The Smerconish Podcast

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Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for…

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About The Smerconish Podcast

Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds. The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.

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Episodes

New episodes come out several times a week.Latest 200 episodes in the feed

Oct 30, 2026 · 9 min

Today's Poll Question: Will the midterms mark the end of the Trump era?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the midterms mark the end of the Trump era? Michael examines political strategist Doug Sosnik's provocative analysis of the coming election. Could the 2026 midterm elections signal the beginning of the end of Donald Trump's political dominance? With Trump's approval rating at 33%, history suggests Democrats could be headed for a massive victory. But…
Oct 29, 2026 · 27 min

Is the Trump Era About to End? Doug Sosnik's Stunning Midterm Forecast

Is the Trump era nearing its end? veteran Democratic strategist and former Clinton White House adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a revealing, data-driven look at what could be a political earthquake on Tuesday, November 3. With President Trump's approval rating at historic lows, Americans struggling with the cost of living, and the war with Iran weighing heavily on voters, Sosnik explains why Democrats are…
Oct 29, 2026 · 11 min

Today's Poll Question: Is Recruiting A Candidate With Your Opponent’s Name A Dirty Trick Or Fair Game?

A dirty political trick or just smart campaign strategy? A stunning New York Times investigation reveals an alleged scheme involving Democrats recruiting a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to potentially confuse voters in Alaska's heated Senate race. Michael breaks down the controversy, the role of ranked-choice voting, and whether this tactic crosses an ethical or legal line. Today's poll asks:…
Oct 28, 2026 · 28 min

Mark Halperin: An October Surprise Could Change EVERYTHING Before Election Day

With Election Day just days away, could an October Surprise change everything? Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for a final look at the 2026 midterms, weighing the possibility of a Democratic tsunami against a Republican upset. Which Senate races could determine control of Congress, and will President Trump accept the results? Halperin also explores the last-minute wild cards that could upend…
Oct 28, 2026 · 11 min

Today's Poll Question: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime?

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime? Artificial intelligence could cure cancer, fight Alzheimer's, and revolutionize government services. It could also pose an existential threat to humanity. Michael examines the extraordinary promises and alarming risks outlined in Anthropic's IPO prospectus, including tens of thousands of words devoted to potential…

Earlier episodes (195)

