The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Having Second Thoughts About the Death Penalty Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

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 happens when the justice system gets it wrong? Michael examines the latest developments and takes calls from listeners on both sides of this deeply divisive issue. Original air date 8 October 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: As the media has gotten more diverse, has the bias of the “Dominant Media” against Trump worsened? Oct 08, 2026

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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 Trump, even as podcasts, cable news, and independent platforms reshape the information landscape. Halperin contends that anti-Trump sentiment has become embedded in newsroom culture, making it harder for Republicans to receive balanced coverage. But Michael questions whether a truly "dominant media" still exists when Americans can choose news that reinforces their beliefs. Is this systemic bias, justified scrutiny, or something more complicated? Cast your 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.

Mark Halperin: The Media Is Trying to Destroy Trump Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

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 the air today. Then, listeners weigh in, challenging—and defending—Halperin’s case. Original air date 7 October 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: Who should remain anonymous in a rape accusation case, prior to a verdict? Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

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 accused men have been publicly identified, photographed, and discussed despite no criminal charges. He also considers how social media, newsroom traditions, past false-accusation cases, and the lasting power of online reputational damage complicate an already fraught question. Listen here, then vote. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did Russia Just Have a Plague Lab Leak? Annie Jacobsen Sounds the Alarm Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Listen to Michael's Book Club Podcast interview with Annie Jacobson on her latest book "Biological War: A Scenario"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Should NY AG Letitia James be the person to investigate the Cornell rape case? Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

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, Michael explores the appearance of prejudgment, prosecutors’ ethical obligations, and lessons from the 2006 Duke lacrosse case. The issue isn’t whether the allegations deserve investigation—they do. The question is whether James is the right person to conduct it. Listen here, then cast your own vote - 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.

Too Drunk to Consent? The Law Complicating the Cornell Rape Case Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

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 phone calls involving the Cornell students and Michael’s conversation with listeners about whether New York law should change. Original air date 5 October 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: Is America over-policed or under-policed? Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

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 counterparts, Michael examines whether smaller police forces can actually contribute to more violence, while easy access to guns turns everyday disputes deadly. He also revisits the Second Amendment, the Heller decision, and Gladwell’s argument that Americans have misunderstood the amendment’s original meaning. Listen in, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Midterm Map Is Shifting Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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 Republicans expected? 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: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions? Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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 disturbing conduct described in the case, Michael explains why he still believes the contradictions and the high burden of proof could make criminal convictions difficult to obtain. Listen, then cast your 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.

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