The Smerconish Podcast

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are the US and Canada still allies? For generations, the U.S.-Canada relationship was one Americans rarely had reason to question. Now tariffs, collapsed trade negotiations, Donald Trump's “51st state” rhetoric, and growing Canadian resistance are putting that assumption under strain. Michael examines both sides: NATO, NORAD and Five Eyes cooperation remain intact, while Canada is reconsidering defense purchases, Canadians are cutting U.S. travel, and Prime Minister Mark Carney is drawing firm lines around trade and sovereignty. Today's poll asks whether the alliance remains as strong in practice as it does on paper - Michael will, later today, ask former US Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen that question as well. Hear that live on SiriusXM, and on this podcast! Please rate, review and share this episode now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael remembers Dolly Parton and asks what made her such a rare, universally beloved American figure - she did what politics can't: Unite us. Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers calls in from the road to discuss Dolly's authenticity, her place in American culture, and whether anyone today can still bring people together across political and generational divides. Original air date 26 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is worse, building data centers or losing to China the AI race they power? Michael examines the growing backlash against massive AI data centers—and the national-security stakes of refusing to build them. With Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly wary of data centers in their own communities, politicians are scrambling to respond. But Senator John Fetterman warns that China and Russia may benefit from America's resistance. Michael previews a conversation he's having later today with Pennsylvania developer Brian O'Neill about taxes, environmental concerns, local opposition, and a larger question: Can the United States remain competitive with China in artificial intelligence if every community says “not in my backyard”? Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America's national debt has crossed a staggering $40 trillion — but what does that actually mean for you? Michael sits down with Michael A. Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, to explain how the country got here, why mounting debt affects everything from mortgages to Social Security, and what it would really take for Washington to change course. Plus, listeners weigh in on whether Americans and their elected leaders are willing to make the difficult choices required to tackle the problem. Original air date 25 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: In a state where one party can't win a Senate seat, should that party step aside for a strong independent? Michael examines a provocative Senate strategy taking shape in deep-red states: Democrats clearing the field for independent candidates who may have a better chance of defeating Republicans. From Seth Bodnar's campaign in Montana to independent bids in Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Alaska, Michael asks whether breaking the two-party monopoly could create a new center of power in Washington—or whether partisan voters will ultimately come home. Could just a few truly independent senators change how Congress works? Listen here, then vote - and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles Barkley joins Michael Smerconish for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about America's political divide, the WNBA and transgender athletes, Caitlin Clark, race and sexuality in sports, and the 2028 presidential field. Sir Charles also weighs in on AI's threat to American workers, the value of the trades, his own political independence — and why he thinks both parties are failing ordinary Americans. Original air date 24 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should cameras be allowed in every government proceeding that the public has a right to attend? Today Michael makes the case for a “Smerconish Sunshine Rule”: if citizens are legally entitled to watch their government conduct public business, cameras should be allowed to watch too. With C-SPAN simulcasting his SiriusXM program this week, he looks at nearly 50 years of government television and asks why the same transparency shouldn't extend from school boards and courtrooms to the Supreme Court. But Sarah Isgur offers a sharp counterargument: cameras can encourage grandstanding, viral soundbites, and political performance instead of serious deliberation. Where should transparency end? Listen here, vote there! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with Steve Atkiss, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Operations and a longtime presidential trip director, about the extraordinary security maneuver that separated President Trump from Air Force One in Turkey. Atkiss takes listeners inside the secretive world of presidential travel and continuity-of-government planning, sharing stories from Bush's surprise Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad, the Trump–Kim Jong Un summit in Singapore, and other high-stakes moments where security, secrecy and presidential decision-making collide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would you accept both higher taxes on yourself and reduced Social Security and Medicare benefits in order to reduce the $40 trillion national debt? Michael confronts a problem Americans overwhelmingly say matters—but one Washington has repeatedly failed to solve. With the national debt now above $40 trillion and interest costs mounting, Michael revisits Pete Peterson's warnings and the 2010 Simpson-Bowles Commission, which sought shared sacrifice through higher revenue and reduced spending. Today's poll puts that tradeoff directly to voters: Are Americans willing to personally pay more and receive less if that's what serious debt reduction requires? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. national debt has crossed $40 trillion. So who pays the bill? Michael breaks down how America got here, revisits past efforts to rein in the debt, and asks whether voters would accept higher taxes or reduced Social Security and Medicare benefits. Plus, listeners join the debate with solutions of their own. Original air date 20 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Natalie Harp story Much Ado About Nothing? Jon Ossoff's two-word reference to “Natalie” ignited a political and media firestorm around Trump aide Natalie Harp—but is there really a larger story here? Michael examines why Ossoff's remark went viral, the backlash from conservatives, David Axelrod's criticism of the attack, Julie K. Brown's provocative response, and Mark Halperin's argument that the entire episode may amount to little more than cable-news fascination. As the headlines already begin to fade, Michael asks whether the controversy revealed anything meaningful—or simply proved how quickly a provocative line can dominate the political conversation. