The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should Guns Be Allowed at Protests? Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Michael unpacks today’s poll question: "Should it be unlawful to conceal carry at a demonstration?" In the wake of the fatal Minneapolis shooting this past weekend, he examines gun laws at protests, Second Amendment contradictions within the GOP, and what the Supreme Court’s Heller decision actually allows. With states split on whether firearms are permitted at demonstrations, this episode explores where constitutional rights collide with public safety — and why this debate is suddenly front and center. 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.

Reasonable Fear or Excessive Force? A Deep Dive Into the Alex Pretti Shooting Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael takes a careful look at the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, pushing past slogans and snap judgments to examine what the law actually requires. Analyzing video evidence, use-of-force standards, and the “reasonable officer” test, Michael explains why this case may be fundamentally different from similar recent incidents—and why at least one officer could face serious legal exposure. A conversation about policing, protests, guns, and the cost of abandoning nuance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should Big Tech Pay for the Damage to Kids’ Mental Health? Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

What happens when social media design meets the courtroom? As a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles, Michael breaks down the case that could hold Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube legally responsible for teen screen addiction. Drawing on polling data, psychological research, and product-liability law, Michael explains why he’s voting “yes” on today’s poll—and why this jury’s decision could reshape Big Tech’s future. 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.

If the 2024 Election Happened Again Tomorrow, Would Trump Still Win? Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

What if the 2024 presidential election were rerun today? Michael revisits a familiar—but newly relevant—poll question, weighing Kamala Harris’s post-election momentum against Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings and fiercely loyal base. With fresh polling data, swing-state context, and a look at why voters got it wrong before, Michael games out whether a rematch would really change the outcome—or deliver the same surprise all over again. 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.

NATO, Trump, and a Fracturing West—What Comes Next? Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, joins Michael to tackle the biggest global questions of the moment: Will NATO survive the Trump era? Why Greenland has become a strategic flashpoint in the Arctic—and how climate change is reshaping global power. Stavridis breaks down the roles of China, Russia, Canada, and Europe, weighs in on Trump’s fixation with Greenland, and explains why the Arctic may define the next geopolitical era. Plus, an unforgettable behind-the-scenes story involving President Obama, Queen Elizabeth, and a very well-timed martini. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gun Rights or Property Rights — You Decide Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

Which matters more: gun rights or property rights? Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question through the lens of a major Supreme Court case challenging Hawaii’s concealed-carry law. As the justices weigh whether gun owners need permission to carry firearms onto private property open to the public, the debate raises fundamental questions about the Second Amendment, property rights, and where the burden should fall. 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.

Trump 2.0 at One Year: Why Democrats May Take Back the House in 2026 Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

One year into President Trump's second term, all eyes are on the 2026 midterm elections. Michael Smerconish is joined by David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, to break down what the numbers really say about the fight for Congress. From shrinking battleground districts and independent voter drift to inflation, immigration, and the limits of a potential Democratic wave, Wasserman explains why 2026 may look very different from past midterms—and why even a modest seat shift could change everything. Original air date 20 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.

Melting Ice, Rising Stakes: The Climate Reality Behind Trump’s Greenland Push Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

As global temperatures rise, Greenland is becoming one of the most strategically important places on Earth—but will President Trump ever acknowledge why? Michael Smerconish explores the growing geopolitical and military significance of the Arctic, featuring expert insights on national security, NATO, and climate science. Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Will President Trump ever admit that “climate change” is fueling the strategic value of Greenland?" 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’s Greenland Strategy, NATO Tensions, and Global Power Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation sparked by President Trump’s remarks at Davos. They unpack Trump’s controversial comments on Greenland, NATO, and military force — separating rhetoric from strategy — and examine why the Arctic is becoming a flashpoint amid climate change, Russian and Chinese aggression, and missile defense concerns. The discussion also covers Trump 2.0 at the one-year mark, polling realities, midterm implications, and the evolving political landscape at home and abroad. Original air date 21 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.

The Unthinkable Question: Will NATO Survive Trump? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Will NATO survive Trump? That’s today’s Smerconish.com poll — and it’s no longer hypothetical. As President Trump ramps up pressure on allies, flirts with territorial expansion, and reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Michael Smerconish explores whether the NATO alliance can endure Trump 2.0. 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.

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