Oct 27, 2026 Can Trump Strip Ilhan Omar of Her Citizenship? Immigration Attorney Explains
Can President Donald Trump really strip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of her U.S. citizenship—and potentially have her deported? As the Trump administration investigates the Minnesota Democrat, Michael speaks with Minneapolis immigration attorney David L. Wilson of the Wilson Law Group to explain denaturalization, the legal process for revoking citizenship. What constitutes immigration fraud? Why are search warrants and…
Oct 27, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Do We Vote Our Values—or Just Follow Our Demographics?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which drives voters more, their demographics or their values? We like to believe our votes reflect our values. But what if race, gender, age, and education are far more predictive of our political choices? Michael examines new voter data from The New York Times showing dramatic demographic shifts between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, alongside Gallup…
Oct 26, 2026 This Democrat Is Fighting For School Choice
Should taxpayer dollars fund schools—or follow students? Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is a Democrat who's breaking with his party on school choice, arguing that America's public education system is failing too many children. He joins Michael to discuss school vouchers, charter schools, teachers unions, and the Trump administration's new federal scholarship tax credit. Plus,…
Oct 26, 2026 Today's Poll Question: How will the midterm elections end for the House?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: It takes 218 seats to control the House. How will the midterms end? a) Republicans keep control, b) Democrats win narrowly (218–229 seats), or c) Democrats win big (230 seats or more)? With just eight days until the 2026 midterm elections, Michael examines whether Republicans can hold the House or whether Democrats are headed for a commanding victory. Election forecasts…
Oct 23, 2026 Can We Agree: Data Centers In Your Town
This is the audio version of 'Can We Agree?' Episode #5. "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. Build or ban? Here's what every citizen should know before a giant AI data center gets built in their community. Debating the benefits and dangers of…
Oct 23, 2026 Today's Poll Question: How will J.D. Vance's defending of Ramaswamy's attack ad affect his '28 GOP nomination chances?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did JD Vance help or hurt his chances of winning the 2028 GOP nomination by defending Ramaswamy's ad? Vice President JD Vance is standing behind Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, even as prominent Republicans condemn its deeply personal content. President Trump has doubled down in support, but Ohio…
Oct 22, 2026 Are the Kids Alright? Michael Smerconish’s Urgent Message to America’s Youth
Are the kids alright? After joining former RNC Chairman Michael Steele for a conversation with 600 students at Pennsylvania's Hill School, Michael shares his message to America's next generation. Are Americans truly more divided than ever, or have we simply forgotten how to disagree? From political polarization and social media misinformation to the dangers of living in ideological bubbles, Michael…
Oct 22, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Will Ramaswamy's Attack Ad Using His Rival's Mother Help Or Hurt Him?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Ramaswamy's ad using his rival's mother will: a) help him, b) hurt him, or c) make no difference. Vivek Ramaswamy's latest attack ad in the Ohio governor's race features Amy Acton's estranged mother calling her own daughter a liar. But there's a stunning detail the commercial leaves out: mother and daughter reportedly haven't seen each…
Oct 21, 2026 Will Trump Endorse JD Vance in 2028? Halperin Reveals What Vance Told Him
Will JD Vance run for president in 2028, and would Donald Trump immediately endorse him? 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin joins Michael with exclusive insights from his interview with the Vice President aboard Air Force Two. Plus, could John Fetterman switch parties and cost Democrats control of the Senate? Halperin also reveals his latest 2028 Democratic presidential rankings, with Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg…
Oct 21, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Will Europe's wave of violent protests reach America soon?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Europe's wave of violent protests reach America soon? France is experiencing a wave of unrest, with protests spreading across Europe and political tensions rising on both sides of the Atlantic. Could America be next? Michael examines the competing explanations for the violence—from President Trump's warnings about immigration to economic pressures,…
Oct 20, 2026 Can We Agree: Has Trump Changed Presidency Forever?
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. Did Donald Trump change the presidency, or simply reveal it? Debating presidential power and the US Constitution in this episode of "Can We Agree?": John Yoo of UC…
Oct 20, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Smartphones vs. School Pressure...What's Really Making Kids Anxious?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which has done more to harm kids' mental health: smartphones and social media, or school pressure and less free play? We've spent years blaming smartphones and social media for the youth mental health crisis. But what if we've been looking in the wrong place? Michael examines a provocative challenge from psychologist Peter Gray, author of Restoring…
Oct 19, 2026 Can We Agree: Lindsay Clancy Trial Holdout Juror
This is the audio version of "Can We Agree" Episode #3. "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. This episode originally aired live on 17 September, 2026. One man. One vote. Eleven against him. Is the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy trial a hero—or pariah? Facing…
