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PODCAST

The Smerconish Podcast

Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds. The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM"s POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.

news politics

All Episodes

00:15:10

Trump, B-2s, and Iran: Mission Accomplished or Mistake?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/23

After a dramatic U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Michael Smerconish poses a sobering question: Did this move make it more or less likely that Iran will ultimately develop nuclear weapons? In this episode, Smerconish unpacks the political stakes, intelligence gaps, and diplomatic fallout—raising concerns about whether the U.S. may have pushed Iran further underground and out of global oversight.

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00:40:43

Military Action Against Iran: Who Decides?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/20

Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Michael answers Yes. In this episode Michael shares his perspective on the Israel-Iran conflict and weighs in on why he believes Congress needs to have a say in whether or not the U.S. formally enters this conflict. Original air date 20 June 2025.

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00:16:12

War with Iran: Will Congress Truly Be Left Out?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/20

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday.

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00:19:36

Should States Ban Trans Care for Minors? SCOTUS Just...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/19

On this Juneteenth, Michael Smerconish explores a provocative mix of headlines: the deeper meaning of the holiday, the Supreme Court's major decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and what it says about equal protection under the law. Plus, he dives into public opinion on U.S. action in Iran and shares listener voting patterns on the Smerconish.com daily poll question. Be sure to vote today on what he's asking: "Should states be able to ban puberty blockers and

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00:29:08

Polarization and Easy Access to Personal Information:...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/19

Michael speaks with retired Secret Service agent and ABC News contributor Don Mihalek about the alarming rise in politically motivated violence following the targeted killings of Minnesota lawmakers. Mihalek explains how grievances, political polarization, and easy access to personal information—fueled by the internet and dark web—are creating unprecedented threats to public officials. He warns that local leaders, once considered safe from such dangers, are increasingly vulnerable "soft targets."

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00:29:47

Is Trump About to Bomb Iran? Mark Halperin Says 75%...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/18

Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down an explosive New York Times piece on Trump, Netanyahu, and a possible U.S. airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. With Halperin putting the odds of military action at 75%, the conversation turns to what’s motivating Trump, how Israel’s intelligence influence is shaping American policy, and whether the U.S. is inching toward another Middle East conflict. Plus, listener reactions from across the political spectrum. Is America on the brink of

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00:13:43

Should We Bomb Iran? Smerconish Digs In

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/18

Michael Smerconish tackles today's high-stakes poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. use a B-2 bomber to drop a bunker buster bomb on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility? With historical context, recent intel contradictions, and looking at reactions from leaders like JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard, Michael examines the risks, politics, and precedent behind a potential strike — and what might come the day after.

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00:31:40

The Escalator Ride That Changed America: 10 Years of...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/17

Michael marks 10 years since Donald Trump's infamous Trump Tower escalator ride launched his political career. From media circus to political dominance, how did it happen—and would any of it have happened without him? A candid reflection on a decade of disruption, spectacle, and transformation. Original air date 17 June 2025.

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00:15:38

The Left’s Missing Leader: Is It Time for Obama to...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/17

This week marks the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump’s infamous escalator ride that began his run for the presidency and command of the headlines over the past ten years. Michael asks you this provocative question: Does Barack Obama have any obligation to be more visible in his opposition to Donald Trump? As political violence escalates and leadership on the left feels absent, is Obama’s silence a problem—or is it the former President’s right? Hear Michael’s take, and more reflections on recent

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00:31:06

The Case for A Pathway To Citizenship

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Michael Smerconish tackles the immigration issue head-on in this compelling commentary. From undocumented workers at diners and car washes to shifting Trump-era policies, he makes the case for a pathway to citizenship — and challenges political leaders on both sides to act. Original air date 16 June 2025.

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00:16:11

Political Rage, or, Easy Access To Data: What’s...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Drawing from front-page headlines, federal intelligence memos, and expert insights, this episode explores the deeper roots of political extremism and the implications for American democracy.

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00:23:30

Go Forth and Mingle: Michael Smerconish’s...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/14

Michael Smerconish closes out the 2024–25 graduation season by looking back on the commencement addresses he’s delivered over the years—and the one that got canceled. From standing in a downpour at Widener University to confronting cancellation at Dickinson, Michael shares the messages of perseverance, citizenship, and civility he’s brought to graduates across the country. It’s a personal, powerful look at what he’s learned and what he still hopes to say.

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00:18:44

India Plane Crash: How to Survive the Unthinkable

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/13

When a plane crashes in India, killing over 240 people and sparing just one, Michael Smerconish turns to survival expert and author Ben Sherwood. The former ABC News President, now Publisher/CEO of The Daily Beast is the bestselling author of "The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life." Together they explore the science, strategy, and even spirituality behind surviving catastrophe—from airplane disasters to life’s worst moments. This conversation reveals what truly

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00:15:04

Sorry, Senator Padilla, You Crossed The Line

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/13

Michael and TC talk about California Senator Alex Padilla's (D) appearance at a press conference that HHS Secretary Kristi Noem was holding, where he was forcibly removed and detained for a short time. Michael takes note of the partisan silos everyone is falling in to when analyzing this incident - but his take is more nuanced, and he makes it clear that Secretary Noem is not to blame in this situation. Original air date 13 June 2025.

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00:20:20

Michael’s Take: Why I Oppose Israel's Strike on Iran...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/13

Michael offers a nuanced take on Israel attacking Iran last night. He unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question, which asks "Do you favor or oppose Israel’s attack against Iran?" Listen to him talk about what it means for U.S.-Israel relations, and the looming risk of a wider war. Plus, thoughts on immigration protests, political optics, and why this moment may change everything.

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00:25:40

Fox News or Bust? The Alarming Shrinking Media Trust...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/12

Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Elisa Shearer to unpack new data on media trust in America. Why do Republicans overwhelmingly trust only Fox News and Joe Rogan, while Democrats rely on a much broader mix of outlets? What does this growing media divide mean for political discourse—and democracy itself? A revealing conversation on the trust crisis shaping the nation's news diet. It is summarized in the piece she co-authored, "The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources."

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00:14:38

Protesters, the President, or the Press: Who’s...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/12

Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “What is most to blame for the escalation of immigration related protests — the protesters, the president, or the media?” Michael breaks down the timing, media dynamics, political implications, and public perception of recent protests. Plus, he shares his own vote — and why he thinks the media plays a bigger role than many believe.

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00:27:13

The Media’s Trump-Obsessed Blindspot: Mark Halperin...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/11

Michael Smerconish and 2WAY's Mark Halperin break down how the media’s obsession with Trump vs. CA Gov. Newsom is drowning out critical issues—from military use on U.S. streets and immigration realities to rare earth dependencies on China. Plus, a fiery look back at Senator Tom Cotton’s controversial NYT op-ed on sending troops, and why Democrats keep losing the immigration narrative. Hard truths, sharp insight, and no spin: Rate, Review and Share this podcast! Original air date 11 June 2025.

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00:15:31

Salute or Skip: The Media is Divided on Covering The...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/11

What level of coverage should the media afford the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade? That's the poll question at Smerconish.com today. Michael dives into the controversy over a massive military celebration in D.C., complete with tanks, fighter jets, and 7,000 personnel. With Trump’s birthday falling on the same day, some say it’s more about politics than patriotism. Should major networks broadcast it—or sit it out? Michael explores media responsibility, national pride, and viewer bias in this

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00:35:09

Parade or Power Play? The Army Turns 250

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/10

This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, optics, and political symbolism. Is this a patriotic celebration or a

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955 results

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