Claim OwnershipThe Smerconish Podcast
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Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
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Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He is a leading expert on political violence, terrorism, and democratic stability, and has conducted extensive research on the January 6 defendants.Michael van der Veen is a Philadelphia-based trial attorney who served as lead defense counsel for President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. He has also represented multiple defendants charged in connection with January 6.William J. Brennan is a veteran criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling complex federal cases. He has represented several January 6 defendants and frequently speaks on issues of criminal justice and prosecutorial overreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As protests spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and economic collapse, President Trump warns that the U.S. could respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities use deadly force against demonstrators. In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: If Iran uses force against protesters, should the United States respond militarily?
Michael examines the moral case for intervention, the real-world risks of escalation, and whether non-military options—like sanctions, communications support, and exposure of regime abuses—offer a better path forward. With global tensions rising and America already stretched abroad, where should the line be drawn?
👉 Listen and vote now at Smerconish.com, and rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic, highly coordinated military operation—but what happens next?
in this episode, Michael examines the stunning takedown of Maduro, now facing sweeping narco-terrorism charges in a New York courtroom, and asks the question few seem prepared to answer: Was there a real plan for the day after?
Michael breaks down the indictment, the potential life sentence Maduro faces, and the extraordinary military precision behind the operation—while weighing sharply divided reactions from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Thomas Friedman. He also explores concerns about U.S. overreach, regime change, and whether America is now responsible for Venezuela’s future. With calls from listeners across the U.S. and beyond, this episode captures the uncertainty, debate, and historical echoes surrounding one of the boldest foreign policy moves in decades. A tactical success—perhaps. A strategic gamble? Almost certainly. Original air date 5 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Is the Minnesota fraud the exception or the norm?
From a viral video alleging widespread daycare fraud to the trillions of dollars rushed out during the COVID pandemic, Michael adds context, skepticism, and historical perspective. He explains why Minnesota may not be a one-off, how speed overtook security in federal relief programs, and why enforcement efforts later fell short. A timely conversation about government oversight, viral outrage, and the real cost of pandemic spending. Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Why are fewer Americans volunteering—and why does it matter?
Michael digs into new data showing a long-term decline in volunteerism, echoing warnings first raised by Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone. Joined by Wall Street Journal opinion editor Mary Julia Koch, Michael explores how civic engagement has shifted toward episodic, virtual, and performative activism—and what we’ve lost as a result.
They discuss generational trends, loneliness, the rise of online substitutes for real connection, and why volunteering doesn’t just help communities—it strengthens the people who do it. From tutoring students to mentoring veterans, listeners across the country share how showing up has changed their lives.
In a fragmented, self-sorted society, volunteering may be one of the last true “mingle” experiences left. Original air date 4 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Can you really trust your smartphone to cast a secure vote?
Michael Smerconish talks with venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk about a groundbreaking experiment in mobile voting, launching in Anchorage, Alaska. As smartphones already manage our money, medical records, and identities, Tusk argues it’s time they handle our ballots too.
They dive into how phone-based voting works, the security safeguards behind it, the criticism from election experts, and whether increased convenience could boost turnout and weaken political extremism. Plus, callers weigh in on trust, tradition, and whether voting should remain a communal civic ritual—or move fully into the digital age. Original air date 20 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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President Trump announces plans for a new class of massive U.S. Navy warships—but are battleships the future or a relic of the past? Michael Smerconish speaks with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, about America’s shrinking fleet, China’s rapid naval expansion, and why concentrating power in giant ships may create dangerous vulnerabilities in the age of drones, missiles, cyber warfare, and submarines. Original air date 23 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is the United States a Christian nation — and should it be? Michael breaks down Vice President JD Vance’s explosive comments at Turning Point USA, sparking a national debate over faith, identity, and the Constitution. He also examines the very public conservative infighting between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Steve Bannon, raising questions about whether the movement’s biggest gathering is a political asset or liability.
Plus: why CBS spiked a 60 Minutes segment, what that says about media power, major political and cultural headlines shaping the moment, and a year-end reflection on what truly unites America. Vote in today’s poll and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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What can bear hunting in rural Pennsylvania teach us about American politics? Michael speaks with Washington Post columnist and bestselling author Salena Zito about her immersive reporting from a Pennsylvania bear camp — a place where Democrats, Republicans, and independents come together without arguing politics. Zito explains why most Americans are far less politically obsessed than social media suggests, how community and tradition shape voter behavior, and why Pennsylvania remains the most misunderstood — and decisive — state in national elections. A timely conversation about culture, unity, and the real lives behind the headlines. Original air date 22 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this episode, Michael dives deep into the chaos at Turning Point USA’s America Fest. With more than 30,000 attendees, the event revealed a growing rift within the GOP. From Ben Shapiro’s scathing critique of fellow conservatives to the controversial presence of rapper Nicki Minaj, the conference exposed the future direction of the Republican Party. Is Turning Point USA a political asset or a liability for the GOP? Listen here then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Birthright citizenship is headed to the Supreme Court — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Michael Smerconish sits down with Washington Post columnist and National Review editor Ramesh Ponnuru to unpack one of the most consequential constitutional debates of our time. As the Court prepares to hear a challenge to birthright citizenship, they explore what the Constitution actually says, how the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” should be interpreted, and whether the U.S. is truly an outlier compared to the rest of the world.
