The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is the American Age Over? Sep 17, 2026

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Has America’s era of global dominance come to an end? Michael contrasts two very different assessments of U.S. power—one arguing that the “American Age” is over, and another saying the shining city has dimmed but remains formidable. From Trump, NATO and immigration to energy, China and America’s standing abroad, Michael lays out the debate and hears from listeners across the country. Original air date 17 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: Was the Boston Globe right to name the Clancy holdout juror? Sep 17, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was the Boston Globe right to name the Clancy holdout juror? Yes or no? Michael examines the fallout after the Boston Globe identified the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, despite a judge’s decision to seal jurors’ names over safety concerns. What does the disclosure mean for juror privacy, future high-profile trials, and people’s willingness to serve? Plus, a revisit to yesterday's poll question on the growing debate over artificial intelligence regulation, including recent examples of AI misuse and troubling behavior by developing AI systems. And, a preview of tonight’s YouTube live "Can We Agree?" discussion with trial lawyers Danny Cevallos and Carlos Vega, on the Clancy case. Please 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.

Mark Halperin on 2028—and the AI Issue Nobody Can Ignore Sep 16, 2026

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Michael talks with political analyst Mark Halperin about the developing 2028 Democratic presidential field, including the potential contenders already positioning themselves for the race. Halperin updates us on his '8 for 2028' list with some surprising moves involving Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom. Then, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence, regulation, China and whether AI could emerge as a defining political issue. Plus, listeners weigh in on the candidates, AI and what they want from the next president. Original air date 16 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: Who should regulate artificial intelligence? Sep 16, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who should regulate artificial intelligence? As AI advances at breathtaking speed, the debate over who should set the guardrails is intensifying. Michael explores the choices: federal regulation, state-by-state rules, oversight by AI companies themselves, or no regulation at all. The discussion features arguments from former cyber czar Richard Clarke and Cato Institute policy expert Jennifer Huddleston, plus insight from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis’ case for federal oversight. From fears of deceptive AI behavior to concerns that regulation could stifle innovation, this episode examines the stakes behind one of technology’s most urgent policy debates. Listen here 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.

9/11 Death Investigator: Stop Calling Them "Jumpers" Sep 15, 2026

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For 25 years, we’ve heard the people who fell from the Twin Towers on 9/11 described as “jumpers.” Former New York City death investigator Barbara Butcher tells Michael why that word is wrong—and why every victim who died that day was officially classified as a homicide. A powerful conversation about language, dignity, and how we remember those lost on September 11. Original air date 14 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 the Democratic Party's future democratic socialism? Sep 15, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's future democratic socialism? Michael examines the ideological battle shaping the Democratic Party and introduces his new long-form YouTube series, Can We Agree? In the debut episode, Democratic centrist Congressman Tom Suozzi faces former Ohio State Senator and Bernie Sanders campaign co-chair Nina Turner over capitalism, democratic socialism, economic inequality, the social safety net, and what voters actually want from government. Michael shares a revealing exchange between the two and explains why he’s betting on substance, civility, and uninterrupted debate in an era dominated by sound bites and political food fights. Listen here, 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 Could Kill Us All? The People Building It Are Warning Us Sep 14, 2026

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The people building artificial intelligence are sounding increasingly dire warnings about what it could become—but Michael says the bigger story is what AI is already being used to do. He digs into Anthropic’s latest report detailing real-world cases involving mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, cyber operations and biological research, and asks whether government and industry are moving fast enough to prevent disaster. Original air date 14 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: Who REALLY Runs The American Economy? Sep 14, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who really runs the American economy? Is it big tech, big banks and big oil or the millionaires on Main Street? Michael explores the surprising wealth and economic influence of America’s “Main Street millionaires,” inspired by Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick’s new book, "The Everywhere Millionaire." From car dealers and contractors to doctors, lawyers, restaurateurs and other owners of pass-through businesses, these entrepreneurs may be hiding in plain sight—and collectively wielding far more wealth than the Forbes 400. Are we paying too much attention to billionaire tech titans and Wall Street moguls while overlooking the business owners driving local economies across America? Listen here, then vote, 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.

Bonus Content: Everything That Didn't Fit In Our 9/11 25th Anniversary Tribute Sep 11, 2026

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On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Michael Smerconish presents an expanded companion podcast episode to his three-hour SiriusXM POTUS tribute — featuring the remarkable archival interviews and full, unedited conversations that couldn’t fit on the radio.

Hear James Meigs from Popular Mechanics debunk 9/11 conspiracy theories; journalists Michael Scherer and Peter Baker revisit the mission that killed Osama bin Laden; and SEAL Team Six members Mark Owen/Matt Bissonnette and Rob O’Neill give their firsthand accounts of the Abbottabad raid. Jennifer Senior discusses her Pulitzer Prize-winning story of one family’s enduring grief after 9/11.

Plus, hear Michael’s complete new conversations with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York Times reporter Carol Rosenberg on Guantánamo Bay, and Gerald Posner on longtime detainee Abu Zubaydah. Twenty-five years later, the stories — and some of the questions — remain.

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

Never Forget: 25th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001 Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Twenty-five years after September 11, Michael Smerconish presents a special three-hour remembrance of the day that changed America — and asks what “Never Forget” means for a generation that wasn’t there.
Drawing from a quarter century of extraordinary archival interviews, Michael revisits the warning signs before the attacks, the heroes of Flight 93, the fight for survival inside the Twin Towers, the unprecedented clearing of America’s skies, the television coverage that guided a stunned nation, and the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. You’ll hear from Alice Hoagland, Lawrence Wright, Ben Sliney, the late Aaron Brown, Peter Bergen, Rob O’Neill and others, along with Michael’s own broadcast from the afternoon of September 11, 2001.
Then, in an entirely new third hour, Michael sits down with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for an extended conversation about that day and its aftermath, while New York Times reporter Carol Rosenberg and author Gerald Posner examine the unfinished legacy of 9/11 — from Guantánamo and the still-pending trial of the accused plotters to the case of a detainee held for 24 years without ever being charged.
A Special Edition of The Michael Smerconish Program, originally aired on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124.

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