Oct 19, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Could a Democratic Congress rein in President Trump?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Could a Democratic Congress rein in President Trump? The 2026 midterm election 'concludes' two weeks from tomorrow. Michael examines what Democrats could actually accomplish if they reclaim control of the House, Senate, or both. From investigations and subpoenas to healthcare, tariffs, and judicial confirmations, Democrats have an ambitious agenda—but…
Oct 16, 2026 Can We Agree: Regulating AI
This is the audio version of "Can We Agree" Episode #2. "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. Can America establish effective AI regulation without stifling the very innovation that keeps us ahead of global competitors? Richard Clarke, the nation's first cyber…
Oct 16, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Which is the bigger midterm prize, the House or the Senate?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is the bigger midterm prize, the House or the Senate? Election Day is just over two weeks away - Michael breaks down what's really at stake if Democrats reclaim one or both chambers of Congress. A House majority could unleash investigations, subpoenas, spending battles, and even another impeachment vote. But Senate control brings a different kind of power:…
Oct 15, 2026 GOP Midterm Disaster? Mark Halperin Warns It Could Be Worse Than Anyone Thinks
With less than three weeks until the 2026 midterm elections, are Republicans facing a much bigger defeat than anyone expects? Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why President Trump is campaigning in deep-red states, what internal GOP polling may be revealing, and how MAGA infighting could make a bad election night even worse. They also discuss growing questions surrounding Trump's new…
Oct 15, 2026 Who Cut Ukraine’s Starlink - Trump, Musk, Both, or a Glitch?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who cut Ukraine's Starlink service this week? Was it Trump? Was it Musk? Was it both or was it a glitch? As Ukrainian forces face a massive Russian missile barrage, reports of sudden Starlink restrictions are raising urgent questions about who controls battlefield communications. Michael examines the escalating tensions between Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and…
Oct 14, 2026 Can We Agree: Democratic Socialism
This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #1. '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. "Socialism" is a word Republicans have used against Democrats as a slur for decades. Now some Democrats use it to describe themselves. The Democratic Socialists of…
Oct 14, 2026 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 cabinet, reverse…
Oct 13, 2026 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…
Oct 13, 2026 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…
Oct 12, 2026 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 further…
Oct 12, 2026 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 figures…
Oct 9, 2026 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? Plus, Michael takes…
Oct 9, 2026 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 polling…
Oct 8, 2026 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 what…
Oct 8, 2026 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 Donald…
Oct 7, 2026 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 marks 30 years on…
Oct 7, 2026 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 the seven…
Oct 6, 2026 Did Russia Just Have a Plague Lab Leak? Annie Jacobsen Sounds the Alarm
Reports of a mysterious death at a Russian laboratory are raising fears about pneumonic plague—and the circumstances sound eerily similar to the scenario Annie Jacobsen laid out in her latest book, "Biological War." Jacobsen joins Michael Smerconish to explain what makes pneumonic plague so dangerous, why Russia’s secrecy and quarantine response are drawing scrutiny, and what signs she’ll be watching for next. They…
Oct 6, 2026 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 Dillon,…
Oct 5, 2026 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 reporting on recorded…
Oct 5, 2026 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 European…
Oct 2, 2026 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 faster than…
Oct 2, 2026 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 the…
Oct 1, 2026 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 “unring the bell” when…
Oct 1, 2026 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 considers the larger…
Sep 30, 2026 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 program: the callers.…
Sep 30, 2026 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 stock holdings…
Sep 29, 2026 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 discuss why, despite…
Sep 29, 2026 Today's Poll Question: After President Trump leaves office, will presidential power go back to what it was before?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After Donald Trump leaves office, will presidential power go back to what it was before? Donald Trump’s expansive use of executive authority raises a question that could outlast his presidency: Will his successors surrender those powers—or use them for their own agendas? Michael sets up today's poll question in this podcast episode with a little preview of the…
Sep 28, 2026 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 listeners for…
Sep 28, 2026 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 over daycare,…
Sep 25, 2026 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 ready to reject…
Sep 25, 2026 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?
Sep 24, 2026 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 ever come before…
Sep 24, 2026 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?
Sep 23, 2026 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. Original air date 23…
Sep 23, 2026 Today's Poll Question: What was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years? Choices: 1980, 1992, 2000, 2008, or 2016. Inspired by Dana Bash and David Fisher’s new book "The Elections That Changed the World" (hear Dana's interview on our Book Club Podcast, Episode #565) Michael looks back at five elections that reshaped American politics: Ronald Reagan’s 1980…
Sep 22, 2026 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 communications…
Sep 22, 2026 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 either…
