This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, optics, and political symbolism. Is this a patriotic celebration or ...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1412
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolu...
Jun 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 1411
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters who are no longer aligning themselves with the party, many even becoming more conservative. These are younger men who feel ignored, ridiculed, left behind in education, the labor force, the dating pool, and other areas. Listen to find out what this project entails, and what she is finding out. Original air date 9 June 2025.
Jun 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1410
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it’s about who we hire, why w...
Jun 09, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1409
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Michael Smerconish is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower (Who was the first NATO Supreme Allied Commander), Ukraine's bold strike deep into Russia, rising tensions with Iran, the Trump-Musk feud and its global stakes, and the controversy over renaming Navy ships during Pride Month. A gripping conversation on leadership, accountability, and the state of the world in 2025. Origina...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1408
Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud, their mutual vulnerabilities, and why a truce might be on the horizon. Listen in for Michael’s insider commentary on today's sizzling poll question, and the political and business stakes of this heavyweight clash. Then head to Smerconish.com and vote on the question: "Who could inflict the most damage to the other: Musk or Trump?"
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1407
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is considering renaming several US Navy ships that are named after civil rights icons. One in particular is the U.S.S. Harvey Milk, a ship that carries oil at sea in support of other Navy vessels. It is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Michael is joined by New York Times Reporter John Ismay, who is covering this story. He reports on the Pentagon and defense, and is a veteran. Original air date 5 June...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1406
Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S. colleges reduce foreign enrollment to better preserve American social mobility and promote national unity?" Drawing on a provocative New York Times essay by Princeton professor David Bell, he explores the complex trade-offs behind foreign student enrollment—from economic benefits and global prestige to issues of fairness, access, and national c...
Jun 05, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1405
Find more about Rob Lawless here. Find more about The Mingle Project here.
Jun 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1405
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a high-octane breakdown of the week’s biggest—and most overlooked—stories in U.S. politics. Elon Musk's surprise criticism of Trump's economic bill has reportedly infuriated the President, but is it a distraction from deeper GOP infighting and dysfunction? Halperin peels back the curtain on the real stories happening beneath the headlines—including the surprising influence of Stephen Miller, the chaos inside Trump's HHS and Defense ...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1404
Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump’s major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and more. Musk calls it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ Has the billionaire, who just left his 'DOGE' position at the White House, just derailed Trump's agenda? Michael Smerconish breaks it all down, from fiscal policy to political fallout. Listen in, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Did Elon Musk just kill Trump’s “big, beauti...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1403
Following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado were 8 people were injured by a man attacking them with a flame thrower and Molotov cocktails. The victims who were burned were marching in a parade in support of Israel. Michael turns to Dr. Robert A. Pape, who has researched and taught on this is type of violence, for expertise. He is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs. Original air date 2 June 2...
Jun 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1402
Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into this provocative issue, drawing on fresh polling data, recent high school sports controversies, and the political weaponization of the issue in campaign ads. It’s a nuanced conversation at the intersection of athletics, civil rights, and public sentiment—don’t miss it. Listen, then vote at Smerc...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1401
Legal heavyweight John Yoo joins Michael in studio to unpack everything from Trump’s war rhetoric and potential suspension of habeas corpus to immigration law, presidential overreach, and Harvard’s political battles. From rejecting a White House job offer to defending the Constitution—this episode goes deep on law, politics, and power. A legal scholar and former government official in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the Universit...
Jun 02, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1400
On today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is being used to unfairly blame Joe Biden for Donald Trump's election?” After recently interviewing former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson about their new political thriller, Michael shares insights on the book’s surprising substance—particularly Clinton’s vision for tackling the national debt, tucked into a beach ...
Jun 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1399
Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at DOGE. The first draft of what he's written (and delivers here) may or may not have been fueled by a drink and a cigar. Musk is leaving his role at DOGE and the federal government to return full time at Tesla and SpaceX. Original air date 30 May 2025.
May 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1398
Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump’s trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump’s real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at Smercon...
May 30, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1397
A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this really a political loss for Trump, or a strategic win? GOP strategist David Urban joins to discuss how this could actually help Trump moving forward. Plus: What this means for markets, businesses, and the future of U.S. trade policy.
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1396
Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on ...
May 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1395
Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast.
May 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1394
A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does th...
May 28, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1393
What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the quiet epidemic of male loneliness. From childhood sleepovers to adult solitude, Graham-Felsen explores how once-intense male friendships fade with age—and what that says about masculinity, society, and emotional intimacy today. Together, they unpack historical shifts, social norms, and powerful data showing that American men are increasing...
May 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1392
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: "Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the Russia-Ukraine war — or the end of any hope for peace?" He dives into Trump’s wild Memorial Day posts, Putin’s brutal escalation, and why he fears Ukraine may be on the losing end. A sobering, can't-miss episode for anyone tracking global conflict and U.S. foreign policy.
May 27, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1391
For two years, police in New Orleans secretly relied on facial recognition technology to scan city streets in search of suspects. It is a surveillance method without any known precedent - Michael talks about it with Nathan Freed Wessler, Deputy Director of the ACLU's Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. Original air date 20 May 2025.
May 23, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1390
In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into a thought-provoking question inspired by his own jury summons: Would you be more or less likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of his or her job? As part of today's poll at Smerconish.com, Michael explores the nuances behind public trust in law enforcement and shares how his own views have evolved over the years. But that’s not all—this episode takes a personal turn as Michael recounts fascinating stories from his trial lawyer day...
May 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1389
What do Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” and Colin Powell’s life rules have in common? According to Admiral James Stavridis—quite a bit. Listen in as Michael sits down with the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander to unpack his bold and unconventional commencement address recently delivered at Adelphi University. Drawing surprising leadership lessons from The Godfather, Stavridis inspires graduates with wisdom from Don Corleone to Colin Powell. The conversation then widens to geopolitics including N...
May 22, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1388
Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times report detailing the backdoor deal, the secret talks, and the national security concerns over retrofitting the jet for presidential use. Will Trump cut corners to get in the air fast? Plus: the ethical firestorm over Trump's private dinner with crypto investors, meme coins, and the biggest questions yet about presidential pay-to-play politics. ...
May 22, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1387
Michael sits down with Laura Silver, Associate Director at the Pew Research Center, to unpack the state of trust and neighborly connections in America. Drawing on the latest 2025 Pew survey data, they explore whether Americans still trust most people, know their neighbors, or engage in simple acts of kindness like watering plants or making small talk in a grocery store. From the decline of local media to the rise of digital isolation, this episode covers why Americans report more willingness to ...
May 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1386
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should police be permitted to use facial recognition technology in public spaces to identify and locate individuals wanted by law enforcement? Michael dives into the legal, ethical, and privacy implications of this controversial tool, sparked by a revealing Washington Post investigation and insights from a leading ACLU expert. Where should we draw the line between safety and surveillance? The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query eac...
May 21, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1385
Michael invites the professor of Economics and Public Affairs from Princeton University's Department of Economics and School of Public and International Affairs Dr. Owen Zidar, to talk about the "Stealthy Wealthy". Dr. Zidar breaks down the demographic of wealthy Americans who "make their money the boring way". Original air date 20 May 2025.
May 20, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1384
