Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is that rule — and why is it suddenly back in the headlines? Michael speaks with Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard to break down the difference between the Equal Time Rule and the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine — and why the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr appears to be taking a fresh look at enforcement. Does the Equal ...
Feb 19, 2026•36 min•Ep. 1747
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "The U.S. should strike Iran: a) To eliminate its nuclear capability, b) To change its leadership, c) Both, d) Neither." With U.S. aircraft carriers deployed and reports of escalating military positioning in the Middle East, Michael asks whether America is closer to striking Iran than most realize. If Iranian nuclear facilities were previously described as “obliterated,” why is new action on the table? And what would regime change actually look like — esp...
Feb 19, 2026•11 min•Ep. 1746
Mark Halperin joins Michael to rank the top Democratic contenders for 2028 — and the results may surprise you. Why is Gavin Newsom leading the field? Is Josh Shapiro the real threat? Where do Kamala Harris, J.B. Pritzker, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanuel, and Mark Kelly stand? Halperin explains his latest Democratic power rankings — focused not on who would win the presidency, but who is most likely to win the nomination. The conversation also explores whether Democrats will prioritize electabi...
Feb 18, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1745
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with President Obama who says "The odds are good that there's life out there...but... the chances we've been visited by aliens is low"? After former President Obama reignites curiosity about extraterrestrial life in a recent podcast interview, Michael revisits the alien question through the lens of skepticism, science, and personal experience. Featuring insights from skeptic Michael Shermer and a personal, memorable Oval Office moment involvi...
Feb 18, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1744
Five states have begun banning soda and candy purchases through SNAP — with 18 states seeking similar waivers. Is this smart public health policy or government overreach? Michael speaks with Dr. Julia Wolfson of Johns Hopkins to break down how SNAP works, why 42 million Americans rely on it, and whether restricting “junk food” will improve health — or deepen stigma. From slippery slope concerns to the politics behind the policy, this is a thoughtful look at one of the most debated changes to foo...
Feb 17, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1743
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in Milan-Cortina, several Team USA athletes are speaking out about U.S. politics—from immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights—prompting a sharp response from former President Trump. Michael examines whether Olympic competition should remain a politics-free zone or whether athletes have every right to use their global platform. With reactions from Lind...
Feb 17, 2026•15 min•Ep. 1742
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Like him or not, is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last hundred years?" On Presidents Day, Michael steps back from partisanship to examine “consequential” in its purest sense—having great meaning or lasting effect. From FDR’s New Deal and Reagan’s Cold War legacy to Obama’s Affordable Care Act and Biden’s Ukraine coalition, how does Trump compare? With three Supreme Court appointments, two impeachments, sweeping tax cuts, trade shif...
Feb 16, 2026•15 min•Ep. 1741
The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But what does that really mean? Michael Smerconish speaks with Nicole Hansen of the Campaign Legal Center to break down what the legislation would require — including whether a Real ID is enough, why a passport or certified birth certificate may be necessary, and how the bill could impact mail registration and voter rolls nationwide. Then, lis...
Feb 13, 2026•28 min•Ep. 1740
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring presidential approval, stepping away from the very metric that has defined modern political accountability—from FDR to Trump and Biden. Michael explores why the polling giant is exiting both horse-race election surveys and now approval ratings, whether political pressure or business strategy is driving the shift, and what it means in an era of ...
Feb 13, 2026•11 min•Ep. 1739
Michael confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly worded? Too speculative? Or is the media overestimating public interest? TC and Dan offer their blunt opinions, and listeners weigh in on empathy, news fatigue, and whether some stories simply don’t resonate. Plus, Michael previews a new poll on Gallup’s decision to discontinue presidential approval ratings — and what that means for democracy...
Feb 12, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1738
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should proof of citizenship be required when registering to vote?" The House has passed the SAVE Act, legislation that would require Americans to provide physical proof of citizenship—such as a passport or certified birth certificate—when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue it’s a necessary safeguard for election integrity. Critics warn it could disenfranchise millions who lack ready access to qualifying documents, including low-in...
Feb 12, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1737
Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony fallout, and fresh scrutiny surrounding President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Did Trump alert authorities about Epstein years ago? Why won’t the story fade—and who could still be exposed? Plus, Halperin breaks down the early 2026 midterm outlook, why Democrats may be favored to retake the House, and whether Jon Ossoff’s v...
Feb 11, 2026•33 min•Ep. 1736
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Feb 11, 2026•13 min•Ep. 1735
What’s it really like to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show? Michael talks with Chloe' Scretchings, formerly a producer on his CNN program, about how her love of Bad Bunny — and a late-night casting call — landed her on the field at Super Bowl LX as part of the halftime spectacle. From grueling rehearsals and NDAs to performing inches away from music’s biggest stars, Chloe shares a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most watched performances in the world — dressed as a sugar cane,...
Feb 10, 2026•13 min
Associated Press investigative reporter Michael Sisak joins Michael to unpack newly released FBI and Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. After years of investigation, the FBI concluded there was no evidence that Epstein ran a coordinated sex trafficking ring for powerful men—despite extensive proof of his abuse of underage girls. Sisak explains what investigators found, what they couldn’t corroborate, why so many files remain heavily redacted, and how these conclusions span ...
Feb 10, 2026•30 min•Ep. 1734
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe that Jeffrey Epstein was running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men? Michael Smerconish urges listeners not to rush to judgment before voting on this question, unpacking a recent Associated Press investigation based on internal Justice Department and FBI records. While the evidence of Epstein’s repeated sexual abuse of underage girls is overwhelming and disturbing, the AP reports that investigators found scant proof he operated a traff...
