The Smerconish Podcast
News & Politics
About
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.
Episodes
- Billionaires vs. Mamdani: The NYC Tax Fight Turning Ugly
Michael examines the controversy around New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed “pied-à-terre” tax on wealthy non-residents. The episode explores the debate over wealth inequality, capitalism, and the potential economic impact of aggressi…
- Today's Poll Question: Is "tax the rich" a slur against wealthy Americans?
This episode analyzes the controversial phrase "tax the rich," discussing whether it represents economic fairness or class-based demonization. It features arguments from supporters and critics, including concerns about its potential econom…
- John Malone: Ted Turner Thought CNN Had “Lost Its Way”
John Malone shares personal stories about his friendship with CNN founder Ted Turner, discussing Turner's views on CNN's direction, his relationships, and broader issues like media polarization and the evolution of 24/7 news.
- Today's Poll Question: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm?
The Smerconish Podcast episode questions whether the 24/7 news cycle has benefited or harmed the public, analyzing its role in events like the Gulf War and 9/11, and its impact on political discourse and societal anxiety.
- Mark Halperin on Trump, Iran, and the Midterm Earthquake
Michael Smerconish and Mark Halperin discuss Trump's Iran strategy and its political fallout. They also cover midterm warning signs for Republicans and key races in Texas, Ohio, and California.
- Today's Poll Question: Is Donald Trump a consequence or the cause of our political polarization?
This episode explores if Donald Trump is a consequence or cause of political polarization, drawing on discussions with Jim VandeHei and Robert Putnam. It examines how social isolation and declining civic engagement may have created conditi…
- Trump Allies Target Fetterman—Could He Switch Sides?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast discusses Trump allies targeting Senator Fetterman. It includes Michael's interview with Senator Fetterman, which was originally featured in episode #1831 of the podcast.
- Today's Poll Question: Are Americans hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful?
Michael Smerconish discusses the perception of division in America. He examines if algorithms and social self-sorting contribute to the idea of a fractured society, hateful nation, contrasting this with evidence of civic engagement.
- When Admiral McRaven Broke Down Reading “I Remember”
Michael Smerconish revisits his CNN interview with Admiral William McRaven. The discussion focuses on McRaven's poem "I Remember," which honors fallen service members and Gold Star families.
- Today's Poll Question: Are opinions of Trump driven by his policies or his personality?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast discusses whether public opinion on Donald Trump is more influenced by his policies or his personality. It references recent polls from ABC/Washington Post and Pew, noting a decline in his approval ra…
- A Legal Firestorm: Trump, Redistricting & the ‘86’ Controversy
Michael discusses legal and political issues with John Yoo, including presidential war powers, US involvement in Iran, a Supreme Court redistricting case, and the ‘86 47’ controversy.
- Today's Poll Question: Will The Comey Prosecution Ever Reach A Jury?
The Smerconish Podcast episode discusses the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. It examines the legal merits of the case, including First Amendment implications and relevant Supreme Court precedents, to assess whether it is lik…
- Inside Montana’s Senate Shake-Up: Independent Seth Bodnar Takes on Both Parties
Michael Smerconish interviews independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar about his unconventional campaign in Montana, touching on topics from war powers to political polarization. Montana listeners also share their perspectives on the race…
- Today's Poll Question: Should Race Shape Voting Maps?
The Smerconish Podcast discusses a recent 6-3 Supreme Court decision on redistricting in Louisiana, examining the conflict between 'colorblindness' and minority representation. The episode analyzes the potential impact on the Voting Rights…
- Did Republicans Just Get Called Out—By a King?
King Charles III
- Today's Poll Question: On A Scale of 1-10, Rate the Biden Presidency
This Smerconish podcast episode evaluates the Biden presidency, inviting listeners to rate it from 1-10. It examines legislative successes and challenges, considering factors that shape presidential legacy.
- Too Perfect? The WHCD Shooting That Sparked a Conspiracy Firestorm
This episode examines the 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting incident, discussing the spread of conspiracy theories, security concerns, and the psychology behind public distrust. Listener calls explore differing viewpoints on…
- Today's Poll Question: Are Geofence Warrants worth the risk to privacy?
