Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis—former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO—to break down the intensifying debate over the U.S. boat strike: the moral questions, the legal stakes, the intelligence lost, and why the tape’s release matters. Stavridis also reacts to the New York Times’ startling “Overmatch” report, which warns that America could be vulnerable in a future conflict with China. From Ukraine’s battlefield innovations to the future of aircraft carriers, drones, and...
Dec 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1659
Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: Would legalizing heroin and cocaine actually reduce fentanyl deaths and improve global stability? Inspired by a listener’s message and supported by Kofi Annan’s striking 2016 essay, Michael examines the arguments for and against a radical shift in drug policy. He also updates listeners on the ongoing mystery around the unreleased video of the second Venezuela boat strike and how the administration’s messaging continues to shift. Li...
Dec 09, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1658
Minnesota Star Tribune investigative reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt joins Michael Smerconish to break down the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota — from the Feeding Our Future nonprofit to autism-service billing schemes and housing fraud. While President Trump claims “billions” were stolen, the evidence so far paints a very different picture. They explore how loosened guardrails during COVID opened the door to widespread abuse, the political fallout targeting the Somali community, and why federa...
Dec 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1657
Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Why hasn’t video of the second boat strike been released? He explores the competing theories—from protecting sources and methods, to avoiding evidentiary exposure, to the mysterious surge in voters selecting “something else.” Michael also revisits recent poll results - A fast, insightful look at the biggest question listeners are debating today. Be sure to vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by S...
Dec 08, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1656
Robert A. Pape Professor, Political Science Department Director, Chicago Project on Security and Threats University of Chicago Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dec 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1655
Michael digs into the controversy surrounding the unreleased video of the second boat strike — the tape lawmakers saw but the public hasn’t. He breaks down conflicting accounts from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, revealing key details about the 41-minute deliberation, what the survivors were actually doing, and whether the strike may violate the Law of War. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and shar...
Dec 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1654
CNBC and MSNBC commentator Ron Insana joins Michael to break down what’s really driving the stock market — and why most investors aren’t feeling the gains. From the soaring dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants to fears of an AI-fueled bubble, Insana explains the risks, the misconceptions, and how everyday Americans should think about investing in a highly concentrated market. They also tackle AI job displacement, universal basic income, Nvidia’s explosive rise, and the surprising dec...
Dec 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1653
Is a $1 million net worth still considered wealthy in 2025? New research reveals that most American millionaires don’t think so — and they’re more financially anxious than ever. Michael breaks down the surprising data, what “wealth” now means to Americans, and why geography and comparison play such big roles. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com ...
Dec 04, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1652
Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis to unpack the explosive controversy surrounding a September military strike now under congressional investigation. Drawing on his experience as former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, Stavridis breaks down the chain of command, the laws of war, the role of the Secretary of Defense, and why missing video footage raises serious questions. Together, they examine whether orders were lawful, what accountability should look like, and why overs...
Dec 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1651
Should Admiral “Mitch” Bradley face disciplinary action for authorizing a second strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat? Michael is asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today. Using reporting from The Washington Post, legal insights from military experts, and new comments from Secretary Hegseth, Michael unpacks the law-of-war implications, the political fallout, and why this case could affect far more than one admiral’s career. Plus, he revisits yesterday’s razor-thin poll results an...
Dec 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1650
Michael sits down with Peter Adams at the News Literacy Project to unpack a startling new study on how 13–18-year-olds view journalism—revealing deep distrust, confusion about media ethics, and a surprising cultural touchstone: Spider-Man. Michael also dives into how movies and TV shape our understanding of the press, from “Spotlight” and “Absence of Malice” to “Anchorman” and “The Morning Show.” A wide-ranging conversation about the future of news, the state of media literacy, and why local jou...
Dec 02, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1649
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “Should Ole Miss have allowed Lane Kiffin to finish the season even after he accepted the LSU job?” Michael breaks down the full drama—from the Rebels’ championship run, to LSU’s massive contract offer, to the competing arguments from top analysts in the sports world. He explains why the decision raises bigger questions about loyalty, business, and the state of college football today. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and share this ...
Dec 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1648
Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Dec 01, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1647
Michael dives into today’s "Cyber Monday" Smerconish.com poll: "How much does a family of four truly need to live independently in America?" He breaks down new research suggesting the real poverty line may be closer to $140,000—far above federal estimates—and explores the ‘Valley of Death’ where families lose benefits faster than wages rise. Plus, he reviews recent poll results and explains why this topic sparks so much frustration across the electorate. Listen here, then cast your vote at the w...
Dec 01, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1646
Michael Smerconish talks with Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, about the alarming crisis facing young men — rising loneliness, declining engagement, and surging mental-health challenges. Fryday explains the newly launched California Men’s Service Challenge, a statewide push to recruit 10,000 male mentors, coaches, and role models. Together, they discuss the power of service, the need to rebuild social capital, and how volunteerism could help ...
