The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: ‘Professional Malpractice’ — Richard Clarke on What Went Wrong Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Richard Clarke served for thirty years in national security roles in the US government, including ten years in the White House under three presidents. He is the CEO of Good Harbor Security Risk Management. Find him here.

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Today's Poll Question: Does Beating Trump Matter More Than Beating Iran? Mar 17, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "For those who oppose President Trump, which matters more, his political defeat or a US victory against Iran?" Michael Smerconish reacts to a striking poll result showing most respondents don’t believe the U.S. is winning in Iran—and asks whether political bias is shaping that perception. He explores competing narratives about the conflict, media framing, and whether partisan divides are influencing how Americans assess national success abroad. The episode raises an uncomfortable but revealing question: in a hyper-polarized era, can political opposition outweigh national interest? 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 Iran War, Explained: Admiral Stavridis on Strategy, David Boies on Politics Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish examines the Iran conflict through two very different lenses. Admiral James Stavridis explains the military realities of the Straight of Hormuz, drones, minesweepers, and the risk of a prolonged war. Then legendary trial lawyer David Boies argues that partisanship should not dictate how Americans judge President Trump’s actions on Iran. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Original air date 16 March 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 the U.S. winning the war with Iran? Mar 16, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the US winning the war with Iran?" Michael Smerconish revisits Donald Trump’s famous “we’re going to win so much” campaign line and applies it to the current conflict with Iran. Militarily, the U.S. appears to be hitting its targets and degrading Iran’s capabilities—but does tactical success equal victory? Drawing on reporting about the Strait of Hormuz, analysis from national security experts, and a provocative comparison to the Soviet experience in Afghanistan, Smerconish explores the difference between battlefield wins and strategic outcomes. The bigger question....what does “winning” actually mean? Listen and 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.

Trump vs. FDR? Ranking the Most Consequential Presidents of the Last Century Mar 13, 2026

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Michael Smerconish asks a provocative question: Is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last 100 years? To explore it, he’s joined by presidential scholar Dr. Michael Genovese, author of more than 50 books on leadership and American politics. Together they examine Trump’s impact on the presidency, executive power, immigration, the courts, and America’s role in the world—while comparing his legacy to presidents like FDR, LBJ, Reagan, and Obama. Is Trump a transformational figure who reshaped politics—or a disruptor whose changes could be undone? And what actually defines a consequential presidency? Listen here, and please rate, review and share this podcast. Original air date 19 February 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 Will Be The 2028 GOP Nominee? Mar 13, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who will be the 2028 GOP nominee—Rubio, Vance, or neither?" The 2028 race may be years away, but the jockeying has clearly begun. Michael breaks down fresh reporting from The Wall Street Journal detailing how President Trump is privately sizing up Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential heirs to the MAGA movement. Betting markets show Rubio rapidly closing the gap with Vance for the nomination—and even rating Rubio as more electable in a general election. Is Vance still the favorite? Is Rubio the smarter political bet? Or could the GOP surprise everyone? Cast your vote and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DOJ Won’t Prosecute Anyone Else in the Epstein Case — Here’s Why Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

The Justice Department released millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein — but weeks later, no new charges have followed. Why? Michael Smerconish sits down with former federal prosecutor and Politico senior writer Ankush Khardori to unpack what the Epstein files actually reveal — and what they don’t. Was there evidence of a broader international child sex trafficking ring? Did the DOJ cover anything up? And why haven’t powerful associates been charged? Khardori breaks down a pivotal 86-page memo written after Epstein’s death, addresses the credibility questions surrounding key allegations, and explains why prosecutors may have concluded there simply wasn’t a viable criminal case against others. Plus, Michael takes calls from listeners who aren’t convinced — raising questions about power, accountability, and whether justice was truly served. Listen, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Original Air Date 12 March 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: Trump Derangement vs. Trump Devotion...Which Is More Irrational? Mar 12, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is more irrational: Trump Derangement Syndrome or Trump Devotion Syndrome?" Michael Smerconish explores whether intense opposition to Donald Trump is more irrational than reflexive support for him. Prompted by a caller’s phrase “Trump Devotion Syndrome,” Michael uncovers a peer-reviewed academic study examining whether political bias toward Trump is symmetrical—or not. The findings suggest supporters may be more likely to shift policy views when Trump’s name is attached, while detractors judge issues more on substance. Is that conclusion convincing? And what does it say about today’s political climate? Cast your vote and hear the evidence behind one of the most provocative poll questions yet - 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.

Oil, Iran & 2028: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Biggest Gamble Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY, The Next Up Podcast, and on SiriusXM's Megyn Kelly Channel.

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Today's Poll Question: If the War in Iran Ended Today, Did America Win? Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If the war in Iran were to end today, would the US have been victorious? Michael breaks down the case for calling it a win: a decapitation strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, significant damage to its nuclear and military infrastructure, and a show of force that may have restored U.S. deterrence—without boots on the ground. But Iran hasn’t surrendered, energy prices are rising, and the regime remains intact. Is this strategic success or just the end of the beginning? With insights from Admiral Stavridis and fresh reporting on Iran’s response, Michael asks the question that defines the moment: how do you measure victory? Listen here, then vote, 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.

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