The Smerconish Podcast discusses a Supreme Court case on geofence warrants, examining whether using location data to solve crimes, like a Virginia bank robbery, outweighs privacy risks. The episode highlights the debate surrounding surveil…
- Chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Inside the Assassination Scare
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast discusses a security scare at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, analyzing the incident with insights from Steve Scully and exploring potential vulnerabilities and future implications.
- Today's Poll Question: Was the WHCA assassination attempt a security success or security failure?
The Smerconish Podcast episode discusses the assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton, questioning if it was a security success or failure. It examines the incident and raises concerns about systemic vulnerabilities.
- Today's Poll Question: Should SNAP recipients be able to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken?
The Smerconish Podcast discusses the debate surrounding the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing hot rotisserie chicken. A bipartisan group of senators is considering an exception to the ban on hot foods, highlighting a regulatory gap and r…
- Inside Obama’s Inner Circle With Reggie Love
This episode features Michael Smerconish's 2016 interview with Reggie Love, author of "Power Forward: My Presidential Education." They discuss Love's experiences within President Obama's inner circle.
- Today's Poll Question: Should the US ban tobacco sales for anyone born in 2009 or later?
The Smerconish Podcast discusses Britain's ban on tobacco sales for those born in 2009 or later. Michael Smerconish examines this policy's public health goals, arguments against it, and its potential application in the US.
- Bruce Springsteen’s Political Tour Sparks Backlash — Fans Divided
Michael explores the debate over Bruce Springsteen’s latest tour, which has drawn criticism for its political messaging, dividing fans on whether artists should use their platforms for activism.
- Today's Poll Question: Is retaliatory gerrymandering ever justified?
The Smerconish Podcast episode examines the justification of retaliatory gerrymandering, using Virginia's redistricting as a case study. It questions whether partisan map-drawing in response to opposing parties' actions is a defensible str…
- Contemplation Is Dying—And It Could Cost Us Everything
Michael Smerconish examines the decline of contemplation in modern life, attributing it to constant digital distractions from smartphones and AI. He discusses research from The Washington Post and Cal Newport, advocating for a 'mental fitn…
- Today's Poll Question: Is John Fetterman a Democratic Party asset or liability?
This episode examines Senator John Fetterman's role within the Democratic Party, questioning if his independent stance on foreign policy and mental health advocacy make him an asset or liability. Michael explores Fetterman's appeal across…
- Fetterman Breaks With Democrats on Iran War — ‘We Must Finish This’
Senator John Fetterman discusses his support for authorizing military force against Iran with Michael Smerconish, explaining his divergence from typical Democratic positions on the issue. They debate the War Powers Act, congressional deadl…
- Today's Poll Question: Should Congress authorize the use of military force against Iran?
Michael Smerconish analyzes the potential authorization of military force against Iran, considering legal, political, and strategic factors as the War Powers deadline nears.
- Why the Voters Who Decide Elections Aren’t Who You Think
Michael Smerconish discusses new political data from Doug Sosnik suggesting that economically populist, socially conservative voters, not centrists, decide elections. A poll of Smerconish's audience yielded different results, highlighting…
- Today's Poll Question: Should Social Security cap benefits for the wealth?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast discusses the idea of capping Social Security benefits for high-income retirees. Michael Smerconish explores the arguments surrounding the program's purpose, sustainability challenges, and the definit…
- Boomers vs Millennials: Who Really Had It Harder?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast debates whether boomers or millennials faced greater hardships. Michael Smerconish analyzes data on income, housing, college costs, and major economic events, incorporating listener opinions on genera…
- Today's Poll Question: Are You (Actually) Fiscally Liberal but Socially Conservative?
The Smerconish Podcast poses a poll question about listeners' fiscal and social political leanings, drawing on insights from political strategist Doug Sosnik's analysis of the American electorate.
- Trump vs. the Pope?! Mark Halperin Breaks Down the Latest Political Firestorm
Mark Halperin discusses Donald Trump's conflict with the Pope, his political tactics, and rising tensions with Iran. The conversation also covers the 2028 presidential field and the predictive power of midterm results.
- Today's Poll Question: Is America’s record low fertility rate a problem?
The Smerconish Podcast episode questions whether America's record low fertility rate is a problem. Michael examines the economic, social, and political consequences of a declining birth rate, such as impacts on Social Security and the labo…
- George Santos Uncensored: Prison, Politics & the Truth About Congress
Former Rep. George Santos speaks with Michael Smerconish about his expulsion from Congress, his prison experience, and the circumstances surrounding lawmakers facing scrutiny. The conversation also touches on listener opinions regarding ac…
- Today's Poll Question: Which is a greater threat...Runaway AI or Nuclear Weapons?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast, featuring Michael Smerconish with Thomas Friedman and Richard Clarke, explores whether runaway AI or nuclear weapons pose a greater existential threat in a rapidly evolving global risk landscape.
- Doug Sosnik’s Stark Warning: 2026 May Not Be the Blowout Democrats Expect
Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to discuss the 2026 midterms, highlighting weakened Republican prospects despite Democratic limitations. He explains how factors like wealth inequality, education, geography, and voter frustra…
- Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. blockade the Strait of Hormuz?
The Smerconish Podcast episode discusses the escalating U.S.-Iran standoff, focusing on the question of whether the U.S. should blockade the Strait of Hormuz. It examines the economic risks, military implications, and political calculation…
- The Iran Nuclear Deal Explained: What Trump Ended—and What Comes Next
Michael Smerconish and Dr. David Cortright analyze the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), its history, effectiveness, and the implications of the US withdrawal under President Trump. Listener perspectives on related issues are also included.
- Today's Poll Question: Is President Trump a Rational Actor?
Michael Smerconish examines Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld's argument that Donald Trump's leadership style involves deliberate strategy, leverage, and constant motion. The episode questions whether Trump's actions are calculated decisio…
- Smerconish Poll Questions vs Reality: The Hits, Misses, and One HUGE Fail
Michael Smerconish reviews past Smerconish.com poll questions about elections, political figures, and global events, comparing predictions to actual outcomes. The episode reveals surprising results, highlighting some accurate predictions a…
- Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. Use Military Force to Open the Strait of Hormuz?
This episode of The Smerconish Podcast discusses whether the U.S. should use military force to open the Strait of Hormuz, analyzing the geopolitical crisis, implications for global oil supply and international law, and featuring insights f…
- Iran Ceasefire Explained: Admiral Stavridis Militarily, Mark Halperin Politically
Admiral Stavridis analyzes the military aspects of the Iran crisis, including shipping risks and unresolved issues. Mark Halperin examines the political narrative, media coverage, and the conflict's implications for global powers. Original…
- Today's Poll Question: Is the 2-week ceasefire a prelude to peace in Iran?
Michael Smerconish discusses the U.S.-Iran two-week ceasefire, examining whether it is a prelude to peace or a temporary reset. He highlights conflicting reports, Iranian leadership statements, and the complexities of the standoff.
- Trump’s Iran Threat: ‘Total Obliteration’? John Bolton Weighs In
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton analyzes President Trump's ultimatum to Iran, discussing potential strikes on infrastructure and their impact on the global economy, regime change, and the risk of wider war. Listener perspectiv…
- Today's Poll Question: Should College Athletes Be Paid?
Michael Smerconish discusses the question of whether college athletes should be paid, examining the implications of the NIL era, including multimillion-dollar deals and the transfer portal.
- Did the U.S. Reveal Too Much? Inside the Incredible Iran Rescue
The Smerconish Podcast episode discusses a U.S. military rescue mission in Iran, featuring Lt. General David Deptula (Ret.). The conversation covers SERE training, CIA deception tactics, and the national security debate around revealing de…
- Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. bomb Iran's power plants and bridges?
This Smerconish podcast episode debates whether targeting Iran's power plants and bridges, which support its war machine, is a legal military tactic or a dangerous escalation with humanitarian consequences, considering international law an…
- The New Right-Wing Media Ecosystem Explained (8 Powerful Factions)
Dr. Brian Rosenwald, author of "Talk Radio's America", explains the evolving conservative media landscape to Michael Smerconish, detailing eight factions including legacy hosts, Joe Rogan, the manosphere, viral personalities, MAGA loyalist…