Sep 21, 2026 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 everyday life. Is AI our…
Sep 21, 2026 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 focuses…
Sep 18, 2026 How Bucks County Became Ground Zero for America’s Political Divide
Michael talks with Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson and filmmaker Robert May about their new five-part PBS docuseries, "Bucks County, USA." They explore how COVID-era school closures, school board battles and culture-war issues divided a Pennsylvania community—and how two teenage friends from families on opposite sides of the political divide may offer a lesson in civility for the rest of America.…
Sep 18, 2026 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.
Sep 17, 2026 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 date 17 September…
Sep 17, 2026 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 willingness to…
Sep 16, 2026 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 whether AI…
Sep 16, 2026 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 Cato Institute…
Sep 15, 2026 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 2026.
Sep 15, 2026 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, democratic…
Sep 14, 2026 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 enough to prevent…
Sep 14, 2026 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, restaurateurs and other…
Sep 11, 2026 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 killed Osama bin…
Sep 11, 2026 Never Forget: 25th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001
Twenty-five years after September 11, Michael Smerconish looks back at the day that changed America through powerful archival interviews, firsthand accounts, and his own broadcast from 9/11/01. From Flight 93 and the Twin Towers to the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Michael revisits the people and moments that defined the day. Plus, new conversations with Rudy Giuliani, New York Times reporter Carol Rosenberg, and…
Sep 10, 2026 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 the jury never…
Sep 10, 2026 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, and…
Sep 9, 2026 "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." Original air date…
Sep 9, 2026 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 ballot. But…
Sep 8, 2026 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 surrounding the…
Sep 8, 2026 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’…
Sep 3, 2026 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 see whether they…
Sep 2, 2026 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. Original air date…
Sep 1, 2026 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 from across the…
Aug 31, 2026 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 to shop - its a…
Aug 28, 2026 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.
Aug 28, 2026 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.
Aug 27, 2026 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 about whether social…
Aug 27, 2026 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 intact,…
Aug 26, 2026 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.
Aug 26, 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 Fetterman warns…
Aug 25, 2026 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 on whether…
Aug 25, 2026 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 Idaho,…
Aug 24, 2026 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 ordinary Americans.…
Aug 24, 2026 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 50 years of…
Aug 21, 2026 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 Thanksgiving trip to…
Aug 21, 2026 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 Pete Peterson’s…
Aug 20, 2026 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.
Aug 20, 2026 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 response, and…
Aug 19, 2026 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. Original air date 19…
Aug 19, 2026 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 the strategic…
Aug 18, 2026 “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 it takes to…
Aug 18, 2026 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…
Aug 17, 2026 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 grievances with the…
Aug 17, 2026 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 project…
Aug 14, 2026 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 ends and public…
Aug 14, 2026 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?
Aug 13, 2026 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 trust in government…
Aug 13, 2026 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.
Aug 12, 2026 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 debate over…
Aug 12, 2026 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?
Aug 11, 2026 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 the operation?…
Aug 11, 2026 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.
Aug 10, 2026 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 the WNBA has…
Aug 10, 2026 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.
Aug 7, 2026 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 be solved?
Aug 7, 2026 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.
Aug 6, 2026 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 a school’s…
Aug 6, 2026 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 to Donald…
Aug 5, 2026 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 establishment and…
Aug 5, 2026 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 today’s AI boom…
Aug 4, 2026 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.
Aug 4, 2026 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
Aug 3, 2026 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.
Aug 3, 2026 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.
Jul 31, 2026 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.
Jul 31, 2026 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.
Jul 30, 2026 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 construction as the…
Jul 30, 2026 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 national.…
Jul 29, 2026 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 the growing…
