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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.

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All Episodes

00:27:41

Bruce Springsteen’s Political Tour Sparks Backlash —...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/22

Bruce Springsteen’s latest tour is making headlines—not just for the music, but for its strong political message. Michael dives into the growing debate: has The Boss gone too far, or is he simply using his platform as artists always have? With ticket prices soaring and politics front and center, fans are split. Some praise Springsteen’s activism and authenticity, while others question the cost, the messaging, and whether concerts should be an escape from politics altogether. Plus, listeners from

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00:11:00

Today's Poll Question: Is retaliatory gerrymandering...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/22

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is retaliatory gerrymandering ever justified? Michael unpacks Virginia’s controversial mid-decade redistricting move and the broader national trend of partisan map-drawing in response to earlier actions by opposing parties. With Republicans and Democrats both reshaping districts to gain advantage, the question becomes whether “fighting fire with fire” is defensible—or corrosive to democracy itself. Is this strategic necessity, or a race to the bottom? Listen

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00:30:44

Contemplation Is Dying—And It Could Cost Us Everything

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/21

Ironically, you should put your phone away....AFTER listening to this episode. Michael explores a growing crisis hiding in plain sight: the loss of contemplation in modern life. Drawing on research from The Washington Post and Georgetown professor Cal Newport, Michael examines how constant audio, smartphones, and even AI may be eroding our ability to think deeply. With Americans consuming hours of content daily and attention spans shrinking dramatically, what are we losing—and what are the

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00:15:23

Today's Poll Question: Is John Fetterman a Democratic...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/21

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is John Fetterman a Democratic Party asset or liability?" Michael unpacks the growing divide within the Democratic Party as Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) breaks ranks on key issues, including Iran and U.S. foreign policy. After yesterday's conversation with Fetterman (listen to the podcast episode!), Michael explores whether his independence, candor on mental health, and cross-party appeal strengthen or undermine Democratic prospects. With polling showing

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00:29:43

Fetterman Breaks With Democrats on Iran War — ‘We...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/20

As tensions escalate in the Iran conflict, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joins Michael for a candid and high-stakes conversation about war powers, nuclear threats, and political divisions in Washington. Fetterman explains why he’s breaking with most Democrats to support authorizing military force against Iran, arguing the U.S. must act decisively to prevent a nuclear-armed regime. Michael and Fetterman debate the legal, political, and moral implications of the War Powers Act, the looming

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00:14:17

Today's Poll Question: Should Congress authorize the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/20

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress authorize the use of military force against Iran? As tensions escalate and a fragile ceasefire nears expiration, Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal, political, and strategic stakes behind a potential Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). With the War Powers deadline looming, Congress faces mounting pressure to act—or step aside. Michael examines recent military developments, inside-the-Beltway maneuvering, and why the timeline

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00:30:16

Why the Voters Who Decide Elections Aren’t Who You Think

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/17

A new set of political data is challenging a long-held assumption about American voters—and even Michael Smerconish himself. After reviewing insights from veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik, Michael digs into a surprising claim: the voters who actually decide elections aren’t the fiscally conservative, socially liberal “centrists” many believe dominate the middle. Instead, the data points to a different, often overlooked group—economically populist but socially conservative. But when Michael

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00:12:43

Today's Poll Question: Should Social Security cap...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/17

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Social Security cap benefits for the wealthiest retirees? Michael Smerconish explores a provocative proposal to limit Social Security payouts for high-income retirees, raising fundamental questions about the program’s purpose. Is it a guaranteed return on what you paid in—or a safety net meant to prevent poverty? With nearly half of Americans lacking retirement savings and the worker-to-retiree ratio shrinking, pressure is mounting to rethink the

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00:29:17

Boomers vs Millennials: Who Really Had It Harder?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/16

In this episode, Michael dives into a generational debate that never seems to go away: who had it harder—boomers or millennials? Drawing on new data from The Wall Street Journal, Michael breaks down income, housing, college costs, and major economic events that shaped each generation. From 18% mortgage rates to student debt and the 2008 financial crisis, both sides make their case. Listeners from across the country weigh in, offering personal stories and sharp opinions on whether today’s younger

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00:13:28

Today's Poll Question: Are You (Actually) Fiscally...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/16

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which describes you best? a) Fiscally liberal, socially conservative, b) Fiscally conservative, socially conservative, c) Fiscally liberal, socially liberal, d) Fiscally conservative, socially liberal?Michael revisits a long-held assumption about the American electorate after a revealing conversation with political strategist Doug Sosnik earlier this week (Episode # 1821). Using data-driven insights—Sosnik argues that the decisive voting bloc isn’t where

