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 Supreme Court Battle Over Mail-In Ballots with Former PA Governor Mark Schweiker
Also, listeners from across the country weigh in with passionate opinions, real-world experiences, and sharp disagreements on fairness, trust, and access in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Mail-In Ballots Arrive by Election Day To Be Counted?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should mail in ballots have to be received by Election Day to be counted? A Supreme Court case out of Mississippi…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Garrett Graff on Robert Mueller: War Hero, FBI Chief, and Trump’s Nemesis — The Full Story
Michael Smerconish reflects on the life and legacy of former FBI Director Robert Mueller following his passing — and reacts to the controversy surrounding…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Will the new U.S. - Iran talks be successful?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Will the new U.S. - Iran talks be successful?" Michael begins with a dramatic 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and a looming…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is AI Coming for Your Job? The Shocking Truth About Who’s Safe (and Who’s Not)
Michael Smerconish speaks with Washington Post tech columnist Shira Ovide about a new analysis of how artificial intelligence could reshape the workforce. It’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should non-undercover police be allowed to wear masks?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should non undercover police be allowed to wear masks? Michael Smerconish examines a timely and contentious issue at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside the Mullin Confirmation Drama: Secrets, Skepticism, and Senate Tensions
Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy surrounding Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination and the questions swirling around his claims of “special…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Does reforming ICE justify TSA agents missing their paychecks?
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: Does reforming ICE justify TSA agents missing their paychecks? As airport delays grow and thousands of TSA workers…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Iran Strategy to TSA Chaos: Go Inside With Mark Halperin
Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack a turbulent moment in Washington — from Joe Kent’s sudden resignation and growing divisions…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Who do you believe on Iran - Joe Kent or Mike Johnson?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who do you believe on whether Iran posed an imminent threat to the US? Joe Kent, who says no, or Mike Johnson, who…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: ‘Professional Malpractice’ — Richard Clarke on What Went Wrong
Richard Clarke served for thirty years in national security roles in the US government, including ten years in the White House under three presidents. He is…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Does Beating Trump Matter More Than Beating Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "For those who oppose President Trump, which matters more, his political defeat or a US victory against Iran?" Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Iran War, Explained: Admiral Stavridis on Strategy, David Boies on Politics
Michael Smerconish examines the Iran conflict through two very different lenses. Admiral James Stavridis explains the military realities of the Straight of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is the U.S. winning the war with Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the US winning the war with Iran?" Michael Smerconish revisits Donald Trump’s famous “we’re going to win so much”…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump vs. FDR? Ranking the Most Consequential Presidents of the Last Century
Michael Smerconish asks a provocative question: Is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last 100 years? To explore it, he’s joined by…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Who Will Be The 2028 GOP Nominee?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who will be the 2028 GOP nominee—Rubio, Vance, or neither?" The 2028 race may be years away, but the jockeying has…
- The Smerconish Podcast
DOJ Won’t Prosecute Anyone Else in the Epstein Case — Here’s Why
The Justice Department released millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein — but weeks later, no new charges have followed. Why? Michael Smerconish sits down…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Trump Derangement vs. Trump Devotion...Which Is More Irrational?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is more irrational: Trump Derangement Syndrome or Trump Devotion Syndrome?" Michael Smerconish explores whether…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Oil, Iran & 2028: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Biggest Gamble
Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY, The Next Up Podcast, and on SiriusXM's Megyn Kelly Channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: If the War in Iran Ended Today, Did America Win?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If the war in Iran were to end today, would the US have been victorious? Michael breaks down the case for calling it a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Drone Warfare, Oil Shock & Regime Change: Admiral Stavridis On The Real Stakes in Iran
Is the war in Iran nearing its conclusion — or is it only just beginning? Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is the War in Iran at the 'end of the beginning', or at the 'beginning of the end'?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "War in Iran: Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?" President Trump says the conflict is…
- The Smerconish Podcast
America and Israel at Odds? The Iran War Rift Explained
Are America and Israel heading toward a strategic collision over Iran? Michael Smerconish speaks with Dr. Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution about…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: How long will Khamenei's son last as Iran’s supreme leader?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How long will Khamenei’s son last as Iran’s supreme leader? Less than a week, less than a month, less than a year, or…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Betting on War: Inside the $54M Iran Wager Scandal
Are these markets more accurate than traditional polling? Do they invite insider trading and corruption? Should Congress ban wagering tied to government…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is it good or bad that the Pentagon is using A.I.?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: On balance, is it good or bad news that the Pentagon is using artificial intelligence? As the U.S. military deploys…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Cancel Culture Run Amok? Bob Kerrey Sounds the Alarm
Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey joins Michael for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. Kerrey addresses his past meeting with Jeffrey…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Who should determine media access to the Dignified Transfer of remains
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who should determine media access to the dignified transfer of remains at Dover? Families of the fallen or the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Trump, Iran, and the High-Stakes Texas Senate Battle
Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Who Forced the Strike on Iran - Israel or The U.S.?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which statement do you agree with most? A) Israel compelled the US to act against Iran. B) The US compelled Israel to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Adios, Motherf***ers: Guilt-By-Epstein-Association Is Out of Control
The conversation also explores the Clintons’ depositions, the timeline of what people knew (and when), and whether the public release of millions of documents…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. End the Use of Force Against Iran Now—or Finish the Job?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "When should the use of force against Iran end? a) Now; b) When Iran’s military and nukes are neutralized; c)When…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Why Now? Admiral Stavridis on U.S. Strike on Iran
The US attacked Iran - now on Day 3 of the deadly conflict, Michael turns to one of the nation’s most experienced military leaders for clarity. Retired 4-star…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Epstein fallout more about guilt by association than guilt by deeds?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Agree or disagree: The Epstein fallout is now more about guilt by association than guilt by deeds." As millions of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is This the Nastiest Senate Race in America? Inside the Texas Primary Battle
Hear Ben and Michael break down: The GOP civil war between establishment and MAGA The brutal Cornyn ad targeting Paxton’s personal life Why Trump hasn’t…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Epstein Files Transparency Worth the Risk of Unverified Allegations?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Does the value of transparency from release of the Epstein files outweigh the risks of spreading unverified…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Was Totally Misjudged
Did you see the "Trump Train" coming? Michael didn’t — and neither did Barack Obama’s inner circle. Drawing from newly released oral history interviews on the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: When Trump Said “Stand Up” — Should Democrats Have?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Democrats have stood in agreement at the State of the Union when President Trump said the first duty of the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Outsmarts Democrats at SOTU: Mark Halperin On Whether The Needle Moved
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to break down President Trump’s State of the Union address — from the viral “stand up” immigration moment…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Your Google Searches Be Private?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should an individual's Google searches be private?" A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling says you may not have a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is the State of the Union Strong? Americans Are Split.
On the eve of the State of the Union, Michael sits down with Yahoo News national politics reporter Andrew Romano to preview what President Trump may say in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Would You Like To See BOTH U.S. Hockey Teams At State Of The Union Tonight?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Where would you like to see the USA gold medal winning men's and women's hockey teams present at tonight's State of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside the War Room with Admiral Stavridis: How Presidents Decide to Strike
Is the United States on the brink of striking Iran? Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to break down…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the FCC Enforce “Equal Time”? The Colbert Controversy Explained
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should licensed broadcast radio and television stations have to give equal time to competing political candidates?" A…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Princess Diana’s Confidant on Prince Andrew’s Arrest—and the Palace Fallout
As mentioned in this episode, listen to Book Club With Michael Smerconish: Andy Webb, author of "DIANARAMA." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Swearing in Politics Refreshing—or Just Overdone?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the use of profanity in politics refreshing or overdone?" From a new Illinois Senate ad repeating “F Trump” to a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Has The FCC's Media Regulation Outlived Its Purpose? Colbert's 'Equal Time' Flap, Explained
Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Why--Or Why Not--Should The U.S. Strike Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "The U.S. should strike Iran: a) To eliminate its nuclear capability, b) To change its leadership, c) Both, d)…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin Ranks 2028 Democrats: Newsom #1, Shapiro Rising, AOC Slips?
Mark Halperin joins Michael to rank the top Democratic contenders for 2028 — and the results may surprise you. Why is Gavin Newsom leading the field? Is Josh…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Do you agree with Obama on Aliens?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with President Obama who says "The odds are good that there's life out there...but... the chances we've…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Truth About SNAP: Who Decides What Low-Income Families Can Eat?
Five states have begun banning soda and candy purchases through SNAP — with 18 states seeking similar waivers. Is this smart public health policy or government…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Donald Trump the Most Consequential President in 100 Years?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Like him or not, is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last hundred years?" On Presidents Day…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The SAVE Act Explained: Voting Security or Voter Suppression?
The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Gallup Continue Tracking Presidential Approval Ratings?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring…
- The Smerconish Podcast
It Was A Sh*tty Poll Question
Michael confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should You Have to Prove Citizenship to Vote?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should proof of citizenship be required when registering to vote?" The House has passed the SAVE Act, legislation…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Epstein Fallout Meets Midterm Fire: Mark Halperin On Trump Allies Under Pressure
Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll: Did The Man On Nancy Guthrie's Porch Write The Ransom Notes?
Listen and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: She Was A Sugar Cane And Tells All
What’s it really like to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show? Michael talks with Chloe' Scretchings, formerly a producer on his CNN program, about how her…