Jul 29, 2026 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 confrontation with…
Jul 28, 2026 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 Kelly-Giffords…
Jul 28, 2026 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 uncertainty,…
Jul 27, 2026 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, hear listeners…
Jul 27, 2026 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 in the…
Jul 24, 2026 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 & Research and a…
Jul 24, 2026 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 investigations and press…
Jul 23, 2026 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, Ohio, Georgia,…
Jul 23, 2026 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 voter rolls, with…
Jul 22, 2026 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 may be positioning…
Jul 22, 2026 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 powers, the…
Jul 21, 2026 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…
Jul 21, 2026 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.…
Jul 20, 2026 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 institutional…
Jul 20, 2026 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, free…
Jul 20, 2026 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…
Jul 17, 2026 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 and…
Jul 16, 2026 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 producing elite…
Jul 16, 2026 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 political…
Jul 15, 2026 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 reshape…
Jul 15, 2026 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 Wall Street…
Jul 14, 2026 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 air date 14…
Jul 14, 2026 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 draw a…
Jul 13, 2026 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 the phones…
Jul 13, 2026 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-dollar media…
Jul 10, 2026 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 rules…
Jul 9, 2026 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,…
Jul 9, 2026 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 forces—could…
Jul 8, 2026 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 date 8 July…
Jul 8, 2026 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 and the GOP’s…
Jul 7, 2026 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…
Jul 7, 2026 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…
Jul 6, 2026 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 date 6 July…
Jul 6, 2026 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…
Jul 3, 2026 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 right…
Jul 2, 2026 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 American politics.…
Jul 2, 2026 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. Drawing on…
Jul 1, 2026 Mark Halperin on Trump Cashing In On The Presidency
President Trump's latest financial disclosure reveals an astonishing $1.2 billion tied to his crypto ventures—raising new questions about wealth, ethics, and the limits of presidential power. Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a candid conversation about Trump's growing fortune, whether any meaningful guardrails still exist on the presidency, and why so many Americans seem unfazed by…
Jul 1, 2026 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 divided…
Jun 30, 2026 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…
Jun 30, 2026 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 Court reached…
Jun 29, 2026 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, and…
Jun 26, 2026 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…
Jun 26, 2026 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.
Jun 25, 2026 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, and what it…
Jun 25, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Is The Left's Israel Litmus Test Driven More By Policy or Antisemitism?
Today's Poll Question: Is the Left's Israel litmus test driven more by policy or antisemitism? Michael examines the Democratic divide over Israel after Zohran Mamdani's political wins, a high-profile New York primary, and shifting public opinion. Where does legitimate criticism end and anti-Semitism begin?
Jun 24, 2026 Mark Halperin's Shock Prediction: Bernie 2028 Isn't Dead
Michael welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on what New York's latest election results reveal about the future of the Democratic Party. From the growing influence of progressive candidates to the prospects of a Bernie Sanders comeback in 2028, Halperin argues that Democrats are heading toward a defining showdown between the party establishment and its energized left wing.…
Jun 24, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Will the Nancy Guthrie case ever be solved?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie ever be solved? Five months after the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished from her Arizona home, investigators still have no suspect, no arrest, and no clear explanation. Michael examines the baffling case, from blood discovered at the scene and the mysterious “porch guy” captured on camera to ransom…
Jun 23, 2026 Is the iPhone the Most Effective Birth Control Ever Invented?
America's birth rate has fallen dramatically over the past two decades—but why? Michael speaks with Middlebury College economist Caitlin Myers about her provocative research linking the rise of smartphones to declining fertility. Using the iPhone's early AT&T-exclusive rollout as a natural experiment, Myers argues that smartphones may have fundamentally changed how people socialize, date, and form…
Jun 23, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Algae at The Reflecting Pool...Act of God, Construction, or Vandalism?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Algae at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Act of God, construction, or vandalism? Michael examines the growing controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after a costly renovation was followed by algae blooms, peeling blue coating, vandalism accusations, and political finger-pointing. With America’s 250th birthday celebration approaching, the…
Jun 22, 2026 "It Was Already Over": Doug Sosnik's Brutal 2024 Election Analysis