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00:26:36

Trump vs. the Pope?! Mark Halperin Breaks Down the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/15

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest headlines shaping American politics. They break down Donald Trump’s controversial clash with the Pope, the strategy behind his “counterpunching” style, and whether any political move can truly hurt him. The discussion turns to rising tensions with Iran and what a potential deal—or escalation—could mean for U.S. politics and global stability. Halperin also weighs in on the 2028 presidential field, the

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00:16:03

Today's Poll Question: Is America’s record low...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/15

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is America's record low fertility rate a problem?" America’s birth rate has fallen to historic lows, well below the level needed to sustain the population—but does it actually matter? Michael explores the economic, social, and political implications of a shrinking younger generation, including pressure on Social Security, a tightening labor force, and shifting demographics. Listen here for some great insights and data, then vote, and please rate, review and

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00:30:38

George Santos Uncensored: Prison, Politics & the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/14

Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales stepping down from Congress has reignited a major question in Washington: when should lawmakers be forced out—and what does due process really look like on Capitol Hill? To unpack it, Michael Smerconish turns to a unique voice: George Santos, one of the only members ever expelled from the House of Representatives. In a candid and often controversial conversation, Santos weighs in on the resignations, the culture inside Congress, and whether accusations alone are

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00:16:58

Today's Poll Question: Which is a greater...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/14

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is a greater existential threat, runaway AI or nuclear weapons?" Michael Smerconish explores a rapidly shifting global risk landscape, drawing on insights from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and former White House counterterrorism and cyber threat advisor Richard Clarke. With breakthroughs in AI capable of exposing critical software vulnerabilities—and quantum computing threatening to crack modern encryption—the conversation moves beyond

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00:31:23

Doug Sosnik’s Stark Warning: 2026 May Not Be the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/13

Michael welcomes political strategist Doug Sosnik for a wide-ranging conversation on the 2026 midterms, Trump’s standing, and the structural forces reshaping American politics. Sosnik explains why Republican prospects have weakened, why Democrats still face major limits, and how wealth inequality, education, geography, and voter frustration are driving a deeper political realignment. Original air date 13 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor

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00:09:16

Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. blockade the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/13

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should the US blockade the Strait of Hormuz?" Michael unpacks the escalating U.S.-Iran standoff following stalled negotiations and a dramatic strategic shift: a potential blockade of one of the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoints. With Iran exporting millions of barrels daily—and global oil prices hanging in the balance—Michael weighs the economic risks, military implications, and political calculations behind the move. Listen here, then vote at

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00:34:02

The Iran Nuclear Deal Explained: What Trump Ended—and...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/10

Michael takes a deep dive into the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) with peace and conflict expert Dr. David Cortright of Cornell and Notre Dame Universities, breaking down how the agreement came together, what it accomplished, and why it ultimately unraveled. They explore the role of the Obama administration, the arguments from critics, and the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal under President Trump. Then, listeners weigh in with passionate and wide-ranging perspectives—from military strategy and oil

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00:10:31

Today's Poll Question: Is President Trump a Rational...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/10

Today’s Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is President Trump a rational actor? Michael Smerconish unpacks a provocative debate sparked by Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld’s analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership style, on yesterday's radio program. Rather than dismissing Trump as chaotic or impulsive, Sonnenfeld argues there’s a deliberate strategy at work—one rooted in leverage, distraction, and constant motion. Smerconish explores whether Trump’s actions reflect calculated decision-making or pure

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00:41:32

Smerconish Poll Questions vs Reality: The Hits,...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/09

What happens when you go back and check your predictions against reality? In this episode, after touching on the latest on what's happening in Iran, Michael revisits years of Smerconish.com daily poll questions—from elections and political figures to global conflicts—and asks a simple question: Did we get it right? The results are surprising. Some predictions feel spot-on, others… not so much. From early takes on Biden and Trump to reactions after major global events, this episode is a fascinating

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00:13:30

Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. Use Military...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/04/09

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If necessary to open the Strait of Hormuz, should the U.S. use military force? Michael unpacks a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis as a fragile ceasefire appears to unravel and tensions spike across the Middle East. With Iran, Israel, and the U.S. trading accusations—and the critical Strait of Hormuz potentially closed—what’s at stake for global oil supply and international law? Featuring insights from Admiral James Stavridis, this episode breaks down

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1,082 results

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