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael is joined by Mark Halperin to unpack the sudden scrutiny surrounding President Trump aide Natalie Harp and the backlash to Senator Jon Ossoff's comments about her. Was Ossoff's remark sexist—or has Washington turned a half-sentence into “much ado about nothing”? Then Michael opens the phones and hears from listeners on whether the controversy deserves all the attention it's getting. Original air date 19 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should we be growing or shrinking our footprint in the Middle East? With the Pentagon reportedly reassessing America's military presence across the region, Michael asks whether decades of bases, troops, and intervention are still making the United States safer. He reflects on his own visit to U.S. military installations in Qatar and Djibouti and examines the strategic dilemma exposed by the conflict with Iran: Does maintaining a massive American footprint deter threats—or help create the very resentment and vulnerability it is meant to contain? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael Smerconish to assess the escalating confrontation with Iran, why he says the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, Trump's approach to North Korea, and the extraordinary 260-plus-day deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. Then, listeners who served at sea share firsthand stories of long Navy deployments, life aboard submarines and aircraft carriers, and what it takes to endure months away from home. Original air date 18 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Jason Arday tragedy a story of affirmative action in the extreme, a racist witch hunt, or both? Michael examines the troubling and complicated story of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, whose death followed intense scrutiny of plagiarism allegations and extraordinary claims about his academic and personal history. Was Cambridge too eager to elevate a groundbreaking Black scholar without sufficient scrutiny? Or did Arday become the target of a relentless, racially charged campaign once questions emerged? Drawing on the competing narratives surrounding the case—and Tyler Austin Harper's argument in The Atlantic that both may contain truth—Michael asks whether this tragedy exposes failures on multiple sides. Listen here, then vote. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish reacts to Luigi Mangione's guilty plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson — and to what he says was notably missing: remorse. He examines Mangione's courtroom statement, his lawyers' double-jeopardy strategy, and the continuing public anger toward America's health insurance system. Then, listeners weigh in on a provocative question: Do Mangione's grievances with the health care system mitigate his crime in any way? The answers leave Michael stunned. Original air date 08-17-26 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: The White House East Wing has already been demolished. Should the Trump Ballroom now be built? The fight over President Trump's proposed White House ballroom has shifted dramatically. With an appeals court blocking above-ground construction unless Congress approves it, the administration is asking the Supreme Court to intervene—and increasingly arguing that the project is essential to national security. Michael examines the evolving rationale, claims that the ballroom would protect a secure underground military complex, and the alternatives now that the East Wing is already gone. Is the project necessary, excessive, or simply too far along to stop? Listen here, then vote! And be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael asks a deceptively simple question: Should parents have the final say on their child's vaccines? Dr. Brian McDonough joins to examine the Trump administration's changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, the science behind the longstanding MMR schedule, rising measles concerns, and a growing crisis of trust in government health agencies. Plus, callers weigh in on where parental choice ends and public health begins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should grades still matter? As the University of Michigan prepares to replace traditional grades with pass/no-credit marks for first-semester students, Michael examines why we started grading students in the first place—and whether grades encourage achievement or get in the way of learning. Is rethinking the GPA smart education reform, or are we simply coddling students? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should parents have the final say on their child's vaccines? Michael examines how the debate over parental choice has shifted following President Trump's changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor for 1010 WINS (New York) and KYW (Philadelphia), joins Michael to explain what the changes mean, why he believes they aren't supported by new science, and why his trust in government health guidance has eroded. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump's move to reduce the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines has put parental choice back at the center of the vaccine debate. Michael Smerconish asks where parental rights end when a child's health is at stake, and whether people's views on who should decide have changed along with the politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael is joined by Mark Halperin to unpack two big political stories: what the latest primary results really say about the rise of democratic socialism inside the Democratic Party, and the unanswered questions surrounding a reported threat to Air Force One. Who traveled with President Trump after he was moved to another aircraft, who was left behind—and was the story leaked on purpose? Plus, a debate over polling, Trump's inner circle, presidential security and the role of the White House press pool. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says the Secret Service ordered the Air Force One decoy operation. But a revealing Clinton-era precedent raises a bigger question: could the White House have said no? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump boarded Air Force One in full view of the cameras—but he wasn't on it when it took off. Facing a reported Iranian assassination threat, Trump was secretly moved by catering truck to another aircraft while White House staff and journalists continued their journey believing the president was aboard. Michael asks: Were they being used as decoys? Was the Washington Post right to reveal the operation? And what does a former Secret Service agent say really happened? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A credible Iranian threat forced Trump into a secret Air Force One switch. But reporters and staff were left aboard the original plane. Smart security—or were they used as decoys? Michael puts the question to you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A viral WNBA foul sends Michael down a rabbit hole: Are race and politics really driving the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark and the league—or are fans being fed a misleading narrative? Howard Megdal, author of Becoming Caitlin Clark, joins Michael to separate perception from data. Plus, the conversation expands to Angel Reese, Sophie Cunningham, transgender athletes, media coverage, and why the WNBA has suddenly become another front in America's culture wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can Iran outlast Trump? Michael examines whether Tehran can keep the Strait of Hormuz closed through the midterms—and what it could mean for oil prices and American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home, investigators appear no closer to solving the case. Michael speaks with Wall Street Journal reporter Valerie Bauerlein about the ransom notes, surveillance footage, early law-enforcement missteps, and the baffling lack of a breakthrough. How can someone vanish without a trace—and will the mystery of Savannah Guthrie's mother ever be solved? