The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Supreme Court Said No — But This Lawyer Isn’t Done Fighting Florida’s Closed Primaries Oct 16, 2025

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Michael speaks with Professor Michael Polelle a Florida voter, and constitutional law scholar, who’s been fighting — solo — to overturn Florida’s closed primary system. His lawsuit argues that forcing voters to join a political party to participate in publicly funded primaries violates free speech and equal protection rights. The Supreme Court declined to hear his case, but the fight for open primaries — and for millions of independent voters shut out of elections — is far from over. Michael himself is part of a lawsuit pursuing the same goal in Pennsylvania, also a closed primary state. Original air date 16 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tomahawks for Ukraine? The Question That Could Define Trump’s Strategy Oct 16, 2025

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Will President Trump give Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com....and deliberately, Michael is asking "WILL" and not "SHOULD." With President Zelensky visiting the White House and global tensions rising, Michael unpacks what this decision could mean for U.S. foreign policy, NATO, and Trump’s stance toward Putin. Plus, Michael revisits the global debate over AI risk, and he explores a provocative essay arguing that sex robots might not be so bad after all! Don't miss it...listen here, and please rate and review 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.

Can Trump End America’s Political Civil War? Mark Halperin Says It’s Nearly Impossible Oct 15, 2025

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Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief of 2WAY and host of the Next Up podcast.

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

AI Is Advancing Fast and Could End Us All Oct 15, 2025

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In this episode, Michael asks you chilling question: “Agree or Disagree — Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority akin to the threat of pandemics and nuclear war.” Michael dives into the warnings from AI experts who argue that artificial superintelligence could mean the end of humanity. From OpenAI’s new video generator Sora to the blurring line between fact and fiction, Michael explores whether technology has already gone too far. 🎧 Listen now, then cast your vote on today’s poll 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.

Talking Tomahawks with Admiral James Stavridis Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Michael runs through several major global headlines with retired Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. From Trump’s proposed Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine to the fragile peace in Gaza, Poland’s growing military power, and sending 'fat troops' home, the Admiral offers sharp, candid insights on America’s attention span, global stability, and the future of warfare. Original air date 14 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If Trump Can Broker Peace in The Middle East… Can He Do It in America? Oct 14, 2025

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If President Trump applied his Middle East peace strategies to America's political divide, would he succeed? With world leaders from all political perspectives praising Trump’s role in Gaza’s ceasefire, Michael explores whether that same deal-making could heal the deep fractures in U.S. politics — or if America is too divided for peace. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 5 New Independent Types That Are Changing Politics Oct 13, 2025

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Michael Smerconish talks with CNN’s Jeff Zeleny about a groundbreaking poll that reveals five distinct types of independent voters. From the "Disappointed Middle" to the "Checked Out," understanding these groups is essential to understanding modern American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Hostages for 250 Prisoners: A Justified Deal or Dangerous Precedent? Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

A historic hostage deal sees 20 Israelis released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners. Michael Smerconish asks the tough question: Is this kind of negotiation justified to facilitate peace? He breaks down the facts, shares powerful insights, and reveals what listeners like you had to say in today’s poll at smerconish.com. Plus, thoughts on Trump’s role in the deal, the ethics of negotiating with terrorists, and how this could shape the future of Middle East diplomacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Faith, Politics, and Power: What Americans Really Think About Atheists in Office Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Ryan Burge is Professor of Practice at Washington University in St. Louis.

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

If Middle East Peace Holds, Trump Should Win The Nobel Prize Next Year Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Michael offers a bold take on today's Smerconish.com poll question which asks: "If peace holds in the Middle East, should President Trump receive the Nobel Peace Prize next year?" From 2025 Nobel winner Maria Corina Machado to Thomas Friedman’s surprising take, Michael explores whether Trump’s diplomacy deserves global recognition — and what the Nobel Committee’s decision really says about politics and peace. Listen here, then vote there! 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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