Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to explore a thought-provoking question: "Is it in the political interest of the Democratic Party to publicly give Donald Trump credit when he accomplishes something they actually agree with?" Together, they unpack political risks, strategic allies, and public perception around bipartisanship in a polarized era. Later, Michael turns the mic over to callers and offers a chance for listeners to share their thoughts. Original air date 30, July 20...
Jul 30, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1479
Michael Smerconish dives into the controversial question dominating today's poll: Will President Trump offer clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell? Drawing from recent headlines, listener feedback, and a compelling essay by former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, Michael unpacks Maxwell’s chilling role in Epstein’s abuse network, her potential offer to testify before Congress—but only if granted a pardon—and the mounting contradictions in Trump’s public statements. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted...
Jul 30, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1478
Michael Smerconish sits down with journalist Lauren Markham to unpack her fascinating piece on Italian towns offering homes for €1. Are Americans falling for a fantasy—or is the life swap dream real? Discover what’s behind the trend making headlines around the world. Original air date 28 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.
Jul 29, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1477
President Trump's tariffs were marketed as a bold move to protect American jobs and level the global playing field. The big question remains: On balance, are President Trump's tariffs helping or hurting the U.S. economy? Michael Smerconish examines the real economic impact of Trump’s tariffs — from farmers and factory floors to consumers at the checkout line. Are these tariffs a strategic win or a costly misfire? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See htt...
Jul 29, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1476
Michael is joined by David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, for a deep dive into one of the most controversial political tactics of our time: mid-decade redistricting. Should states be allowed to redraw district lines before the next census? Wasserman lays out the stakes—how these political power grabs can reshape Congress, tip elections, and potentially undermine democracy. Don’t miss this urgent conversation that reveals what’s really...
Jul 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 1475
For today's daily poll question, Michael Smerconish asks: Should states ever engage in mid-decade redistricting? With political power, representation, and control hanging in the balance, this episode unpacks the explosive implications of redrawing maps outside the normal 10-year census cycle. Is it a necessary correction—or a dangerous political weapon? Tune in for the deeper truth behind today's poll and how your vote could shape the debate. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecas...
Jul 28, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1474
Michael reacts to France's decision to recognize Palestine as a state — and asks whether the U.S. should follow suit. Against the backdrop of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Netanyahu’s policies, and shifting American public opinion (especially among young voters), Michael shares raw, personal thoughts on Israel, Hamas, and the future of U.S. foreign policy. A provocative, emotional, and deeply reflective episode you won’t want to miss. Original air date 25 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...
Jul 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1473
France just became the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine as a state. Should the U.S. follow suit? Michael Smerconish breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reflects on the potential global consequences of inaction. Plus, a follow-up to yesterday's poll question on President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for...
Jul 25, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1472
Michael is joined by attorney and crisis manager Lanny Davis to discuss how President Trump should have addressed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Davis shares his timeless communication strategy—“Tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself”—and how Trump’s handling of the situation may be doing more political damage than the facts themselves. A compelling look at legal denial, political fallout, and crisis management in the spotlight. Original air date 24 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...
Jul 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1471
Michael Smerconish breaks down the latest reporting on the Epstein Files, including denials from Trump, pressure on Pam Bondi, and why this story won’t go away. Is this a classic case of “the cover-up vs. the crime”—minus the crime? Vote now at smerconish.com and hear why Michael says Trump's response is making things worse. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1470
Listen to the Next Up Podcast with Mark Halperin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 23, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1469
Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden’s explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully crafted PR move? Michael dives deep into Hunter’s comments on his father, addiction, politics, and the controversies surrounding the Biden family. That is the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks you "Based on whatever you've read or watched of Hunter Biden's interviews this week, do you mostly agree with him?" Listen h...
Jul 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1468
The National Archives has released hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI documents about Martin Luther King Jr. by order of President Trump - what's in them? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. David Garrow joins Michael to break down the truth behind the infamous FBI letter urging King to take his own life, the disturbing audio recordings, and the real reason behind the Bureau’s campaign to discredit him. Was anything truly new in this week's document drop—or is it all old news being misunderstoo...
Jul 22, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1467
Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington’s football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down yesterday’s viral poll on Stephen Colbert’s cancellation — was it politics or just poor ratings? Tune in for sharp insight, history, humor, and the politics of distraction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 22, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1466
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 dat...
Jul 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1465
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...
Jul 21, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1464
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 abou...
Jul 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1463
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://...
Jul 18, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1462
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 ...
Jul 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1461
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. ...
Jul 17, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1460
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...
Jul 16, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1459
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 o...
Jul 16, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1458
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. Origin...
Jul 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1457
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...
Jul 15, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1456
Listen to Michael's conversation with Salena Zito about her book Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland on the Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Jul 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1455
Michael Smerconish dives into today's sizzling poll question: Do you believe Jeffrey Epstein had a list of powerful men involved in his alleged sex trafficking operations? With MAGA influencers turning on President Trump and the DOJ after them saying no list exists, Michael unpacks the media spin, David French’s NYT piece ("MAGA Tears Itself Apart Over Jeffrey Epstein" Jul. 13), and Tina Brown's eyebrow-raising commentary at the Free Press ("MAGA is Right About Jeffrey Epstein" Jul. 11). Was the...
Jul 14, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1454
Former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to discuss President Trump’s shift on arming Ukraine and whether we’re seeing the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin. Plus, Stavridis shares his thoughts on what it would really take to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities—and why neither Trump’s nor Netanyahu’s current approaches are likely to work. Original air date 11 July 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about ...
Jul 11, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1453
Today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll asks: “Russia vs. Ukraine: Is this the beginning of the end—or the end of the beginning?” Michael dives into this critical moment in the war, examining Trump’s evolving position on arming Ukraine, the political risks he’s navigating, and what Putin’s long game might really be. From shifting GOP views to NATO backchannels, it's a moment that may redefine the conflict. Plus, a quick look back at yesterday’s hot-button poll on the $1000 Trump Accounts for babies. L...
Jul 11, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1452
Michael is joined by New York Times reporter German Lopez to discuss his jaw-dropping report on America’s crime clearance rates — and the results will stun you. Nearly half of murders in the U.S. go unsolved. Why? From outdated priorities to resource shortages and a lack of public trust, they explore how America stacks up globally and why more technology isn’t translating into more justice. Then, Michael takes audience calls to hear their personal crime stories and reactions. Original air date 1...
Jul 10, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1451
Should every child born in the U.S. receive a $1,000 government contribution into a tax-free investment account? Michael dives into the new “Trump Account” policy and unpacks its roots in the progressive “baby bonds” idea. With insights from economist Derek Hamilton—who helped originate the concept—Michael explores whether this version helps close the wealth gap or actually makes it worse. A thought-provoking look at wealth inequality, public policy, and how political branding may shape our fina...
Jul 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1450
