The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Inside the Fight Over AI Regulation, China, and America's Future Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Mark Zuckerberg argues that superintelligence should be widely available, while former White House cyber czar Richard Clarke warns AI may need safeguards more like a dangerous pathogen than a consumer product. Michael explores the growing debate over AI regulation, China's role in the global AI race, data centers, guardrails, and whether America is moving too fast—or not fast enough. 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 Dr. Anthony Fauci Justified in Invoking the Fifth Amendment? Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

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 takeaway has nothing to do with Fauci—and everything to do with America's broken political system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Hidden Cost of the AI Boom: The Data Center Wars Are Just Beginning Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

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 growing battle over data centers—who benefits, who pays and whether transparency, tax revenue and new technology can ease local resistance. Then, listeners weigh in on jobs, electricity, water, farmland and whether states should pause construction as the artificial intelligence boom accelerates. Original air date 30 July 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: Should your state pause construction of new data centers? Jul 30, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should your state pause construction of new data centers? Michael examines the growing backlash against the massive facilities powering AI and the modern internet. With New York moving to halt certain projects, other states considering restrictions, and voters worried about electricity costs, water use, and strain on the grid, the debate is quickly becoming national. But slowing construction could also weaken U.S. competitiveness in the global AI race. Michael weighs the local costs against the economic and technological stakes—and asks whether states should press pause or keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fauci Takes the Fifth: What Is He Hiding? Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Anthony Fauci invokes the Fifth Amendment before a Senate committee as Michael examines his newly released diaries, the lingering questions surrounding COVID’s origins and the bitter debate over masks and pandemic policy. Then Mark Halperin joins Michael to discuss Fauci’s media relationships, Mitch McConnell’s health, Gavin Newsom’s political future, the 2028 Democratic primary calendar and the growing influence of democratic socialists. Original air date 29 July 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: On balance, did Dr. Anthony Fauci do more good or more harm? Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

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 newly released pandemic diaries revive questions about COVID’s origins, school closures, masking guidance, and what officials knew behind the scenes. Michael examines Fauci’s private notes, his past public statements, and the looming confrontation with Senator Rand Paul. Was Fauci a steady scientific voice during a national emergency, or did he exercise too much control over uncertain information? The episode weighs his decades of public service against the controversies that made him one of America’s most polarizing figures. 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 Kelly Could Be the Democrats’ 2028 Wild Card (...or Not.) Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Michael speaks with The Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich about his revealing profile of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly—combat veteran, astronaut, devoted husband to Gabby Giffords, and possible 2028 presidential contender. They examine why Kamala Harris passed him over for vice president, whether his extraordinary résumé can overcome his limitations as a campaign performer, and what the remarkable Kelly-Giffords partnership reveals about the man behind the political ambition. Then, listeners weigh in on whether Kelly could unite the country—and whether Harris made a major mistake. Original air date 28 July 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: How much longer will the war with Iran last? Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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 settling into a prolonged confrontation. With attacks paused and mediators reporting progress toward renewed negotiations, President Trump says talks are going well—but warns military action could resume. New CBS polling reveals widespread uncertainty, frustration and a belief that the conflict has been harder than expected. Michael breaks down how Democrats, Republicans and independents differ on whether America should end the fighting now or continue until Iran makes further concessions. Plus, Joe Manchin’s effort to recruit a new generation of independent political leaders. Thank you 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.

Small Plane, Big (Independent) Political Idea: Michael’s West Virginia Weekend Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael recounts his eventful West Virginia weekend—from a thrilling flight aboard a small Cirrus aircraft to a visit to the historic Greenbrier—before revealing the real reason for his trip. He went to join Joe and Heather Manchin as they launch their new Independent Leadership Council, an effort to help elect genuinely independent candidates who could hold the balance of power in Congress. Also, hear listeners debate whether the strategy can actually work. Original air date 27 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Is Trump Less Risk-Averse in His Second Term? Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

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 Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Regime Change, Michael examines what may explain the more brazen, high-risk style of Trump’s second term. Is it the freedom of being term-limited, Supreme Court-recognized immunity for official acts, greater confidence in the presidency, a sense of political vindication—or the belief that consequences never stick? Michael breaks down all five poll choices, revisits recent voting results, and asks listeners to decide which factor matters most. 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.

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