From immigration enforcement and executive authority to American exceptionalism and global norms, this conversation breaks down the legal arguments, policy tradeoffs, and political realities surrounding a case that could reshape who gets to be an American.
A must-listen ahead of what could be a landmark Supreme Court decision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael breaks down today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will the Friday release of Epstein materials be of any great consequence? With the DOJ racing to meet a congressional deadline, Smerconish explains why massive redactions, prior disclosures, and political realities may leave the public disappointed — and why this story is far from over. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com, and please rate and review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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1In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks President Trump’s unusually rapid and partisan White House address — and explores whether a major New York Times investigation into Trump’s long-obscured friendship with Jeffrey Epstein helps explain the tone. Michael walks through the Times reporting, the president’s polling struggles, and why major networks seemed to ignore the story. Plus: the arrest of protesters in the U.K. for chanting “Globalize the Intifada” and what that means for free speech debates in the U.S. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael breaks down a fast-moving news cycle—from President Trump’s national address and a bombshell New York Times report on Trump and Epstein, to a provocative new poll question: Should British police arrest protesters who chant “Globalize the Intifada”? As the UK begins making arrests and Australia weighs new speech laws after a deadly anti-Semitic attack, Michael explores the stark contrast between British law and America’s First Amendment—and asks where the line between free speech and public safety should be drawn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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.
Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: Are President Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner a new low? After Trump issued a controversial Truth Social post in the wake of the Reiner family tragedy, even some usual allies spoke out against him. Michael reviews the reactions, compares this moment to past Trump controversies—from McCain to Kovaleski—and asks listeners to decide where this one ranks. Vote now at Smerconish.com and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael is joined by longtime Trump adviser David Urban for a candid conversation about the president’s controversial Truth Social post following the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner. Urban, who ran Trump’s 2016 Pennsylvania campaign, publicly called the post “indefensible”—and here he explains why. Together, he and Michael explore the political fallout, the human cost behind the Reiner family tragedy, and what the moment reveals about decision-making inside Trump’s orbit. A sobering and insightful discussion on leadership, restraint, and the national mood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Antisemitic incidents are rising across the U.S. and around the world. Michael's answer to today's Smerconish.com poll question, "Is antisemitism becoming normalized in our society today?" is, sadly, "Yes." Listen here to hear his take, then vote, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this episode, Michael speaks with attorney Shane Pennington, a leading expert on cannabis rescheduling, about reports that President Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Pennington explains what a reclassification would mean for consumers, the legal cannabis industry, medical research, criminal justice, and state–federal power.
Michael also explores the contrasting New York Times and JAMA analysis questioning the medical benefits of cannabis—and hears from listeners whose real-world experiences tell a different story.
A fast-moving, deeply informative conversation about federal drug policy, politics, and the shifting landscape of cannabis in America. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this episode, Michael Smerconish confronts a deeply troubling question: Are mass shootings a permanent part of American life? Following a devastating weekend—from the Brown University shooting to tragedies abroad—Michael unpacks today’s poll question at Smerconish.com and shares why he’s grown pessimistic about meaningful change. In a prepared statement he reads from each time there is a mass shooting, he revisits the Second Amendment, the Heller decision, and the political realities that keep America stuck. A candid, sobering reflection on a crisis that shows no signs of slowing. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The poll questions were all devised by financial organizations or researchers. What if the studies were more comprehensive and looked at the happiness increases associated with friends or creativity or family or meaning or health? Would 30% more friends make people happier? Would 20% more exercise? 10% more creative pursuits? A larger family? What about time?
Ramaswamy? What a Nazi, he wants to disenfrancise millions of voters?? Between Trump and this guy, it is disturbing that CNN is giving the oxygen of publicity to fascist extremists.
Until this interview I considered Smerconish knowledgeable of history. Liberation of what? Man this was disappointing.
6 headlines crammed between 60 commercials in under 25 minutes. Thanks, but no thanks.
Hi.. my opinion is that the government should issue at the age of adulthood to every citizen.. 1 rifle 1 shotgun 1 pistol any other firearms are may not be used or sold.. getting rid of current stock beguns now
The 13% that said "no" should be deported to an island of nazis.
How the fuck does an Admiral and scholar like this have the absolute poorest audio quality ever. Get a microphone folks. A real one.