The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish speaks with Princeton professor Robert P. George about the growing lack of conservative commencement speakers at America’s top universities — and what that says about viewpoint diversity in higher education. They discuss political bias on campus, free speech, commencement controversies, AI in academia, and Princeton’s decision to end its 133-year unproctored exam tradition amid...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who’s more likely to be elected president in 2028 — AOC or Marco Rubio? Michael Smerconish examines the surprising early signals emerging in the 2028 presidential race, including Marco Rubio’s rapid rise among Republican voters and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing strength inside the Democratic Party. With new polling, prediction market data, and Donald T...

Check out Episode #402 of The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast, Valerie Bauerlein talking about her book "The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty." 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: If you had to pick one, which is it: cut our losses now or bomb Iran into submission? As President Trump meets with Xi Jinping in Beijing, new intelligence reports suggest Iran remains far more operational than Americans have been told. Michael examines fresh reporting from The Washington Post and The New York Times indicating Tehran still retains much of i...

Michael Smerconish is joined by Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on President Trump’s escalating standoff with Iran, the growing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the White House is running out of options. Could Trump expand the conflict? Is there an exit ramp? Michael and Mark debate the political, military, and economic stakes — and listeners weigh in on what happens next....

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Trump order new strikes on Iran during his China trip? Michael explores an eerie parallel to 2017, when Trump launched strikes on Syria while hosting Xi Jinping, raising questions about whether history could repeat itself during the president’s current China visit. He also examines Trump’s controversial “not even a little bit” remark when asked whether...

Michael Smerconish reacts to a provocative Axios piece arguing that America is becoming a modern “Sin Nation” — where gambling, marijuana, pornography, and digital vice are no longer hidden, but legalized, monetized, and normalized. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Robert Putnam’s "Bowling Alone" to declining faith, patriotism, and community involvement, Michael explores whether America is losing...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Were any of the three Trump assassination attempts staged? Michael examines a startling new survey showing that nearly one-third of Americans believe at least one assassination attempt against Donald Trump was staged—or aren’t sure the attacks were real. From Butler to the golf course incident to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner scare, Michael breaks...

Michael explores the overlooked conversation surrounding Ted Turner’s bipolar disorder and asks whether mental illness can sometimes contribute to extraordinary leadership, creativity, and resilience. Drawing on the work of psychiatrist Dr. Nassir Ghaemi — author of A "First-Rate Madness" — Smerconish examines historical figures like Churchill, Lincoln, MLK Jr., and Turner himself through the lens...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which war ends first — Russia/Ukraine or U.S./Israel versus Iran? Michael examines two global conflicts that suddenly appear to be moving in opposite directions. Vladimir Putin is hinting that the Russia-Ukraine war could be “coming to an end,” even as ceasefire violations continue and battlefield clashes intensify. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S., Isr...

Michael dives into the explosive backlash surrounding New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new “pied-à-terre” tax targeting ultra-wealthy property owners who do not live in the city full-time. After billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin blasted Mamdani’s viral “tax the rich” video and threatened to expand jobs outside New York, Michael asks a provocative question: Has “tax the rich” become a polit...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the phrase “tax the rich” a slur against wealthy Americans? Michael examines the political and cultural firestorm sparked by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s viral “tax the rich” video targeting billionaire Ken Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse. Supporters call it economic fairness; critics call it class-based demonization. With Wall Street leaders warning th...

Media titan John Malone joins Michael for a deeply personal conversation about his lifelong friendship with CNN founder Ted Turner, who passed away this week at age 87. Malone shares behind-the-scenes stories about Turner’s rise, his relationships with Jane Fonda and Rupert Murdoch, the birth of CNN, and Turner’s concerns about the future of cable news. The discussion also explores polarization in...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? Michael reflects on the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner while examining the profound impact of round-the-clock news coverage on American society. From the Gulf War and 9/11 to O.J., political polarization, and “doomscrolling,” Michael explores how cable news transformed journalism, public awar...

Michael Smerconish and Mark Halperin break down the confusion, contradictions, and political fallout surrounding Trump’s Iran strategy — from nuclear negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz to whether the president is heading toward a historic win or an Obama-style replay. Plus: midterm warning signs for Republicans, and key races in Texas, Ohio, and California. Original air date 6 May 2026. Hosted...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Donald Trump more a consequence or the cause of our political polarization? Michael argues that most voters will instinctively blame Donald Trump for America’s deep political divide — but says the more accurate answer is that Trump is a consequence of forces decades in the making. Drawing on conversations with Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei and Harvard po...

Listen to Michael's recent interview with Senator Fetterman in episode #1831. 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: 'True or false? Americans are hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful.' Michael challenges the dominant narrative of a fractured America, drawing on insights from Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei and broader social data. While cable news and social media amplify conflict, most Americans remain disconnected from that noise—focused instead on work, family, a...

Michael revisits his powerful CNN interview with Admiral William McRaven, the former Navy SEAL commander behind Operation Neptune Spear and author of "Duty, Honor, Country and Life." After asking McRaven to read from his poem “I Remember,” a tribute to fallen service members and Gold Star families, the moment turned unexpectedly emotional. Michael reflects on the silence, the sacrifice, and why li...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are people's opinions of Donald Trump today driven more by his policies or his personality? Fresh polling from ABC/Washington Post and Pew shows Trump’s approval sinking to new lows, with majorities disapproving not just of his leadership style—but nearly every major policy issue as well. For years, critics drew a distinction between Trump’s conduct and his...

Michael sits down with legal scholar John Yoo to unpack today’s biggest legal and political flashpoints. From presidential war powers and U.S. involvement in Iran to a major Supreme Court ruling that could reignite redistricting battles nationwide, Yoo explains what’s at stake. Plus, they dive into the controversial “86 47” case and whether it crosses the line from political speech to criminal thr...

Michael breaks down the headline-grabbing indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. With legal experts questioning the strength of the case—and whether it will ever reach a jury—Michael examines the First Amendment implications, key Supreme Court precedents, and why this prosecution may be doomed from the start. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this...

Michael Smerconish sits down with independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar to discuss his unconventional run in Montana, the controversy surrounding a last-minute GOP shake-up, and why he refuses to caucus with either party. From war powers and foreign policy to political polarization at home, the conversation explores what it means to govern from the center. Then, Montana listeners weigh in on th...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should race be considered when drawing legislative boundary lines? The Supreme Court’s latest 6–3 decision on redistricting could have sweeping consequences for how political power is allocated across the country. Michael breaks down the complex Louisiana case at the center of the ruling, the clash between constitutional “colorblindness” and protections for...

Michael Smerconish dives into a remarkable moment in U.S.–U.K. relations as King Charles III delivers a speech to Congress that may have carried more than just ceremonial weight. CNN’s Stephen Collinson joins to unpack the “subtle but striking” message on democracy, executive power, and America’s global role—plus the political theater behind the royal visit and its impact on President Trump. Then,...