
Today's Poll Question: Is New Jersey's mistakenly registering 6,600 non-citizens to vote an aberration, or the norm?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: New Jersey mistakenly registered 6,600 non-citizens to vote, and about 400 did so — is that an aberration, or the norm?
Michael examines the collision between two stories: President Trump’s sweeping claims about noncitizen voting and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s acknowledgment that a software error added thousands of ineligible residents to the vote
Trump’s Election Integrity Opening? Mark Halperin on New Jersey, the SAVE Act & the 2026 Midterms
Did New Jersey just give President Trump a powerful new argument on election integrity? Michael Smerconish and Mark Halperin debate the facts, the politics and the future of the SAVE Act before turning to the increasingly unpredictable 2026 midterms. Plus: the political danger of the Iran war, JD Vance’s comments about Israel, Susan Collins’ fight for survival, and the clues suggesting Mark Kelly
Today's Poll Question: Is Continuing the War With Iran Worse Than Cutting Off Funding For It?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is worse, continuing the war with Iran or cutting off the funding for it?
Michael Smerconish examines one of the most difficult questions facing the United States: is the greater danger continuing the war with Iran, or ending congressional funding while American forces are already committed? He explores constitutional questions over presidential war p
The Sharpest Election Forecaster That You're Not Reading Enough Of
Ethics and Public Policy Center Senior Fellow and Washington Post columnist Henry Olsen joins Michael to break down the rapidly shifting political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms. They discuss whether Republicans can hold the Senate, the Democratic Party's growing progressive divide, JD Vance's political future, Marco Rubio's prospects, Trump's grip on the GOP, and why the battle for 2028
Today's Poll Question: Should Media Outlets Air Every Presidential Address Live?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should media outlets air – live – what an American president says will be a major address to the nation? Michael examines the controversy surrounding major television networks declining to air President Trump's recent prime-time address live, arguing that the office of the presidency deserves direct access to the public regardless of political disagreements
Robert Costa On Why Congress Keeps Giving Away Its Power To The President
CBS News Chief Washington Analyst Robert Costa joins Michael to examine the growing imbalance of power in Washington. They discuss why Congress has steadily surrendered authority to the presidency, the rise of executive orders under recent administrations, and why lawmakers seem unable—or unwilling—to tackle America's biggest challenges, from immigration to the national debt. Is Congress in instit
Air President Trump's Speech Live. Then Debate It.
When President Trump requested a primetime address on election integrity, several major networks declined to air it live. Should they have? Michael argues that Americans deserve to hear a president's remarks firsthand—even when they're controversial—and explains why he believes the media should air the speech, then fact-check and debate it afterward. Plus, callers weigh in on where journalism, fr
Today's Poll Question: Are the benefits of AI, or your privacy, more valuable to you?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more valuable to you: the benefits of artificial intelligence or your privacy?
Michael explores a provocative new way of thinking about artificial intelligence after reading "The Problem with Personalization" by media scholar Joseph Turow. While most AI debates focus on privacy and surveillance, this conversation examines a deeper concern: whether
Today's Poll Question: Do schools need less technology and more pencils and books?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Agree or disagree: Schools need less technology and more pencils and books."
Michael examines the growing backlash against classroom technology, inspired by neuroscientist Dr. Jared Horvath's bestselling book "The Digital Delusion" (hear that interview on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast!). Has America's decades-long experiment with laptops an
Norway is Better: The Youth Sports Secret America Refuses to Copy
What if everything Americans believe about youth sports is backwards? Michael Smerconish talks with Wall Street Journal columnist Ben Cohen about Norway's remarkably successful approach to developing young athletes—a system built on fun, participation, delayed specialization, and minimal parental pressure. Inspired by the hometown of soccer superstar Erling Haaland, they explore why Norway is prod
Today's Poll Question: Should ICE end all vehicle stops?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should ICE end all vehicle stops?
Following two fatal ICE traffic-stop shootings, President Trump has ordered immigration agents to resume the controversial enforcement tactic, reigniting a fierce debate over public safety, immigration enforcement, and the limits of federal authority. Michael examines the legal standards governing ICE vehicle stops, the pol
Halperin Breaks Down Trump's Latest Foreign Policy Reversal
Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish to unpack another whirlwind week in politics—from President Trump's shifting Iran strategy and foreign policy reversals to the political fallout from a fatal ICE operation in Maine. They also reflect on the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, assess Susan Collins' reelection prospects, and examine how the Democrats' search for a new Senate candidate could resha
Today's Poll Question: If Not England-Argentina, What Is the Greatest Sports Rivalry Ever?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which of these is the greatest sports rivalry? England-Argentina, Yankees-Red Sox, Ohio State-Michigan, Army-Navy, Duke-North Carolina, Real Madrid-Barcelona, Ali-Frazier, Celtics-Lakers, Palmer-Nicklaus, India-Pakistan, Lehigh-Lafayette, or Harvard-Yale?
