The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Can Democrats and Republicans Still Be Friends? Fetterman & McCormick Say Yes Jul 02, 2026

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As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Michael Smerconish sits down with Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick for a rare bipartisan conversation overlooking Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Democratic and Republican senators discuss patriotism, political polarization, their unlikely friendship, working across party lines, and why civility still matters in American politics. Then, Michael opens the phones to hear listeners' reactions to one of the most uplifting political conversations in recent memory. Original air date 2 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: Do you agree with Mark Halperin, that only those on the left care that Trump got richer in office? Jul 02, 2026

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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 disclosures showing President Trump's extraordinary gains from crypto ventures and other business interests while serving in office, prompting a broader debate about presidential ethics, public accountability, and partisan perception. Drawing on reporting from The Washington Post, a Wall Street Journal editorial, and commentary from Mark Halperin, Smerconish asks whether concerns about a president profiting while in office have become a purely partisan issue—or whether Americans have simply grown numb to political self-enrichment. 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.

Mark Halperin on Trump Cashing In On The Presidency Jul 01, 2026

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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 was always possible?
Why voters may no longer care about political self-enrichment
Listener reactions from across the political spectrum

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 a candidate's mental illness be judged the same as a physical illness? Jul 01, 2026

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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 Capitol Hill after months away and reveals he was hospitalized for depression, reigniting a national conversation about mental health, stigma, transparency, and public service. Michael Smerconish examines the powerful disclosure, the sharply divided reactions—including criticism from Rep. Lauren Boebert—and whether Americans truly treat mental illness the same way they treat physical illness. He also explores the legitimate questions about accountability after more than 100 missed House votes, asking where compassion ends, public responsibility begins, and how voters should weigh both. Listen here, then cast YOUR Vote on the poll question, 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.

Would You Pay $1,000 to Stop Iran From Getting a Nuclear Weapon? Jun 30, 2026

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Michael Smerconish welcomes former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the fragile ceasefire, President Trump's Middle East strategy, and America's standing in the world ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Then, Michael turns to listeners with a provocative question: if preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon costs the average American household $1,000, would it be worth paying? The responses reveal just how divided Americans remain on war, diplomacy, and national security. Original air date 30 June 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 ballots postmarked by Election Day should count even if they arrive later? Jun 30, 2026

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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? In the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Michael Smerconish examines what the decision means for future elections, state authority, and public confidence in the voting process. While he disagrees with the policy outcome, he argues the Court reached the correct constitutional result by allowing states to determine how they administer mail ballots. Michael also breaks down the Court's other major decisions affecting executive power, looks ahead to the next wave of election cases—including proof-of-citizenship requirements—and explains why these rulings could shape both the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. 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: Which ONE word would you use to describe the U.S.? Jun 29, 2026

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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 that asked Americans to describe the United States in just one word—and the answers reveal deep partisan and cultural divides. From “powerful” and “free” to “struggling,” “corrupt,” and “divided,” Michael explores how Republicans, Democrats, and independents see the nation differently, while also discussing what Americans believe unites and divides us most. Listen to his take, and then vote for yourself! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the Democratic Establishment Losing Control? Jun 26, 2026

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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 influence of the party's progressive wing, and the road to 2028. She also offers a candid, behind-the-scenes account of moderating the Biden-Trump debate, revealing the moment she realized something was wrong and how she and Jake Tapper navigated one of the most consequential nights in recent political history. 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: Agree/Disagree: Donald Trump Is A Symptom of America's Anger, Not The Cause. Jun 26, 2026

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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 Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Data Behind America's Political Anger Jun 25, 2026

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Former Clinton adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael to unpack the data behind America's political upheaval. Drawing on his latest research, Sosnik argues that Donald Trump is a symptom—not the cause—of deeper economic and cultural forces reshaping the country. They discuss wealth inequality, the decline of upward mobility, the growing education divide, why voters increasingly reject the status quo, and what it all means for the 2026 midterms and the future of American politics. 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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