The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Drone Warfare, Oil Shock & Regime Change: Admiral Stavridis On The Real Stakes in Iran Mar 10, 2026

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Is the war in Iran nearing its conclusion — or is it only just beginning? Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about conflicting signals from Washington. President Trump says the war is “very complete.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggests major phases of the campaign haven’t even begun. Admiral Stavridis weighs in: Has Iran’s military been effectively destroyed? Could Tehran retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting 20% of the world’s oil supply? And if America “broke” Iran’s capabilities, does it now “own” what comes next? The conversation also explores the rapidly evolving role of drone warfare, the risk of global economic shock, and whether regime change is realistic — or dangerously naïve. 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 War in Iran at the 'end of the beginning', or at the 'beginning of the end'? Mar 10, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "War in Iran: Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?" President Trump says the conflict is “very complete, pretty much,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists the campaign is “only just beginning.” So which is it? In this episode, Smerconish breaks down the striking contrast in messaging, the military realities on the ground, and what it all means for U.S. strategy and stability in the region. Cast your vote and join the debate, 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.

America and Israel at Odds? The Iran War Rift Explained Mar 09, 2026

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Are America and Israel heading toward a strategic collision over Iran? Michael Smerconish speaks with Dr. Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution about growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem as the war with Iran escalates. Is Prime Minister Netanyahu seeking regime change while President Trump looks for a quick “mission accomplished” exit? And what happens if oil prices spike, regional instability spreads, or Iran simply waits out U.S. patience? They discuss whether regime change is even possible from the air, how economic fallout could shape Trump’s decision-making, and whether the National Security Council has planned for “day two.” Listen to this provocative, nonpartisan look at America’s next foreign policy crossroads, and then rate, review and share this podcast! Original air date 9 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: How long will Khamenei's son last as Iran’s supreme leader? Mar 09, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How long will Khamenei’s son last as Iran’s supreme leader? Less than a week, less than a month, less than a year, or longer?" In the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assassination during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new supreme leader—plunging the region deeper into crisis. Oil prices have surged, markets have tumbled, and questions swirl about whether this is true regime change or simply a continuation of hardline rule. Michael Smerconish examines the fragile U.S.-Israel alignment, President Trump’s endgame, and whether Iran’s new leader can hold power amid war, economic shockwaves, and mounting global stakes. Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Betting on War: Inside the $54M Iran Wager Scandal Mar 06, 2026

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Are these markets more accurate than traditional polling?

Do they invite insider trading and corruption?

Should Congress ban wagering tied to government decisions?

And is betting on regime change ethically different from betting on the Super Bowl?

From Iran to Texas Senate races to the Oscars, this conversation explores the explosive rise of prediction markets — and whether they’re a powerful forecasting tool or a dystopian step too far.

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: Is it good or bad that the Pentagon is using A.I.? Mar 06, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: On balance, is it good or bad news that the Pentagon is using artificial intelligence? As the U.S. military deploys advanced AI tools like Palantir’s Maven Smart System to process battlefield intelligence and assist in real-time targeting, a political and ethical firestorm is brewing. After a reported fallout between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic, questions swirl about mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, and who controls the future of warfare—the military or Silicon Valley. Michael is clear about where he stands, but what do you think? Is AI a necessary strategic edge in a dangerous world—or a line we shouldn’t cross? Cast your vote and join the debate. 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.

Cancel Culture Run Amok? Bob Kerrey Sounds the Alarm Mar 05, 2026

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Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey joins Michael for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. Kerrey addresses his past meeting with Jeffrey Epstein and the fallout that led him to resign from a corporate board, weighs in on cancel culture and free speech on campus, and shares blunt thoughts on Iran, war powers, and whether Congress should vote before military action. The Medal of Honor recipient also opens up about his recent medical struggles, recovery, and why he credits “socialized medicine” at the VA for saving him from financial ruin. At 82, Kerrey is as sharp — and unfiltered — as ever. Original air date 5 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: Who should determine media access to the Dignified Transfer of remains Mar 05, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who should determine media access to the dignified transfer of remains at Dover? Families of the fallen or the press?" As six U.S. service members are returned home, Michael revisits the long-running debate over the “Dover Test” — who gets to witness the consequences of war and who gets to document it. A tense exchange between the White House's Karoline Leavitt and CNN's Kaitlan Collins reignites questions about press freedom, privacy, and accountability. Plus, a startling real-world example of how AI-generated misinformation nearly made it into the broadcast underscores the stakes of accuracy in wartime. 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, Iran, and the High-Stakes Texas Senate Battle Mar 04, 2026

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Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY

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: Who Forced the Strike on Iran - Israel or The U.S.? Mar 04, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which statement do you agree with most? A) Israel compelled the US to act against Iran. B) The US compelled Israel to act against Iran. C) Iran's actions triggered US and Israeli responses." After nearly 40,000 votes yesterday on whether force against Iran should end, a new question emerges: who actually drove the decision to strike? Secretary Rubio suggested Israel was poised to act. Speaker Johnson echoed that framing. Prime Minister Netanyahu cited an urgent, existential threat. Then President Trump said he may have forced Israel’s hand. With fresh Axios reporting adding new timeline details, Michael walks through the conflicting narratives and asks the key question—who compelled whom, and why now? 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.

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