As England and Argentina prepare for another high-stakes World Cup showdown, Michael explores why The
We're Not as Polarized as You Think
A groundbreaking new study challenges the idea that America is hopelessly divided. Michael speaks with Tufts political scientist Brian Schaffner about research involving more than 700,000 Americans that found Trump and Harris voters share remarkably similar life experiences and concerns. Then, listeners weigh in on whether our common humanity is enough to bridge today's political divide. Original
Today's Poll Question: The next 'Sister Souljah Moment'...Should Democrats take on the Socialist wing?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would a 2028 Democratic contender benefit from taking on the socialist wing now?
Michael revisits Bill Clinton's famous "Sister Souljah moment" from 1992, and asks whether today's Democratic Party is approaching a similar political crossroads. As Democratic Socialists gain momentum in key primaries, is there an opening for a 2028 presidential hopeful to dra
America Is Getting Lindsey Graham Wrong
Michael Smerconish reflects on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, examining the contradictions that defined his career—from bipartisan dealmaker and military veteran to outspoken Trump ally. Was Graham a principled pragmatist, an opportunist, or something more complicated? Michael explores how history should remember one of Washington's most polarizing political figures before opening
Today's Poll Question: Is Soccer Here To Stay?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has this World Cup finally converted America to soccer?
The 2026 World Cup has shattered viewing records, packed stadiums and watch parties, and reignited a decades-old question: has soccer finally secured a permanent place in American sports culture? Michael examines the numbers behind the surge, from television audiences and youth participation to billion
Today's Poll Question: What do you fear more — AI, or the government that would regulate it?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which do you fear more: artificial intelligence or the government that would regulate it?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concern—it's already reshaping everyday life, medicine, national security, and the economy. Michael examines the growing battle over who should regulate AI, as Illinois joins California and New York in adopting sweeping new
Graham Platner Turns Himself Into The Victim
Michael breaks down Graham Platner's campaign exit video following sexual assault allegations that led to his withdrawal from Maine's U.S. Senate race. Michael examines the rhetoric of Platner's message—arguing that it reframes the controversy as a story of political persecution while sidestepping accountability. Plus, callers weigh in on what Platner's departure says about political campaigns, pu
Today's What Gets Iran to Yield: Talks, Blockade, Boots, or Bombs?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: What gets Iran to yield: talks, blockade, bombs, or boots?
Michael examines the collapse of the Iran ceasefire, renewed U.S. military strikes, escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the difficult choices facing American policymakers. Are additional airstrikes enough, or has the conflict reached the point where only a naval blockade—or even ground
The Death of Reading Could Change Democracy Forever
What do we lose when we stop reading? Michael sits down with The Atlantic's Rose Horowitch to discuss her provocative cover story arguing that America is entering the post-reading era. From shrinking attention spans and changing classrooms to social media, AI, and the future of democracy, they examine why the decline of reading may be one of the defining cultural shifts of our time. Original air d
Today's Poll Question: Which is more politically potent...democratic socialism or charges of "communism"?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more politically potent: Democratic socialism or charges of "communism"? Michael explores whether branding Democrats as “communists” is a more effective political strategy than embracing democratic socialism as a governing philosophy. Using Michigan’s pivotal Senate primary as a case study, he examines the Democratic Party’s ideological crossroads
America's World Cup Loss Might Be Good for America
After Team USA's World Cup exit against Belgium, Michael offers a surprising reaction: disappointment, yes—but also relief. He unpacks the match, Matt Freese's heartbreaking night, the controversy surrounding Flo Balogun's reinstatement after President Trump's intervention with FIFA, and why he believes a U.S. victory might have overshadowed something even bigger. Plus, Michael explains why the re
Today's Poll Question: Should Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo have been the end of his campaign?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Graham Platner Nazi tattoo should have been the end of his campaign.... Agree or disagree?