Doug Sosnik, former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, joins Michael Smerconish to deliver what he calls the "real Democratic autopsy." Sosnik argues that Democrats lost the 2024 election long before Joe Biden's debate performance or Kamala Harris's 107-day campaign. He identifies three key factors—the decision for Biden to seek a second term, early immigration policy choices, and the party's…
Jun 22, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Will democratic socialism be the future of the Democratic party?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will democratic socialism be the future of the Democratic Party? New polling data reveals a dramatic shift inside the Democratic Party: favorable views of socialism have surged while support for capitalism has declined. Michael Smerconish examines the numbers highlighted by CNN’s Harry Enten, the growing influence of Democratic Socialists of America candidates, and the…
Jun 19, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Should Athletes Be Judged for Visiting the White House?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Agree or Disagree: An athlete's choice to accept or reject a White House invitation shouldn't be judged. The New York Knicks’ decision to accept a White House invitation from President Trump has reignited a long-running debate about sports, politics, and tradition. Michael Smerconish explores how White House visits evolved from largely nonpartisan championship…
Jun 18, 2026 Rabbi David Wolpe on Iran, Israel, and the Rise of Antisemitism
Rabbi David Wolpe joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation on Iran, Israel, the World Cup, and the resurgence of antisemitism. Wolpe shares insights from the Iranian-American community, discusses growing concerns over U.S. policy toward Iran, and explains why many Jews are feeling increasingly uneasy in America. The discussion also explores changing public attitudes toward Israel, the difference between…
Jun 18, 2026 Today's Poll Question: How long will the Iran ceasefire hold?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How long will the Iran ceasefire hold: Less than six months, six months to a year, or more than a year? Michael examines the newly signed U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and asks the question at the center of today’s poll: how durable is this peace? He reviews key provisions of the memorandum of understanding, highlights concerns raised by critics, and explains why he…
Jun 17, 2026 Epstein, Iran, and 2028: Mark Halperin’s Weekly Reality Check
Michael welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for their weekly conversation, covering the biggest stories shaping politics and public debate. This week: the New York Times’ deep investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s death, whether unanswered questions still linger, Doug Sosnik’s argument that Democrats lost the 2024 election before President Biden exited the race, Josh Shapiro’s presidential prospects, Gavin…
Jun 17, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Was 2024 already lost for Democrats before Biden dropped out?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was 2024 already lost for Democrats before Biden dropped out? Michael examines a provocative argument from veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik: that the 2024 election was effectively decided long before President Biden exited the race. Drawing on Sosnik’s Washington Post analysis, Michael explores three key factors—the decision to seek a second term, public…
Jun 16, 2026 Michael Took Pew's Political Quiz—and the Results Surprised Him
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Jocelyn Kiley to discuss the organization's newly released political typology, which divides Americans into nine distinct political groups. With nearly half of Americans now identifying as independents, what does the data reveal about the country's evolving political identity? Kiley explains how Pew's research goes beyond traditional…
Jun 16, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran? President Trump announces a new agreement with Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, oil prices are falling, and Tehran has agreed not to pursue a nuclear weapon. But major questions remain: What happens to Iran’s nuclear program? Will sanctions be lifted before meaningful concessions are secured? And after months of…
Jun 15, 2026 America Turns 250—But Americans Aren't Celebrating
As America approaches its 250th birthday, a new NBC News poll paints a sobering picture of the nation's mood. Michael speaks with NBC senior national politics reporter Jonathan Allen about why most Americans believe the American Dream is harder to achieve, why trust in institutions has eroded, and why many think the country's best days are behind it. Is this simply a rough chapter in American history—or a…
Jun 15, 2026 Daily Poll Question: Genes or money - which shapes a child's brain more?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Genes or money — which shapes a child's brain more? Michael revisits the classic nature-versus-nurture debate, but with a modern twist. Prompted by new research from Washington University in St. Louis, he examines evidence suggesting that socioeconomic factors—including income, neighborhood conditions, stress, sleep, and screen time—may have a profound impact on…
Jun 13, 2026 From Fight Night to Loneliness: Dana White, Trump, and America’s Isolation Crisis
Michael speaks with TIME Senior Sports Rorrespondent Sean Gregory about Dana White’s rise, his relationship with Donald Trump, and the unprecedented UFC event set for the White House lawn. Plus, Michael previews his CNN special “The Mingle Project,” exploring America’s loneliness crisis, social isolation, and the urgent need to restore common experience.
Jun 12, 2026 Today's Poll Question: UFC...Sport or Spectacle?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: UFC: Sport or Spectacle? With UFC preparing for an unprecedented event on the White House South Lawn, Michael examines the evolution of mixed martial arts from a once-marginalized attraction derided as “human cockfighting” to a global entertainment powerhouse. He reflects on Dana White’s role in building the UFC brand, the organization’s long relationship with Donald…
