The Smerconish Podcast

Mark Halperin is editor-in-chief at 2WAY, publisher of The Wide World of News Newsletter, and a host on SiriusXM's Megyn Kelly Channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Republican fight against Trump's $1.8 billion fund a one-off or a turning point? Michael examines the collapse of a proposed $1.8 billion Justice Department compensation fund tied to claims of government “weaponization” and asks whether Republican opposition marks a meaningful shift in Trump-era politics. While acknowledging Trump’s legitimate grieva...

"Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" - but a "good fence" isn't necessarily a tall one. Why are white picket fences disappearing across America? Michael explores a surprising cultural shift with Washington Post reporter Danielle Paquette. As privacy fences replace open yards, what are we gaining—and what might we be losing when it comes to community, trust, and neighborly connection? Original air dat...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Trump versus Netanyahu - If you had to stand with one and neither is not an option, who do you stand with? Michael examines reports of a heated phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a dramatic turn for two leaders long seen as close political allies. Drawing on reporting about tensions over Iran negotiations, Isra...

Michael Cohen joins Michael Smerconish for a candid conversation about political tribalism, ideological purity tests, and what happens when independent thinkers refuse to stay in line. Cohen discusses his split with former allies on the left, why he says he was "canceled" for challenging anti-Trump narratives, and his reaction to ongoing questions about Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. He also re...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Graham Platner’s wife says his sexting other women is nobody’s business. Do you agree with that? Michael examines the growing controversy surrounding the Maine Senate candidate whose campaign has been rocked by revelations about past conduct, including allegations of sexting during his marriage. After Platner’s wife publicly defended him and argued that the...

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack Ken Paxton’s decisive Texas primary victory, what it means for the 2026 Senate landscape, and whether Democrats truly have a shot at a statewide breakthrough. They also discuss President Trump’s calculus in backing Paxton, the challenges facing Democrat James Talarico, and the growing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran relati...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo disqualifying? As Democrats search for four Senate seats to reclaim the majority, Maine has emerged as one of the most important battlegrounds in the country. Michael examines the high-stakes race between longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Graham Platner, a Marine Corps veteran whose campaign...

Michael explores how America’s political polarization is spilling into the jury room. Expert jury consultant Dr. Laurie Kuslansky joins the program to discuss rising mistrials, partisan bias among jurors, the impact of Trump-era politics on the justice system, and whether fair and impartial juries are becoming harder to find. Plus, listeners share their own surprising jury duty experiences. Origin...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe Jill Biden was blindsided by Joe's debate performance? Michael revisits Joe Biden’s disastrous 2024 debate performance in light of Jill Biden’s new comments that she was “frightened” and had never seen him that way before OR since. He walks through the warning signs that came before the debate—from the Robert Hur report to the Hollywood fundr...

Michael speaks with University of Chicago political scientist Dr. Robert Pape about the growing conflict with Iran, rising oil prices, and the strategic dangers of what Pape calls the “Escalation Trap.” From the Strait of Hormuz to the risks of ground operations and global economic fallout, Pape argues the U.S. may have underestimated both Iran’s capabilities and the long-term consequences of mili...

Michael examines today’s poll question: Should the U.S. lift sanctions on Iran before its nuclear program is dismantled? With Trump weighing a possible deal, Republicans divided, and fears growing over America’s leverage, Michael breaks down the political, military, and economic stakes — including insights from Admiral Stavridis and the Wall Street Journal editorial board. Hosted by Simplecast, an...

Michael talks with Admiral James Stavridis about escalating tensions with Iran, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of AI-assisted warfare. Prompted by Pope Leo’s warning about autonomous weapons, Michael asks whether artificial intelligence will ultimately make war more precise and humane—or easier to wage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com fo...

Michael traces an unexpected through line from his very first talk radio show in 1993 — centered on a papal encyclical — to Pope Leo XIV’s new warning about artificial intelligence and modern warfare. The Pope argues AI could make war easier to wage and harder to control, while supporters say AI-driven targeting may actually reduce civilian casualties and battlefield mistakes. Michael explores the...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which song best defines America? On this Memorial Day edition, Michael Smerconish explores a deeply personal and surprisingly revealing question inspired by President Obama’s latest reflections on music and national identity: which song best captures the American experience? From “This Land Is Your Land” and “We Shall Overcome” to “Fortunate Son,” “What’s G...

Media mogul Byron Allen joins Michael to discuss the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the launch of Comics Unleashed in CBS late night, and his remarkable journey from teenage comedian to media empire builder. Allen shares stories about Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, his mother’s influence, and why he believes comedy can bring America together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does political comedy make you more or less likely to watch late night television? Stephen Colbert signs off after more than a decade hosting The Late Show, triggering debate over whether political comedy helped sustain late night television or accelerated its decline. Michael examines CBS’s explanation that the show was losing tens of millions annually, th...

Michael Smerconish welcomes Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest political flashpoints: the controversy surrounding potential compensation for January 6 defendants, growing Republican resistance to Donald Trump, tensions with Iran, and Trump’s public feud with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Halperin explains why some GOP lawmakers may finally be willing to push back — and wh...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Before his death, Barney Frank said overreach by the left is alienating moderates and setting back Democrats. Do you agree? Michael reflects on the life and political legacy of Barney Frank, the pioneering congressman and liberal icon who, in his final interviews, warned that Democrats risk alienating mainstream voters through ideological overreach and rigi...

Michael and TC revisit some of the most memorable commencement speeches from both this year and years past — from Roger Federer, Steve Jobs, Shonda Rhimes, Steve Carell, Eric Church, Arthur Brooks, and more. From lessons on resilience and rejection to purpose, kindness, ambition, and community, they break down the advice that resonated most with graduates — and why these messages matter far beyond...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When you vote, which matters more: character or policy? Michael Smerconish explores one of the oldest and most uncomfortable questions in American politics: should voters prioritize a candidate’s personal character or the policies they promise to deliver? Drawing on the views of Colin Powell and James Madison, plus examples from JFK, Nixon, Clinton, and Tru...

The John Kasich Show debuts on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 on Saturday May 23 at 11AM East. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who do you want enforcing traffic laws, AI or cops? After receiving a $300 automated school bus violation notice tied to his own Jeep, Michael Smerconish dives into the growing role of artificial intelligence in policing everyday life. From AI-powered traffic cameras to license plate readers now operating in thousands of communities, this episode explores t...

Michael opens with an unexpected weekend golf win before diving into the CNN commentary that sparked major backlash online. He breaks down Trump’s controversial Iran remarks, rising gas prices, strategic ambiguity over Taiwan, and whether Americans would accept pain at the pump to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Plus, listener calls, angry social media reactions, and a debate that cuts...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a nuclear-free Iran worth more pain at the pump? Michael explores the political and economic tradeoffs behind escalating tensions with Iran, asking whether Americans are willing to absorb higher gasoline prices to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Drawing on Reuters reporting from deeply conservative Colorado counties, Michael examines why...