Nov 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1645
Michael dives into the Smerconish.com poll question inspired by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s controversial claim that airline passengers should “dress with respect” to promote civility. From shocking in-flight behavior stats to a viral DOT video, Michael explores whether our clothing really influences how we act in the air. Listen to this lively, timely conversation heading into Thanksgiving travel, vote at Smerconish.com, and then rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...
Nov 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1644
Breaking news meets expert analysis. As reports emerge that Ukraine may have agreed to a peace proposal with Russia, Michael brings in one of the world’s most trusted strategic minds — Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this urgent conversation, the Admiral reacts in real time to developing headlines, explains how the peace plan has shifted, and breaks down the difficult trade-offs Ukraine may face, including territorial concessions, NATO’s role, and long-term s...
Nov 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1643
Michael dives into today’s hot-button poll question that he's asking at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine agree to a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia if its future security is guaranteed? From Tom Friedman’s “dirty vs. filthy” deal framework to the evolving U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, Michael breaks down the politics, principles, and tough trade-offs of ending the war. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun from the new Smerconish studio and updates from the nationwide Mingle Meetups. Liste...
Nov 25, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1642
When six Democratic members of Congress released a video urging troops to “refuse illegal orders,” President Trump called it seditious behavior. But was the video itself appropriate—or reckless? Michael speaks with Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham (ret.), a former Air Force JAG and law professor, who says the lawmakers “did more harm than good.” Together, they unpack what the law actually says about disobeying orders, how politics risks turning the military into a pawn, and where the real danger to...
Nov 24, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1641
Was it appropriate for members of Congress to release a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders? That's today's Smerconish.com poll question...While President Trump’s fiery response suggesting the Democrats in the video be tried for treason grabbed headlines, Michael explores the deeper issue — was the video itself a political provocation or a necessary act of principle? Hear Michael’s take, and insights from a piece written by Retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, now a profes...
Nov 24, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1640
A three-judge federal panel just struck down Texas’s mid-decade redistricting map — and the fallout could reshape the 2026 House majority. Michael invites Yale constitutional law professor Jed Rubenfeld to break down why the court called it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, how a “volcanic” dissent all but guarantees Supreme Court review, and what this means for California’s controversial Prop 50 map. A deep dive into the legal, political, and democratic stakes of America’s newest redistri...
Nov 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1639
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: If courts halt Texas’s redistricting, should California pause theirs too? He explores the legal, political, and constitutional stakes behind state-by-state redistricting battles—and what “fairness” really means in the process. Vote in today’s poll and watch the full show on Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nov 21, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1638
Michael digs into a groundbreaking New York Times report revealing Amazon’s push to automate up to 600,000 jobs — and what it means for the future of American work. NYT tech correspondent Karen Weise joins to explain what she saw inside Amazon’s most advanced robotic facility, how automation is reshaping warehouse labor, and why this shift is already underway. Michael also revisits a professor’s bold prediction of 99% unemployment, audience skepticism, and the broader debate over AI’s impact on ...
Nov 20, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1637
Michael tackles today’s big question: Should Americans be able to vote from their phones? In this episode, he explores the security risks, potential benefits for voter turnout, global experiments with digital voting, and how mobile ballots could reshape U.S. politics. Plus, he reviews audience reactions to the Daily Poll and the ongoing debate over trust in American elections. A timely, thought-provoking look at the future of democracy. Join the conversation and vote now on Smerconish.com. Hoste...
Nov 20, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1635
Mark Halperin dives deep into the ongoing debate surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and why Donald Trump's decision to withhold them is raising more questions than answers. In this thought-provoking discussion, Halperin explains the political strategy, potential risks, and the broader implications of releasing sensitive files—while also shedding light on the complexities of Trump's relationship with Epstein. Should the public know everything? Or are there valid reasons to keep some...
Nov 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1634
Michael analyzes whether the GOP’s swift vote to release the Epstein files signals a meaningful shift in Trump’s influence over his party. With new data, expert perspectives, and a look at the growing media angles, he explores whether this moment is a blip—or the beginning of a broader rupture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nov 19, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1633
Veteran crisis-manager and former White House Special Counsel Lanny Davis joins Michael to break down how President Trump handled the Epstein files — and what he should have done instead. Davis explains the “tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself” rules Trump ignored, why resistance fuels speculation, and how the story could have been neutralized from the start. Plus: his upcoming book Finding the Third Way and a great story involving his son, a college basketball game, and a surprise call...
Nov 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1632
Michael Smerconish invites listeners to consider this question: Will The Majority Of House Republicans Vote To Release The Epstein Files? Listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share 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.
Nov 18, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1631
Michael unpacks Marjorie Taylor Greene’s surprising shift toward political “kindness,” comparing it to his own evolution as a Republican-turned-independent. Is MTG experiencing genuine growth—or just chasing relevance? Michael invites listeners to weigh in on political about-faces and what sparks them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nov 17, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1629
With Marjorie Taylor Greene making headlines for her newfound politics in addition to comments on Donald Trump and the Epstein Files, Michael Smerconish raises this question; Marjorie Taylor Greene: Evolution or Opportunism? Listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share 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.
Nov 17, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1628