Feb 10, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1733
Michael breaks down a Super Bowl that was more cultural flashpoint than classic game. From a lackluster matchup and standout commercials to Bad Bunny’s polarizing halftime show, Michael explores why the Super Bowl remains one of America’s last shared experiences. Drawing on a powerful Wall Street Journal essay by Ben Sasse, he asks whether the event still unites us — or reflects a nation increasingly divided by politics, culture, and language. Original air date 9 February 2026. Hosted by Simplec...
Feb 09, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1732
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How many stars for Bad Bunny's half time show?" Michael reflects on the Super Bowl as one of the last shared cultural experiences in America, which is the basis for his thinking behind today's poll question. He explains why Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was less about politics and more about global market forces, the NFL’s international ambitions, and shifting cultural norms. Listen as Michael explores the idea of monoculture, unity, and whether it’s ...
Feb 09, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1731
What happens when you buy a home—and uncover a shocking symbol hidden beneath the floor? Michael and TC unpack a viral legal case out of western Pennsylvania where new homeowners discovered a swastika and German eagle concealed in their basement. The sellers didn’t disclose it—and the court ruled they didn’t have to. Michael reflects on his own experience encountering historic swastika tiles, explores the ethics of real estate disclosure, and asks a bigger question: what else could be hidden in ...
Feb 07, 2026•11 min
Television has shaped American culture for more than 70 years—but which shows truly defined each decade? Michael is joined by legendary TV critic Alan Sepinwall (The Wall Street Journal; "The Sopranos Sessions" author) to break down the most influential TV series from the 1950s to today, from I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone to Seinfeld, The Sopranos, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Stranger Things. Then, TC joins Michael to preview this week’s episode of The TC After Dark Podcast—covering Dry (or Damp...
Feb 06, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1730
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Jeff Bezos be held to a higher standard of financial commitment to the Washington Post because of his personal wealth?" After the Washington Post announced newsroom cuts affecting more than a third of its journalists, Michael Smerconish examines whether criticism of Jeff Bezos is fair—or misplaced. Drawing on commentary from Hanna Rosin and Glenn Kessler, Michael explores the economics of modern journalism, the consequences of editorial decisions,...
Feb 06, 2026•13 min•Ep. 1729
Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and NYU Professor Scott Galloway joins Michael for a wide-ranging and provocative conversation about power, politics, and protest. Galloway explains why he believes traditional demonstrations fall short — and why targeting Big Tech’s subscription-based business models may be the fastest way to get Washington’s attention. From ICE policy and corporate influence to markets, consumer behavior, and historical warnings about silence and power, this episode spar...
Feb 05, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1728
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Are major tech companies an appropriate target for those protesting ICE policies?" Michael examines a growing protest strategy urged by NYU Professor Scott Galloway: a coordinated, month-long boycott of dominant tech companies to pressure the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. The episode explores the logic behind targeting market leaders like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft—even when they have no direct ties to ICE—versus companies ...
Feb 05, 2026•15 min•Ep. 1727
2WAY's Mark Halperin is here for a wide-ranging conversation on power, accountability, and the future of American politics. He and Michael examine why Republicans are putting the Clintons front and center in the Epstein story, why younger Democrats feel no obligation to defend them, and whether selective scrutiny undermines public trust. Halperin also breaks down alarming signs for Republicans ahead of the midterms, the central role of the economy, and what the early jockeying for 2028 reveals a...
Feb 04, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1726
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who's right: Philly DA Larry Krasner who called ICE 'wannabe Nazis,' or Gov. Josh Shapiro who said that comment was 'abhorrent'?" Michael looks at the explosive rhetoric surrounding Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s remarks comparing ICE agents to Nazis — and the swift backlash from Democratic leaders including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman. Is invoking Nazism ever appropriate in modern political debate, or do...
Feb 04, 2026•15 min•Ep. 1725
Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare—often in ways patients don’t even realize. Listen as Michael sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, physician, lawyer, and co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, for a wide-ranging conversation about how AI is being used in medicine today and where it’s headed next. They explore everything from AI “ambient scribing” and clinical decision support to medical liability, patient consent, privacy, bias, and whether AI will ultimately streng...
Feb 03, 2026•41 min•Ep. 1724
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should states ban the use of food assistance benefits for purchasing candy and soda? A growing number of states are reconsidering what SNAP benefits should — and shouldn’t — cover, with Oklahoma now banning the purchase of candy and sugary drinks using food assistance. Michael breaks down the arguments on both sides: public health advocates who say taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize chronic disease, and critics who warn of stigma, slippery slopes, and governme...
Feb 03, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1723
Are ICE arrests really targeting dangerous criminals — or is the reality far more complicated? Michael is joined by Dr. Austin Kocher, professor at Syracuse University and one of the leading analysts of U.S. immigration enforcement data, to break down what the numbers actually show. According to ICE’s own statistics, 92% of recent detention growth involves people with no criminal convictions — a finding that sharply contrasts with the administration’s public rhetoric. They examine how ICE enforc...
Feb 02, 2026•35 min•Ep. 1722
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: “Is it ever acceptable to disrupt a religious service to express political views?” Michael Smerconish breaks down the real-world controversy that inspired today’s poll, exploring the legal, moral, and constitutional tensions between religious freedom and political expression. From a high-profile church disruption to questions about protest, journalism, and sacred spaces, Michael explains why this issue strikes at the heart of First Amendment debate — and ...
Feb 02, 2026•17 min•Ep. 1721
Political strategist and longtime presidential adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a deep-dive into the forces reshaping American politics. Sosnik explains why 57% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, how the K-shaped economy is driving voter frustration, and why education level has become the single strongest predictor of how Americans vote. They discuss President Trump’s approval ratings, what history tells us about midterm elections, why politics is now fully nationalized...
Jan 30, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1720