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does Donald Trump actually believe the 2020 election was stolen—or does he know he lost? Michael examines the evidence, the psychology, and a question that may never have a definitive answer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with OnBalance founder and former college quarterback Walt Norley for a candid conversation about bipolar disorder, the pressures facing student-athletes and the mental-health crisis unfolding on college campuses. Norley shares stories involving Nick Saban and Tony Dorsett, explains why athletes are often reluctant to seek help, and offers parents practical questions to ask about a school's mental-health resources. Original air date 6 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are Democrats having their own Maga moment? Abdul El-Sayed's narrow Michigan Democratic Senate primary victory may reveal something larger than an ideological shift. Michael examines how anger at party leadership, frustration with the establishment and distrust of traditional ideas about electability are fueling a Democratic insurgency. Drawing comparisons to Donald Trump's takeover of the Republican Party, he explores El-Sayed's support among college towns, affluent counties and Arab communities—as well as Haley Stevens' strength with older Black voters. Is this simply a progressive breakthrough, or the beginning of a MAGA-style revolt on the left? Listen. Vote. Rate. Review. Share. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin unveils his latest rankings of the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field—and there is a new name at No. 1. Michael presses the political analyst and "Wide World of News" publisher on why Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has moved ahead of Gavin Newsom, where Mark Kelly fits into the race, and whether the Democratic primary could become a battle between the party's establishment and progressive wings. Then, listeners weigh in with their own preferred candidates and predictions for 2028. Original air date 5 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the AI-driven economy a house of cards? Stocks are reaching historic highs as America's largest technology companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI chips, data centers, utilities, and construction. But billionaire investor Ray Dalio says the enthusiasm bears troubling similarities to the bubbles of 1929 and 2000. Michael examines whether today's AI boom is supported by real profits and demand—or whether groupthink, soaring valuations, and speculative investment have created a dangerous financial structure. The technology may transform the world, just as the internet did, but could investors still face a painful collapse along the way? Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the latest data on the 2026 midterms, explaining why history points toward a Democratic wave—even as polarization, redistricting, and campaign cash could limit the gains. Plus, why this year's election may tell us far less about the 2028 presidential race than many assume. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's poll tackles a question that could reshape the Democratic Party: Can a Sanders-style progressive win in a battleground state? Michael explores Michigan's high-stakes Senate primary, the rise of young progressive voters, and what the results could mean for 2026 and beyond Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should Dr. Anthony Fauci testify before Congress with immunity? Michael examines why nearly 50,000 poll voters overwhelmingly said yes, then unpacks the controversial Todd Blanche DOJ agreement, Trump's IRS audit protections, and the growing debate over "lawfare" against political opponents. A deep dive into one of Washington's most complicated—and consequential—legal and political battles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What keeps you up at night: nuclear war, AI, climate change—or a biological attack? What should we fear most? Michael previews his conversation with bestselling author Annie Jacobsen and explores today's poll on the biggest threats facing the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Zuckerberg argues that superintelligence should be widely available, while former White House cyber czar Richard Clarke warns AI may need safeguards more like a dangerous pathogen than a consumer product. Michael explores the growing debate over AI regulation, China's role in the global AI race, data centers, guardrails, and whether America is moving too fast—or not fast enough. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Was Anthony Fauci right to plead the Fifth? Michael breaks down the explosive Senate hearing, the politics of "lawfare," and why he believes the biggest takeaway has nothing to do with Fauci—and everything to do with America's broken political system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America needs data centers to power AI, but few communities want one nearby. Michael talks with The Free Press senior editor and writer Joe Nocera about the growing battle over data centers—who benefits, who pays and whether transparency, tax revenue and new technology can ease local resistance. Then, listeners weigh in on jobs, electricity, water, farmland and whether states should pause construction as the artificial intelligence boom accelerates. Original air date 30 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should your state pause construction of new data centers? Michael examines the growing backlash against the massive facilities powering AI and the modern internet. With New York moving to halt certain projects, other states considering restrictions, and voters worried about electricity costs, water use, and strain on the grid, the debate is quickly becoming national. But slowing construction could also weaken U.S. competitiveness in the global AI race. Michael weighs the local costs against the economic and technological stakes—and asks whether states should press pause or keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Anthony Fauci invokes the Fifth Amendment before a Senate committee as Michael examines his newly released diaries, the lingering questions surrounding COVID's origins and the bitter debate over masks and pandemic policy. Then Mark Halperin joins Michael to discuss Fauci's media relationships, Mitch McConnell's health, Gavin Newsom's political future, the 2028 Democratic primary calendar and the growing influence of democratic socialists. Original air date 29 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.