The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The High-Stakes Game Behind Your District Lines Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Michael is joined by David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, for a deep dive into one of the most controversial political tactics of our time: mid-decade redistricting. Should states be allowed to redraw district lines before the next census? Wasserman lays out the stakes—how these political power grabs can reshape Congress, tip elections, and potentially undermine democracy. Don’t miss this urgent conversation that reveals what’s really going on behind the maps. Original air date 28 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Power Grab or Fair Game? The Truth About Mid-Decade Redistricting Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

For today's daily poll question, Michael Smerconish asks: Should states ever engage in mid-decade redistricting? With political power, representation, and control hanging in the balance, this episode unpacks the explosive implications of redrawing maps outside the normal 10-year census cycle. Is it a necessary correction—or a dangerous political weapon? Tune in for the deeper truth behind today's poll and how your vote could shape the debate. Cast your vote 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.

The Case for a Palestinian State — and Why Israel Needs It Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Michael reacts to France's decision to recognize Palestine as a state — and asks whether the U.S. should follow suit. Against the backdrop of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Netanyahu’s policies, and shifting American public opinion (especially among young voters), Michael shares raw, personal thoughts on Israel, Hamas, and the future of U.S. foreign policy. A provocative, emotional, and deeply reflective episode you won’t want to miss. Original air date 25 July 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 America Follow France and Recognize Palestine As A State? Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

France just became the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine as a state. Should the U.S. follow suit? Michael Smerconish breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reflects on the potential global consequences of inaction. Plus, a follow-up to yesterday's poll question on President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Trump Should Have Said: Lanny Davis on The Art Of Damage Control Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Michael is joined by attorney and crisis manager Lanny Davis to discuss how President Trump should have addressed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Davis shares his timeless communication strategy—“Tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself”—and how Trump’s handling of the situation may be doing more political damage than the facts themselves. A compelling look at legal denial, political fallout, and crisis management in the spotlight. Original air date 24 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump, Epstein, and the Denials: Is the Cover-Up Worse Than the File? Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Michael Smerconish breaks down the latest reporting on the Epstein Files, including denials from Trump, pressure on Pam Bondi, and why this story won’t go away. Is this a classic case of “the cover-up vs. the crime”—minus the crime? Vote now at smerconish.com and hear why Michael says Trump's response is making things worse. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump, Epstein & the Birthday Book Bombshell: Mark Halperin Breaks It Down Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Listen to the Next Up Podcast with Mark Halperin

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

What Hunter Biden Really Said — And Why Smerconish Says 'I Mostly Agree' Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden’s explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully crafted PR move? Michael dives deep into Hunter’s comments on his father, addiction, politics, and the controversies surrounding the Biden family. That is the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks you "Based on whatever you've read or watched of Hunter Biden's interviews this week, do you mostly agree with him?" 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.

'Almost None Of It Is New, But...': Pulitzer-Winner David Garrow on the MLK Files Release Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

The National Archives has released hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI documents about Martin Luther King Jr. by order of President Trump - what's in them? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. David Garrow joins Michael to break down the truth behind the infamous FBI letter urging King to take his own life, the disturbing audio recordings, and the real reason behind the Bureau’s campaign to discredit him. Was anything truly new in this week's document drop—or is it all old news being misunderstood? Dr. Garrow, who has studied the FBI’s surveillance of MLK for nearly 50 years, explains why these files matter and what they don’t show. A must-listen for anyone interested in history, civil rights, and the intersection of power and privacy in America. Original air date 22 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Redskins In, Colbert Out: A Wild Week in Media and Sports Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington’s football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down yesterday’s viral poll on Stephen Colbert’s cancellation — was it politics or just poor ratings? Tune in for sharp insight, history, humor, and the politics of distraction. 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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