The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should Parents Choose the Best School—or Try to Fix a Failing One? Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Nikole Hannah-Jones made a principled decision to send her daughter to a struggling Brooklyn public school—but a decade later, she’s confronting the consequences. Michael examines her deeply personal story and the fierce debate it has sparked over school choice, segregation, teacher accountability, and a difficult question for every parent: When it comes to your child’s education, should principle ever come before opportunity? 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 Is More Likely: AI Ends Humanity or AI Cures Cancer? Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Will AI destroy humanity—or save millions of lives? Michael explores the growing fears surrounding artificial intelligence alongside remarkable examples of AI improving healthcare, predicting sepsis, cutting hospital wait times, and potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment. So which future is more likely: AI apocalypse or AI medical miracle? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bernie and AOC in 2028? Mark Halperin Floats a Stunning Ticket Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Could Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez join forces in 2028? Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish and floats the provocative possibility of a Bernie-AOC presidential ticket — and what it could mean for the Democratic field. Plus, they discuss the approaching midterms, Donald Trump’s battles with the media, and the growing 2028 conversation surrounding Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Original air date 23 September 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: What was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years? Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Listen to Dana Bash talk about her book "The Elections That Changed the World: Fifteen Pivotal Moments That Shaped How We Live" on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America Wanted a Trump-Mamdani Fight. It Didn’t Get One Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are about as politically different as it gets—so what should we make of their surprisingly cordial meeting at Gracie Mansion? Michael examines whether either man is getting played, and whether their willingness to work together offers a rare lesson in political civility. New York City Councilman Frank Morano and former Trump White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci join the conversation, followed by listeners weighing in on whether cooperation—or confrontation—is what America really wants. Original air date 22 September 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 and Mamdani are working together. Who's getting played? Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Trump and Mamdani working together. Who's getting played: Mamdani, Trump, Both, or Neither? Michael connects the unexpected cordiality between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a broader question about dignity in politics. After a Gracie Mansion meeting focused on housing, immigration, and affordability, Michael asks whether either man is being played—or whether the willingness of ideological opposites to cooperate is worth welcoming. He also revisits Tim Shriver’s Dignity Index and the challenge of treating political opponents with respect without ignoring real disagreements. Plus, what might each leader have to gain from keeping the relationship productive? 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.

AI Could Destroy Us—or Save Us Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Michael opens with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis for a rapid-fire look at Iran, the Houthis, Ukraine, and the growing danger of humans weaponizing artificial intelligence. Then, after weeks of warnings about runaway AI and its potential for catastrophe, Michael turns to the other side of the story: how AI is already being used for good in education, medicine, public health, and everyday life. Is AI our greatest emerging threat—or one of our most powerful tools? Original air date 21 September 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 a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote? Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote? Michael Smerconish explores whether respect, dignity, and a willingness to work across political lines still matter when voters choose a candidate—or whether policy positions outweigh everything else. The conversation is prompted by Tim Shriver’s work with Unite and the Dignity Index, which focuses on reducing contempt in public life. Michael considers a difficult tradeoff: what if you agree with a candidate’s agenda but reject the way they treat opponents? And what if a more civil candidate holds views you oppose? It’s a timely look at character, disagreement, and what voters actually value at the ballot box. Listen, 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.

How Bucks County Became Ground Zero for America’s Political Divide Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

'Bucks County, USA' premieres on PBS on September 20, 2026.

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 Robert Kraft Have Pressured Ed Sheeran to Remove Macklemore From His Tour? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Should Robert Kraft have pressured Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore from his tour? Michael breaks down the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks and the pressure from Kraft and other NFL owners. Was this a stand against hate speech, or did it cross the line into silencing political expression? Plus, Michael explains why the fallout may have only amplified the controversy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected