The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The New Vaccine Rules Have Parents Asking: Who Can We Trust? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Michael asks a deceptively simple question: Should parents have the final say on their child’s vaccines? Dr. Brian McDonough joins to examine the Trump administration’s changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, the science behind the longstanding MMR schedule, rising measles concerns, and a growing crisis of trust in government health agencies. Plus, callers weigh in on where parental choice ends and public health begins. 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: Should Grades Still Matter? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Should grades still matter? As the University of Michigan prepares to replace traditional grades with pass/no-credit marks for first-semester students, Michael examines why we started grading students in the first place—and whether grades encourage achievement or get in the way of learning. Is rethinking the GPA smart education reform, or are we simply coddling students? 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 Vaccine Changes Put Parental Choice to the Test Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Should parents have the final say on their child’s vaccines? Michael examines how the debate over parental choice has shifted following President Trump’s changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor for 1010 WINS (New York) and KYW (Philadelphia), joins Michael to explain what the changes mean, why he believes they aren’t supported by new science, and why his trust in government health guidance has eroded. 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: Should Parents Have the Final Say on Their Child’s Vaccines? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

President Trump’s move to reduce the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines has put parental choice back at the center of the vaccine debate. Michael Smerconish asks where parental rights end when a child’s health is at stake, and whether people’s views on who should decide have changed along with the politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump, Air Force One & the Democratic Party’s Socialist Future Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Michael is joined by Mark Halperin to unpack two big political stories: what the latest primary results really say about the rise of democratic socialism inside the Democratic Party, and the unanswered questions surrounding a reported threat to Air Force One. Who traveled with President Trump after he was moved to another aircraft, who was left behind—and was the story leaked on purpose? Plus, a debate over polling, Trump’s inner circle, presidential security and the role of the White House press pool. 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 It Fair To Blame President Trump For The AF1 Decoy Operation, A Security Decision He Says Was Made By The Secret Service? Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

President Trump says the Secret Service ordered the Air Force One decoy operation. But a revealing Clinton-era precedent raises a bigger question: could the White House have said no? 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 Air Force One Deception: Necessary Security or Dangerous Decoy? Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

President Trump boarded Air Force One in full view of the cameras—but he wasn’t on it when it took off. Facing a reported Iranian assassination threat, Trump was secretly moved by catering truck to another aircraft while White House staff and journalists continued their journey believing the president was aboard. Michael asks: Were they being used as decoys? Was the Washington Post right to reveal the operation? And what does a former Secret Service agent say really happened? 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 It Appropriate To Leave Press and Staff Aboard AF1 When Trump Was Removed Due To Iran Threat? Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

A credible Iranian threat forced Trump into a secret Air Force One switch. But reporters and staff were left aboard the original plane. Smart security—or were they used as decoys? Michael puts the question to you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Fighting About the WNBA Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

A viral WNBA foul sends Michael down a rabbit hole: Are race and politics really driving the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark and the league—or are fans being fed a misleading narrative? Howard Megdal, author of Becoming Caitlin Clark, joins Michael to separate perception from data. Plus, the conversation expands to Angel Reese, Sophie Cunningham, transgender athletes, media coverage, and why the WNBA has suddenly become another front in America’s culture wars. 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: Will The Strait of Hormuz Be Open On (Midterm) Election Day? Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Can Iran outlast Trump? Michael examines whether Tehran can keep the Strait of Hormuz closed through the midterms—and what it could mean for oil prices and 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.

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