Jun 11, 2026 The World Cup Is Here—Is America Ready? Andrew Giuliani Makes A Bold Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and the United States is hosting the largest sporting event on the planet. Michael speaks with Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force, about security, logistics, President Trump's involvement, and why he believes Team USA could make a historic run. Then, Philadelphia World Cup host committee co-chair Dan Hilferty joins the conversation…
Jun 11, 2026 Today's Poll Question: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly? As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, Michael examines one of the oldest and most consequential questions in foreign policy: when America is attacked, should it strike back in kind or with overwhelming force? Drawing on recent developments in the Gulf, President…
Jun 10, 2026 Scott Pelley, CBS News, and Trump's Iran Crisis: Halperin Unfiltered
Michael Smerconish talks with Mark Halperin about the controversy surrounding Scott Pelley's exit from CBS News, questions of media bias at 60 Minutes, and President Trump's evolving strategy toward Iran. A timely discussion on journalism, politics, and international tensions. Original air date 10 June 2026.
Jun 10, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Would you rather watch Baseball or Soccer?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which would you rather watch: baseball or soccer? As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Michael explores how dramatically soccer’s standing has changed in America. Once dismissed as a niche sport, soccer has climbed to become one of the nation’s most popular spectator sports—according to recent data, even edging past baseball.…
Jun 9, 2026 Trump vs. Netanyahu? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Growing Rift
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to break down the increasingly complicated dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and the Trump administration. Are President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu pursuing different goals? Can a U.S.-Iran deal still happen? And what role does Hezbollah play in the growing tensions across the region? Then, Michael talks with listeners on…
Jun 9, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Are America's Best Days Ahead Or Behind?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are America's best days ahead or behind us? Michael examines a deceptively simple question that cuts to the heart of America’s national mood. Drawing on new Quinnipiac and AP-NORC polling, he explores a striking contradiction: most Americans believe the country is falling short of its founding ideals, yet more say America’s best days are still ahead than behind.…
Jun 8, 2026 Can Sharing a Meal Heal America's Divide?
Can sharing a meal bring people together in an increasingly divided America? Michael sits down with Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of Philadelphia's Welcoming Center, to discuss "Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers," an innovative initiative that uses food and conversation to build community across cultural, political, and social divides. After the interview, Michael and TC explore the lessons behind the project…
Jun 8, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Should Scott Pelley Have Been Fired?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley have been fired for humiliating his boss in front of coworkers? Michael examines the controversy surrounding veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley and his dismissal following a tense staff meeting with new leadership. After reviewing reporting, audio accounts, and Pelley's own interview with The New York Times, Michael…
Jun 5, 2026 "He Has No Intelligence Background": Richard Clarke Reacts to Trump's DNI Pick
President Trump has named housing executive Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, a move that's drawing scrutiny from both national security experts and lawmakers. Michael examines the nomination, the qualifications traditionally required for the DNI role, and whether Republican resistance to some of Trump's recent actions signals a broader shift within the party. Former White House…
Jun 5, 2026 Today's Poll Question: Should Tom Kean Jr.'s three-month unexplained absence disqualify him from re-election?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Representative Tom Kean Jr.’s three-month unexplained absence disqualify him from re-election? Michael examines the growing controversy surrounding New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who has not cast a vote in Congress since March 5 and has largely disappeared from public view. In this episode, Michael explores the tension between respecting a potential health…
Jun 4, 2026 Trump's Attorneys Defend the $1.8 Billion January 6 Compensation Plan
President Trump recently suggested that a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization" may not be dead after all. Listen here as Michael is joined by attorneys Michael Van Der Veen and William Brennan, who represented Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial and later defended numerous January 6 defendants. They argue that many January 6 participants were…

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Page updated October 30, 2026.

The Smerconish Podcast

About The Smerconish Podcast

Episodes

Today&apos;s Poll Question: Will the midterms mark the end of the Trump era?

Is the Trump Era About to End? Doug Sosnik&apos;s Stunning Midterm Forecast

Today&apos;s Poll Question: Is Recruiting A Candidate With Your Opponent’s Name A Dirty Trick Or Fair Game?

Mark Halperin: An October Surprise Could Change EVERYTHING Before Election Day

Today&apos;s Poll Question: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime?

More podcasts and shows

Today's Poll Question: Will the midterms mark the end of the Trump era?

Is the Trump Era About to End? Doug Sosnik's Stunning Midterm Forecast

Today's Poll Question: Is Recruiting A Candidate With Your Opponent’s Name A Dirty Trick Or Fair Game?

Today's Poll Question: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime?