Shows / The Smerconish Podcast
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.
Episodes
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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 Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Trump Cashing In On The Presidency
In this episode: Trump's reported $1.2 billion crypto windfall Presidential ethics and conflicts of interest Is Trump changing the presidency—or exposing what…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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 Smerconish Podcast
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?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
"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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Rabbi David Wolpe on Iran, Israel, and the Rise of Antisemitism
Named The Most Influential Rabbi in America by Newsweek and one of the 50 Most Influential Jews in the World by The Jerusalem Post, and twice named one of the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
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…