The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return all the territory it has seized since the 2022 invasion? With peace talks possibly on the horizon, he explores the harsh realities behind public sentiment, Gallup polling, and what Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. may have to compromise. Plus,...

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his surprising 2026 run for Michigan governor—as an independent. Duggan talks about Detroit's remarkable comeback, why he’s breaking from the Democratic Party, and how he plans to disrupt the political status quo. Can he really win without a party? This conversation might change your mind. Original air date 5 August 2025. Hosted by Simp...

Learn more about The Mingle Project. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan’s emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legalit...

Learn more about Michael's Mingle Project here. Diana Lind is author of  the New Urban Order Substack  and a recent visiting fellow at the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen to Michael's conversation with Garrett Graff, author of The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb 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.

Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible replacement for Jerome Powell, to the shaping of the 2028 presidential field—including a potential JD Vance–Marco Rubio ticket—this episode dives deep. Plus: What’s really going on with redistricting, Josh Shapiro’s future, and the Epstein-Maxwel...

Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it’s happening, and how you can find out if you live in a distorted district. Prompted by today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com (“Do you live in a gerrymandered legislative district?”), this episode offers a clear, engaging primer on political redistricting, the history behind it, and t...

Michael reflects on an extraordinary day in Boston, where he addressed thousands of state lawmakers attending the National Conference of State Legislators annual legislative summit. From powerful speeches about bipartisanship and political violence — including emotional remarks from a Minnesota state senator who survived an attack — to a candid fireside chat with Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker R...

Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how they are shutting the door on political canvassers. With stories of incivility, political violence, and societal disconnect, Michael explores what it means to engage (or not engage) with politics today, starting at your own front door! Listen...

In this gripping episode, Michael dives deep into the decades-old unsolved murder of 9-year-old Marise Chiverella from Hazelton, Pennsylvania. After 57 years, this cold case was cracked thanks to the groundbreaking work of Eric Schubert, an 18-year-old college student and genetic genealogist. Learn how Eric's unique skills and determination helped the Pennsylvania State Police identify the killer...

Michael broadcasts from Boston ahead of his speech to the National Conference of State Legislators, reflecting on political violence, viral poll results, and a provocative question at Smerconish.com today: "Would you support a reduced sentence for Ghislaine Maxwell if her testimony resulted in the conviction of other sex offenders?" Plus, why her recent transfer to a low-security facility could si...

A woman is brutally murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The incident is caught on video. What happens next? An outpouring of online celebration, racialized commentary, and digital glee over a real-life tragedy. Michael Smerconish speaks with Maya Sulkin, reporter for The Free Press, about her viral piece: “She Was Murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The Internet Celebrated It.” Sulkin shares what she believ...

Today’s poll question dives into a surprisingly nostalgic and controversial topic: Should we reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools? Michael takes a trip down memory lane—from pizza days and posture checks at Doyle Elementary to the shower policies of junior high PE classes—and unpacks how the fitness test became a cultural milestone. With Trump advocating for its return ahead of...

For decades, Canadians viewed the United States with a mix of admiration, envy, and affection — but Donald Trump may have shattered that dynamic. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with New York Magazine writer Simon van Zuylen-Wood about his eye-opening article that explores the deep and growing frustration many Canadians feel toward America, particularly over Trump’s rise, rhetoric, a...

Kamala Harris has bowed out of a California gubernatorial bid; but does that mean she’s all-in for a 2028 presidential run? In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish digs into the strategic moves (and missed opportunities) behind the former VP’s decision and explores why her path to the Democratic nomination is anything but clear. From age dynamics to her vetting of 2028 rivals like Josh Shapiro and...

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...

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—an...

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 col...

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...

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,...

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...

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 reflec...

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 co...

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...