The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Mystery of Trump’s Alleged Epstein Letter Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Michael unpacks the explosive Wall Street Journal report alleging Donald Trump contributed a bizarre birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. From Trump’s denial and $10 billion lawsuit, to the possibility of a discovery phase revealing the truth, Michael analyzes the legal, political, and cultural implications. Could Ghislaine Maxwell hold the key to all of it? A CNN Segment that went viral, nuanced perspectives, and a deep dive into what this means for the President — and his base. Original air date 21 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.

Stephen Colbert Fired: CBS’ Business Move or Political Deal? Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Michael tackles today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled: Ratings/Revenue, or Politics?" Was it a strategic move to cut financial losses—or a political play tied to Trump and the Paramount-Skydance merger? Michael shares his take, backed by reporting from The Atlantic, Nielsen, and more. Plus, a recap of recent poll results on Ukraine missile support, masked ICE agents, and whether the public will ever see the alleged Trump birthday letter to Epstein. Listen for insight and nuance 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.

Inside the Lawsuit to Open PA's Primaries: Let Michael Smerconish Vote! Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Michael Smerconish has skin in the game — literally. In this episode, he breaks down his role as lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's closed primary system. Joined by trial attorney Shanin Specter, Ballot PA Action’s David Thornburgh, and PA State Rep. Jared Solomon, they explore the constitutional argument, the stakes for over a million independent voters, and why this could reshape electoral politics in swing states and beyond. A must-listen for anyone who cares about voting rights and the future of democracy. Original air date 16 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’s Bizarre Epstein Letter and the Mystery of Masked ICE Agents Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Michael tackles two major stories this Friday: a Wall Street Journal bombshell on Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday album allegedly featuring Donald Trump, and a heated debate over whether federal immigration agents should be allowed to wear masks that conceal their identities. Are we trading transparency for safety? That's the basis for today's poll question at Semrconish.com - listen in, 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.

Generation Clash: NYC’s Mayoral Race Sparks a Firestorm Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

It's the Old Guard vs. the New Left. Veteran political strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins Michael to unpack the shifting demographics and political power dynamics in New York City's mayoral race. With decades of campaign experience, Sheinkopf doesn't hold back in his critique of the emerging progressive coalition — particularly the influence of younger voters. But what Michael didn’t expect was the strong, passionate pushback from his audience. Hear surprising, emotional reactions from callers who challenge Sheinkopf's views and offer their own powerful stories about generational divides, economic realities, and the future of the Democratic Party. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the U.S. Help Ukraine Hit Russia Where It Hurts? Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Should Ukraine be given missiles that can reach Moscow? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com - Michael dives in and breaks down the geopolitical stakes, shares insights from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis (who says yes, BUT...), and reflects on public opinion around U.S. support for Ukraine. Plus, a check in on what we talked about in yesterday's podcast - the big action to help independent voters in Pennsylvania. 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 Unpacks Trump’s Explosive Epstein Rant Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to dissect Donald Trump’s fiery new Truth Social post dismissing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as a “hoax.” With Trump lashing out at his own supporters and MAGA influencers continuing to press for full Epstein disclosure, is a rift forming within his base? Plus, discussion on the role of transparency and shifting GOP dynamics. Later, a pivot to Ukraine—what does Trump’s recent stance on missile use say about his foreign policy instincts? A fast-moving conversation that cuts through the noise. Original air date 16 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.

Closed Primaries Have A Negative Impact, So Let Independent Voters Vote! Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Michael explains why he is one of the lead plaintiffs in a Pennsylvania lawsuit that could (and should) shake up elections moving forward, and lays out the legal, personal, and political case. The filing urges the PA state Supreme Court to overturn the commonwealth’s closed primary system, arguing it unconstitutionally denies nearly 1.4 million unaffiliated voters a voice in critical elections. Michael's answer to today's Smerconish.com poll question is "HELL YES": Should the nation's millions of registered Independent voters be able to vote in primary elections? 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.

Zohran Mamdani Checked Two Boxes: Should Racial and Ethnic Identity Categories Be Eliminated? Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

When Zohran Mamdani, now a rising political figure, checked both “Asian” and “Black” on a Columbia University application over a decade ago, he never imagined it would be headline news during his mayoral run. Michael dives into the ethics of race reporting, the relevance of affirmative action post-SCOTUS, and whether racial and ethnic categories still serve a purpose in America’s evolving demographic landscape. Thought-provoking calls and personal stories round out this must-hear episode. Original air date 10 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.

The One Conspiracy Trump Can’t Control: Epstein & the MAGA Divide Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Michael dives deep into today's fiery poll question: Will Jeffrey Epstein cause a significant and permanent rupture in Donald Trump's standing with his base? With insight from powerful essays by Jonathan Chait and Philip Bump, Michael explores how conspiracy thinking, political loyalty, and Trump's own ties to Epstein are colliding in a way that even MAGA may not ignore. Is this finally a tipping point — or just another flash in the pan? Tune in for analysis, context, and your chance to weigh in at Smerconish.com when you go and vote after listening! Also, 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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