The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

NYC Shocker: Mark Halperin on Zohran Mamdani's Wild Win Jun 25, 2025

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Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack the political earthquake in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani— a self-described Democratic socialist — defeated Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party? Will centrists like Clinton and Bloomberg lose their grip? Plus, analysis on U.S. airstrikes in Iran and their global implications. Real talk, smart insights, no spin. Original air date 25 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will We EVER Know the Truth About the Iran Nuclear Strikes? Jun 25, 2025

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Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will we ever know the true impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites? With conflicting reports from Trump, the Pentagon, Israeli intel, and intercepted Iranian communications, the picture remains murky. Was it a crushing blow or just a temporary setback? Listen here, then vote! And please leave a rating and review of 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.

Ceasefire or Circus? Trump Declares Peace, Admiral Stavridis Dissects the Fallout Jun 24, 2025

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Michael Smerconish opens with Donald Trump’s surprise claim that Iran and Israel have agreed to a total ceasefire—declaring the war over on Truth Social - Was he right? Add to that and the President's comment that neither country "knows what the f**k they are doing" and there's a lot to dissect. Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a CNN military analyst, joins to unpack the reality behind the airstrikes, the politics, and the long-term risks. A timely, no-BS conversation on diplomacy, deception, and presidential unpredictability. Original air date 24 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dropping an F-Bomb: Was Trump Right About Iran? Jun 24, 2025

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After brokering a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Donald Trump lashed out with a headline-grabbing f-bomb: “Neither side knows what the fuck they’re doing.” In his episode, Michael Smerconish reacts to the chaos, examines whether Trump’s Iran strategy was actually right, and breaks down the evolving conflict. Cast your vote at smerconish.com on poll question after listening: "Agree/Disagree: Trump was right about Iran." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lt. Gen. Deptula on the Stealth Bombing Iran Never Saw Coming Jun 23, 2025

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Lt. General David Deptula joins Michael to unpack the jaw-dropping U.S. air mission that stunned Iran—and the world. From deception tactics to 37-hour bomber flights, Deptula reveals why this flawless operation is a “holy cow” moment for American military capability. Michael also gets audience reaction to the mission, and its implications for global adversaries and future force readiness. David A. Deptula is the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies, and a senior scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Institute for Future Conflict. He transitioned from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 at the rank of Lieutenant General after more than 34 years of service. Original air date 23 June 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, B-2s, and Iran: Mission Accomplished or Mistake? Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

After a dramatic U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Michael Smerconish poses a sobering question: Did this move make it more or less likely that Iran will ultimately develop nuclear weapons? In this episode, Smerconish unpacks the political stakes, intelligence gaps, and diplomatic fallout—raising concerns about whether the U.S. may have pushed Iran further underground and out of global oversight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Military Action Against Iran: Who Decides? Jun 20, 2025

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Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Michael answers Yes. In this episode Michael shares his perspective on the Israel-Iran conflict and weighs in on why he believes Congress needs to have a say in whether or not the U.S. formally enters this conflict. Original air date 20 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

War with Iran: Will Congress Truly Be Left Out? Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should States Ban Trans Care for Minors? SCOTUS Just Weighed In Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

On this Juneteenth, Michael Smerconish explores a provocative mix of headlines: the deeper meaning of the holiday, the Supreme Court's major decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and what it says about equal protection under the law. Plus, he dives into public opinion on U.S. action in Iran and shares listener voting patterns on the Smerconish.com daily poll question. Be sure to vote today on what he's asking: "Should states be able to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors seeking to transition to match their gender identity?" And, listen to this timely, thoughtful conversation on law, identity, and American values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Polarization and Easy Access to Personal Information: Politically Motivated Violence Is Rising Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with retired Secret Service agent and ABC News contributor Don Mihalek about the alarming rise in politically motivated violence following the targeted killings of Minnesota lawmakers. Mihalek explains how grievances, political polarization, and easy access to personal information—fueled by the internet and dark web—are creating unprecedented threats to public officials. He warns that local leaders, once considered safe from such dangers, are increasingly vulnerable "soft targets." The conversation explores the shifting threat landscape, the burden on law enforcement, and the troubling implications for civic participation and democracy. Original Air Date June 16, 2025. 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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