The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Today's Poll: Did Philly’s DA Go Too Far Calling ICE “Wannabe Nazis”? Feb 04, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who's right: Philly DA Larry Krasner who called ICE 'wannabe Nazis,' or Gov. Josh Shapiro who said that comment was 'abhorrent'?" Michael looks at the explosive rhetoric surrounding Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s remarks comparing ICE agents to Nazis — and the swift backlash from Democratic leaders including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman. Is invoking Nazism ever appropriate in modern political debate, or does it dangerously dilute historical reality? Drawing on history, media reactions, and cultural comparisons, Michael explains why this controversy strikes a deeper nerve — and why today’s poll question matters. 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.

AI Is Quietly Rewriting Medicine—and Most Patients Have No Idea Feb 03, 2026

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Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare—often in ways patients don’t even realize. Listen as Michael sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, physician, lawyer, and co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, for a wide-ranging conversation about how AI is being used in medicine today and where it’s headed next. They explore everything from AI “ambient scribing” and clinical decision support to medical liability, patient consent, privacy, bias, and whether AI will ultimately strengthen—or weaken—the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Mazzarelli explains why he believes AI can reduce burnout, improve care, and even restore compassion in medicine—if it’s used responsibly and with humans firmly in the loop. A thoughtful, practical discussion about one of the most consequential shifts in modern healthcare. Original air date 24 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should SNAP Benefits Pay for Soda and Candy? Feb 03, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should states ban the use of food assistance benefits for purchasing candy and soda? A growing number of states are reconsidering what SNAP benefits should — and shouldn’t — cover, with Oklahoma now banning the purchase of candy and sugary drinks using food assistance. Michael breaks down the arguments on both sides: public health advocates who say taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize chronic disease, and critics who warn of stigma, slippery slopes, and government overreach into personal choices. With data, real-world examples, and a sharp look at unintended consequences, this episode asks whether limiting SNAP purchases promotes nutrition — or simply polices poverty. 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.

92% of Detentions Aren’t Criminals: Who Is ICE Really Arresting? Feb 02, 2026

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Are ICE arrests really targeting dangerous criminals — or is the reality far more complicated? Michael is joined by Dr. Austin Kocher, professor at Syracuse University and one of the leading analysts of U.S. immigration enforcement data, to break down what the numbers actually show. According to ICE’s own statistics, 92% of recent detention growth involves people with no criminal convictions — a finding that sharply contrasts with the administration’s public rhetoric. They examine how ICE enforcement has changed across administrations, why deportations under Obama were quieter but larger, how Trump successfully slowed border crossings, and why detention operations are now sweeping up long-term, law-abiding immigrants — including workers, parents, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Original air date 2 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.

Disrupting Worship for Politics? The Smerconish Poll That Has Everyone Talking Feb 02, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: “Is it ever acceptable to disrupt a religious service to express political views?” Michael Smerconish breaks down the real-world controversy that inspired today’s poll, exploring the legal, moral, and constitutional tensions between religious freedom and political expression. From a high-profile church disruption to questions about protest, journalism, and sacred spaces, Michael explains why this issue strikes at the heart of First Amendment debate — and where he ultimately comes down. 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.

The Cake Is Almost Baked: Doug Sosnik on Trump, the Economy, and the 2026 Midterms Jan 30, 2026

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Political strategist and longtime presidential adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a deep-dive into the forces reshaping American politics. Sosnik explains why 57% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, how the K-shaped economy is driving voter frustration, and why education level has become the single strongest predictor of how Americans vote. They discuss President Trump’s approval ratings, what history tells us about midterm elections, why politics is now fully nationalized, and how economic anxiety — not messaging — continues to define elections. A must-listen conversation for anyone trying to understand where the country is headed next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Protester or Agitator? The Video That Complicates the Alex Pretti Case Jan 30, 2026

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Today at Smerconish.com, Michael asks you: Was your opinion about Alex Pretti altered by video showing him protesting just 11 days before he was killed? Listen in as Michael examines what the footage reveals, what it doesn’t change legally, and why video evidence so powerfully shapes public opinion — even when it shouldn’t. A thoughtful discussion on reasonableness, law enforcement standards, and the difference between the courtroom and the court of public opinion. 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.

Rahm Emanuel: “Washington Needs a Power Wash” Jan 29, 2026

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Rahm Emanuel joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation on ethics, aging leadership, and the future of American politics. The former congressman, Chicago mayor, White House chief of staff, and U.S. ambassador argues for mandatory retirement at 75, sweeping ethics reform, and what he calls a much-needed “power wash” of Washington. Emanuel also weighs in on the economy, consumer confidence, healthcare costs, immigration enforcement, and whether there’s a path forward for his brand of politics in today’s Democratic Party. Original air date 29 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

75 and Out? The Growing Case for Age Limits in Government Jan 29, 2026

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Should there be a mandatory retirement age of 75 for the president, cabinet officials, members of Congress, and federal judges? Inspired by comments from former congressman, White House chief of staff, Chicago mayor, and ambassador Rahm Emanuel, Michael Smerconish digs into America’s growing discomfort with aging leadership. With some of the oldest elected officials in U.S. history still wielding power, is it time for age limits — or should voters decide at the ballot box? Michael examines polling data, constitutional hurdles, existing retirement rules in other professions, and historical examples of extraordinary leadership later in life — all while previewing today’s Smerconish.com poll question - 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.

“I’ve Lost Friends on Both Sides”: Halperin & Smerconish on Political Tribalism Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish is joined by political journalist Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about the growing cost of refusing to take sides in today’s polarized America. From Trump’s evolving response to the Minnesota ICE shooting to the backlash faced by journalists who insist on nuance, Halperin and Smerconish explore why centrism now draws fire from both the left and the right. They also dig into Trump’s political instincts, Democratic 2028 contenders like Rahm Emanuel, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro, and whether the political middle can still survive in an era of outrage. Original air date 28 January 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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