The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Trump Lost. Democrats Won. But Independents Hold the Real Power. Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

Democrats swept the 2026 midterms, but are they drawing the wrong conclusions from their victory? Michael examines two overlooked forces behind the historic blue wave: independent voters and moderate Democrats. First, Jeremy Gruber, Senior Vice President of Open Primaries, explains why he calls the election an "independent voter tsunami." From Texas to Iowa and beyond, independents helped deliver Democratic victories. But was their vote an endorsement of Democratic policies—or a rejection of Donald Trump and partisan politics? Then, Oliver Libby, founder of Strong Floor, No Ceiling, joins Michael to discuss his Washington Post analysis arguing that centrist Democrats, not progressives, delivered many of the most consequential victories. What can the party learn from candidates who emphasized affordability, patriotism, economic opportunity, and a positive vision for America? Two perspectives, one unmistakable warning: Democrats shouldn't mistake an anti-Trump wave for a lasting mandate. And with 2028 approaching, the battle for independent voters may determine who wins the White House. Original air dates 4 and 5 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Was the rebuke of President Trump based more on his policies or personality? Nov 06, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was the Tuesday rebuke of President Trump based more on his policies or personality? Democrats won on Tuesday, but what exactly were voters rejecting? After nearly 40,000 participants in yesterday’s Smerconish.com poll overwhelmingly characterized the results as a rebuke of President Trump rather than an endorsement of Democratic policies, a caller raises a sharper question: Was it Trump's agenda or his personality? Michael examines how tariffs, immigration enforcement, the Iran war, rising gas prices, and Trump's governing style blur the line between policy and temperament. And he considers what the answer could mean for Republicans who share Trump's political agenda but not necessarily his approach. Listen here, then vote - and thanks for rating, reviewing, and sharing this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biggest Winner of the 2026 Midterms Wasn't the Democrats Nov 05, 2026

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Democrats won control of Congress, President Trump accepted defeat, and America experienced something increasingly rare: an election without widespread chaos or controversy. But Michael argues the biggest victory of the 2026 midterms wasn't political—it was a victory for democracy itself. Drawing on commentary from The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal, Michael explores why the peaceful execution of Election Day deserves celebration, regardless of which party won. He also questions whether the convenience of early voting and mail-in ballots has cost Americans something valuable: the shared civic experience of standing alongside neighbors, even those with whom they passionately disagree. Plus, callers weigh in on election integrity, Trump's defeat, the future of congressional investigations, and the surprising challenges of voting in states with extraordinarily long ballots. Is Election Day becoming a lost American tradition? It's a conversation about democracy, community, and what it really means to participate in the American experiment. Original air date 5 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Did Democrats Win on Policy—or Did Voters Just Reject Trump? Nov 05, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How should the winning Democratic candidates interpret their victories in Tuesday's elections? Did Democrats win because voters embraced their policies, or because Americans wanted to send Donald Trump a message? Michael examines the meaning behind the Democratic Party's sweeping midterm victories and what the results reveal about voter priorities. With Trump's approval ratings struggling, affordability dominating voters' concerns, and Democrats facing a choice between confrontation and compromise, the stakes extend far beyond Election Day. Should Democratic leaders see their victories as a mandate to advance their agenda or a referendum on the president? Michael breaks down the evidence, the political implications, and why the answer could shape the next two years in Washington. Vote at Smerconish.com and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democrats Crush Republicans: Is JD Vance Turning on Trump? | Mark Halperin Nov 04, 2026

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Democrats have delivered a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump, capturing both the House and Senate in a sweeping 2026 midterm election victory. But was it a resurgence of independent voters, a revival of ticket-splitting, or a nationwide rejection of Trump's leadership? Michael breaks down the Democratic tsunami, the surprising victories in traditionally Republican states, and what the results reveal about America's increasingly nationalized politics. Then, veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why he saw the landslide coming, how independent voters swung the election, and why the fallout could dramatically reshape the 2028 presidential race. Plus, a potentially explosive disagreement between JD Vance and Donald Trump over the Iran war, the battle between Democratic moderates and progressives, and whether a Democratic Congress can find common ground with Trump—or spend the next two years fighting him. The election is over - listen here to find out that the political consequences are just beginning. Original air date 4 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Did You Split Your Ticket? Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did you split your ticket? Democrats have captured the House and Senate, President Trump says he accepts defeat, and the 2026 midterm results raise a fascinating question: Are Americans finally willing to cross party lines again? Michael examines the dramatic decline of split-ticket voting, from an era when nearly half of congressional districts voted for different parties to today's rigid partisan divide. Drawing on insights from Washington Post journalist Dan Balz, Michael explores how nationalized politics, disappearing local news, and partisan loyalty have transformed American elections. Could independent voters and the 2026 midterms signal a reversal? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can We Agree: The National Debt Nov 03, 2026

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This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #6. "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. The U.S. national debt is now larger than the economies of China, Germany, Japan, Britain, and India combined. That’s $297,000 for every household in America, and $117,000 for every U.S. citizen. How do we lessen this burden on future generations? Facing off in this special live edition of “Can We Agree?“: Stephen Moore, who advised Donald Trump on the economy, says the cure is growth. Maya MacGuineas, who has led the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget since 2003, says the fix requires both spending cuts and more tax revenue. Two serious people. One $40 trillion question. Can they agree? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: If Democrats win big today, will AOC Progressives or Shapiro Moderates Win 2028? Nov 03, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Democrats win big today, who becomes better positioned for 2028? An AOC-style progressive or a Shapiro-style moderate? Election Day 2026 could deliver a Democratic wave, but what would that victory mean for the party's future? Michael examines the battle between the progressive wing, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the moderate lane championed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With polls pointing toward major Democratic gains, both factions could claim a mandate heading into the 2028 presidential race. Will voters reward bold progressive politics or pragmatic centrism? Listen here, and cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump Wants to Change Your Clocks AGAIN—Before the Year Is Over? Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

We JUST turned our clocks back. Could President Trump make us spring forward AGAIN before the year is over? Michael Smerconish talks with Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond about Trump's renewed push for permanent daylight saving time, the Sunshine Protection Act, and the Republican senator standing in its way. Then, listeners across the country weigh in on dark winter evenings, kids waiting for school buses, health concerns, and the never-ending debate over changing our clocks. Is it finally time to pick a time and stick with it? Listen here, then share, rate, and review this podcast! Original air date 2 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Does Haley Stevens owe more of a duty to her conscience or her party? Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: To what does Haley Stevens owe more of a duty, her conscience or her party? Just 48 hours before the midterm elections, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens stunned the political world by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Donald Trump celebrated the surprise endorsement, but could the move actually hurt Rogers more than help him? Michael examines Stevens' objections to El-Sayed, the backlash from fellow Democrats, and whether her last-minute break with party loyalty will sway Michigan voters. With Election Day looming and new polling pointing toward a potentially strong Democratic showing nationwide, Michael asks whether political conscience should ever outweigh allegiance to one's party. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com - but before you to, please leave a rating and a review on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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