The Smerconish Podcast

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Today's Poll Question: Will Trump order new strikes on Iran during his China trip? May 13, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Trump order new strikes on Iran during his China trip? Michael explores an eerie parallel to 2017, when Trump launched strikes on Syria while hosting Xi Jinping, raising questions about whether history could repeat itself during the president’s current China visit. He also examines Trump’s controversial “not even a little bit” remark when asked whether Americans’ financial pain is influencing Iran negotiations—and why critics are seizing on it. Plus, yesterday's startling poll result showing nearly half of respondents believe at least one Trump assassination attempt was staged, tying it to the rise of what scholars call “conspiracy without the theory”—a viral, algorithm-driven form of misinformation untethered from evidence. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question...and please 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.

Sin Nation: Have Gambling, Porn & Weed Replaced American Values? May 12, 2026

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Michael Smerconish reacts to a provocative Axios piece arguing that America is becoming a modern “Sin Nation” — where gambling, marijuana, pornography, and digital vice are no longer hidden, but legalized, monetized, and normalized. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Robert Putnam’s "Bowling Alone" to declining faith, patriotism, and community involvement, Michael explores whether America is losing the social glue that once held it together — and whether technology, capitalism, and politics accelerated the shift. Listeners weigh in on everything from Vegas culture and junk food to loneliness, digital life, and the erosion of real-world relationships. Original air date 12 May 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: Were any of the three Trump assassination attempts staged? May 12, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Were any of the three Trump assassination attempts staged? Michael examines a startling new survey showing that nearly one-third of Americans believe at least one assassination attempt against Donald Trump was staged—or aren’t sure the attacks were real. From Butler to the golf course incident to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner scare, Michael breaks down the conspiracy theories gaining traction, the partisan divide driving public opinion, and why distrust is becoming a defining feature of modern politics. Listen here, then vote, and please 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.

The Untold Ted Turner Story the Media Ignored May 11, 2026

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Michael explores the overlooked conversation surrounding Ted Turner’s bipolar disorder and asks whether mental illness can sometimes contribute to extraordinary leadership, creativity, and resilience. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist Dr. Nassir Ghaemi — author of A "First-Rate Madness" — Smerconish examines historical figures like Churchill, Lincoln, MLK Jr., and Turner himself through the lens of mental health. The episode also dives into Ben Sasse’s warning about AI, loneliness, declining trust, and the erosion of human connection in modern America. From shrinking conversations to algorithm-driven lives, Smerconish reflects on what’s being lost — and how we might reclaim it. A wide-ranging discussion about mental health, technology, politics, culture, and the future of human relationships. Original air date 11 May 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: Which War Ends First, Russia-Ukraine or US/Israel-Iran? May 11, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which war ends first — Russia/Ukraine or U.S./Israel versus Iran? Michael examines two global conflicts that suddenly appear to be moving in opposite directions. Vladimir Putin is hinting that the Russia-Ukraine war could be “coming to an end,” even as ceasefire violations continue and battlefield clashes intensify. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran are escalating rapidly, with failed negotiations, military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, and fears of broader regional instability driving energy prices higher. Michael also reflects on Admiral James Stavridis’ new geopolitical thriller 2084 and the unsettling future scenarios it imagines. Which conflict is closer to resolution — and which is only becoming more dangerous? 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.

Billionaires vs. Mamdani: The NYC Tax Fight Turning Ugly May 08, 2026

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Michael dives into the explosive backlash surrounding New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new “pied-à-terre” tax targeting ultra-wealthy property owners who do not live in the city full-time. After billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin blasted Mamdani’s viral “tax the rich” video and threatened to expand jobs outside New York, Michael asks a provocative question: Has “tax the rich” become a political slur? Listeners from across the country weigh in on wealth inequality, fairness, capitalism, philanthropy, and whether aggressive taxation could push jobs and investment out of major cities. Plus: reactions to Wall Street’s growing frustration with New York politics and what it all says about America’s widening economic divide. Original air date 7 May 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 "tax the rich" a slur against wealthy Americans? May 08, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the phrase “tax the rich” a slur against wealthy Americans? Michael examines the political and cultural firestorm sparked by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s viral “tax the rich” video targeting billionaire Ken Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse. Supporters call it economic fairness; critics call it class-based demonization. With Wall Street leaders warning that anti-wealth rhetoric could drive jobs and investment out of New York, Michael explores where legitimate tax policy ends and public shaming begins. Is “tax the rich” simply a political slogan, or has it become a derogatory label aimed at successful Americans? Listen in, then vote! And please 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.

John Malone: Ted Turner Thought CNN Had “Lost Its Way” May 07, 2026

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Media titan John Malone joins Michael for a deeply personal conversation about his lifelong friendship with CNN founder Ted Turner, who passed away this week at age 87. Malone shares behind-the-scenes stories about Turner’s rise, his relationships with Jane Fonda and Rupert Murdoch, the birth of CNN, and Turner’s concerns about the future of cable news. The discussion also explores polarization in America, the evolution of 24/7 media, and whether news has become entertainment. Original air date 7 May 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: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? May 07, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? Michael reflects on the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner while examining the profound impact of round-the-clock news coverage on American society. From the Gulf War and 9/11 to O.J., political polarization, and “doomscrolling,” Michael explores how cable news transformed journalism, public awareness, and national discourse. Did real-time reporting democratize information and strengthen accountability — or create ideological silos, anxiety, and a nonstop demand for outrage? Listen here, then vote! And please 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 on Trump, Iran, and the Midterm Earthquake May 06, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish and Mark Halperin break down the confusion, contradictions, and political fallout surrounding Trump’s Iran strategy — from nuclear negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz to whether the president is heading toward a historic win or an Obama-style replay. Plus: midterm warning signs for Republicans, and key races in Texas, Ohio, and California. Original air date 6 May 2026. 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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