The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Today's Poll Question: Is Donald Trump a consequence or the cause of our political polarization? May 06, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Donald Trump more a consequence or the cause of our political polarization? Michael argues that most voters will instinctively blame Donald Trump for America’s deep political divide — but says the more accurate answer is that Trump is a consequence of forces decades in the making. Drawing on conversations with Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei and Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam, author of "Bowling Alone", Michael explores how social isolation, declining civic engagement, and the collapse of shared community life created fertile ground for populism long before Trump arrived. The episode also previews Smerconish’s new Mingle Project interview with Putnam and examines why Americans may actually have more in common than today’s media environment suggests. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump Allies Target Fetterman—Could He Switch Sides? May 05, 2026

Show notes

Listen to Michael's recent interview with Senator Fetterman in episode #1831.

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: Are Americans hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful? May 05, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: 'True or false? Americans are hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful.' Michael challenges the dominant narrative of a fractured America, drawing on insights from Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei and broader social data. While cable news and social media amplify conflict, most Americans remain disconnected from that noise—focused instead on work, family, and community. Listen in as Michael explores how algorithms, declining shared experiences, and social “self-sorting” create the illusion of division, even as acts of generosity and civic engagement tell a different story. Is the country truly coming apart—or are we being misled about who we really are? Be sure to vote at Smerconish.com, and 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.

When Admiral McRaven Broke Down Reading “I Remember” May 04, 2026

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Michael revisits his powerful CNN interview with Admiral William McRaven, the former Navy SEAL commander behind Operation Neptune Spear and author of "Duty, Honor, Country and Life." After asking McRaven to read from his poem “I Remember,” a tribute to fallen service members and Gold Star families, the moment turned unexpectedly emotional. Michael reflects on the silence, the sacrifice, and why listeners say America needs more leaders like McRaven. Original air date 4 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: Are opinions of Trump driven by his policies or his personality? May 04, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are people's opinions of Donald Trump today driven more by his policies or his personality? Fresh polling from ABC/Washington Post and Pew shows Trump’s approval sinking to new lows, with majorities disapproving not just of his leadership style—but nearly every major policy issue as well. For years, critics drew a distinction between Trump’s conduct and his agenda. Now, those lines appear to be converging. Listen to Michael's take, and then cast your vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Legal Firestorm: Trump, Redistricting & the ‘86’ Controversy May 01, 2026

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Michael sits down with legal scholar John Yoo to unpack today’s biggest legal and political flashpoints. From presidential war powers and U.S. involvement in Iran to a major Supreme Court ruling that could reignite redistricting battles nationwide, Yoo explains what’s at stake. Plus, they dive into the controversial “86 47” case and whether it crosses the line from political speech to criminal threat. A wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation on law, power, and the Constitution. 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 Comey Prosecution Ever Reach A Jury? May 01, 2026

Show notes

Michael breaks down the headline-grabbing indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. With legal experts questioning the strength of the case—and whether it will ever reach a jury—Michael examines the First Amendment implications, key Supreme Court precedents, and why this prosecution may be doomed from the start. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, 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.

Inside Montana’s Senate Shake-Up: Independent Seth Bodnar Takes on Both Parties Apr 30, 2026

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Michael Smerconish sits down with independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar to discuss his unconventional run in Montana, the controversy surrounding a last-minute GOP shake-up, and why he refuses to caucus with either party. From war powers and foreign policy to political polarization at home, the conversation explores what it means to govern from the center. Then, Montana listeners weigh in on the race, party dynamics, and life in Big Sky Country—culminating in a surprise call from one of Michael’s longtime friends. Original air date 30 April 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 Race Shape Voting Maps? Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should race be considered when drawing legislative boundary lines? The Supreme Court’s latest 6–3 decision on redistricting could have sweeping consequences for how political power is allocated across the country. Michael breaks down the complex Louisiana case at the center of the ruling, the clash between constitutional “colorblindness” and protections for minority representation, and what this means for the future of the Voting Rights Act. With potential ripple effects across Southern states and beyond, the episode explores whether fairness demands ignoring race—or confronting it directly. 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 Republicans Just Get Called Out—By a King? Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish dives into a remarkable moment in U.S.–U.K. relations as King Charles III delivers a speech to Congress that may have carried more than just ceremonial weight. CNN’s Stephen Collinson joins to unpack the “subtle but striking” message on democracy, executive power, and America’s global role—plus the political theater behind the royal visit and its impact on President Trump. Then, political analyst Mark Halperin breaks down the latest headlines: Trump’s legal strategy and “lawfare,” the real significance of the King’s visit, tensions over Ukraine and Iran, and media flashpoints from late-night comedy to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on power, politics, and perception in a week where symbolism and strategy collided. Original air date 29 April 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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