Michael reacts to the rapid unraveling of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign amid explosive new allegations and argues that the warning signs were visible long before the latest controversy. He revisits the longstanding controversy surrounding Platner's
America Isn't Failing—So Why Do We Think It Is?
Are Americans too pessimistic about America? After the July 4th holiday, Michael examines why patriotism appears to be declining despite evidence that the country continues to lead in innovation, opportunity, and generosity. He explores whether we've become conditioned to expect the worst—and takes calls from listeners on pride, politics, and what it really means to love your country. Original air
Today's Poll Question: Should Trump have called FIFA to review the Balogun suspension?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should President Trump have called FIFA to review the suspension of Flo Balogun?
Michael Smerconish explains why one controversial World Cup decision has become a much larger debate about politics, sports, and presidential influence. After Team USA's Flo Balogun had his suspension overturned following President Trump's appeal to FIFA, Michael weighs whether
Today's Poll Question: Should U.S. citizenship require allegiance - or just being born here?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should U.S. citizenship require allegiance or just being born here? The Supreme Court reaffirmed birthright citizenship, but Michael argues the legal ruling doesn't end the policy debate. He explains why he believes the Court correctly interpreted the Fourteenth Amendment while asking whether automatic citizenship based solely on birthplace remains the righ
Can Democrats and Republicans Still Be Friends? Fetterman & McCormick Say Yes
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Michael Smerconish sits down with Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick for a rare bipartisan conversation overlooking Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Democratic and Republican senators discuss patriotism, political polarization, their unlikely friendship, working across party lines, and why civility still matters in Am
Today's Poll Question: Do you agree with Mark Halperin, that only those on the left care that Trump got richer in office?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Mark Halperin right? Do only those on the left care that Trump got richer in office? Michael explores new financial disclosures showing President Trump's extraordinary gains from crypto ventures and other business interests while serving in office, prompting a broader debate about presidential ethics, public accountability, and partisan perception. Draw
Mark Halperin on Trump Cashing In On The Presidency
In this episode:
Trump's reported $1.2 billion crypto windfall
Presidential ethics and conflicts of interest
Is Trump changing the presidency—or exposing what was always possible?
Why voters may no longer care about political self-enrichment
Listener reactions from across the political spectrum
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Today's Poll Question: Should a candidate's mental illness be judged the same as a physical illness?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should a candidate's mental illness be judged the same as a physical illness? Congressman Tom Kean Jr. returns to Capitol Hill after months away and reveals he was hospitalized for depression, reigniting a national conversation about mental health, stigma, transparency, and public service. Michael Smerconish examines the powerful disclosure, the sharply div
Would You Pay $1,000 to Stop Iran From Getting a Nuclear Weapon?
Michael Smerconish welcomes former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the fragile ceasefire, President Trump's Middle East strategy, and America's standing in the world ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Then, Michael turns to listeners with a provocative question: if preventing Iran
Today's Poll Question: Should ballots postmarked by Election Day should count even if they arrive later?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with the Supreme Court that ballots postmarked by Election Day should count, even if they arrive later? In the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Michael Smerconish examines what the decision means for future elections, state authority, and public confidence in the voting process. While he disagrees with the policy outcome, he argues the
Today's Poll Question: Which ONE word would you use to describe the U.S.?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: What one word would you use to describe the United States? Michael examines a striking Associated Press/NORC survey that asked Americans to describe the United States in just one word—and the answers reveal deep partisan and cultural divides. From “powerful” and “free” to “struggling,” “corrupt,” and “divided,” Michael explores how Republicans, Democrats, a
Is the Democratic Establishment Losing Control?
CNN's Dana Bash joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation on the political crossroads facing Democrats after Zohran Mamdani's New York victory, the growing influence of the party's progressive wing, and the road to 2028. She also offers a candid, behind-the-scenes account of moderating the Biden-Trump debate, revealing the moment she realized something was wrong and how she and Jake Tapper nav
Today's Poll Question: Agree/Disagree: Donald Trump Is A Symptom of America's Anger, Not The Cause.
Is Donald Trump the cause of America's anger—or its most visible symptom? Michael examines today's Smerconish.com poll question using insights from veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Data Behind America's Political Anger
Former Clinton adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael to unpack the data behind America's political upheaval. Drawing on his latest research, Sosnik argues that Donald Trump is a symptom—not the cause—of deeper economic and cultural forces reshaping the country. They discuss wealth inequality, the decline of upward mobility, the growing education divide, why voters increasingly reject the status quo, a
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