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The Ochelli Effect 9-12-2025 NEWS SNAFUNEWS, NO NEWS, or NO NEW NEWSFRIDAY Pre-show SOLO(First a Personal Note)9-11 has always sucked for me personallyI try every year to ignore the coming date,or seek to occupy my being with things that turn my attention away from inner dread and pain1976 My father took his life September 11The rip in reality on that calendar day in 2001A rare female relative that loved Grandma Claire dead 40 years after her son, same dayThere is a list of lost friends,I narrowly avoided painful deaths and kept the pain on a handful of 9-11ssome of the worst things in my personal history,at a rate of a bit more than every other September 11I get a horror show in my world and/or our collective reality.Astrological calculations as informed by biblical study tell me this was the true birthday of The religious figure many call Jesus Christ.It is a day of darkness to me ever since I bothered with the date at all and started as soon as I was able to read a newspaper.So I just couldn't do a LIVE show yesterday.(End Personal Note)---NOT A TRANNY SHOOTER MANY HOPED FOR BUT...Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are 'worth it' to protect our rights in resurfaced 2023 cliphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMzr5cDKza0Pronouns blamed when anti-nouns are what's in play. They, Them, We, Us, is how those people, You People, and what happens when the wrong You People end up on The public opinion court house lawn and gallows block every road to nowhere. We should not blame his White Christian family either.ONLINE GAMING TAUNTS Maybe? Childish provocative unfiltered blasts of language meant to make others make mistakes? Guess what? Now there are people that heard trigger words they wanted to hear and now matter how anything gets debunked, some will keep believing what sounded correct to them, facts be damned. The suspect, still waiting to be formally accused, is depicted in a pro-trump shirt in widely celebrated and circulated blurry seemingly grabbed grainy video appears to be a fake (according to independent analysis by Chuck) but those that want to hop on that photoshop boat will not abandon the good ship Loli-pimple-pop and insist that I know you are but what are we team tag games like the old days. Boys against girls , shirts versus skins, and forget that it's hard to shake hands with anyone who insists they can not unclench their fists.James Dobson and Charlie Kirk and whether to rejoice in deathhttps://baptistnews.com/article/james-dobson-and-charlie-kirk-and-whether-to-rejoice-in-death/FALSE instant heat for using wrong, left, or right, right pronounsCharlie Kirk killer's ammunition ‘engraved with pro-trans messages'Three unused rounds marked with writing, it is revealed, but official urges caution as wording could have been misread or misinterpreted https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-killer-ammunition-engraved-trans-messages/ENSCRIPTIONS AS REVEALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENTThree unfired casings also had inscriptionsOne read, "Hey fascists! Catch!" with an up arrow, a right arrow and three down arrows.The second said, "Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao."The third, "If you read this, you are gay LMAO." Here's To You Mr. Robinson, $100K cash, offered by the F.B.I. and Kash with a K Patel for Tyler Robinsons dad who provided the tip that on the suspect who is his son. Brutal, unrestrained, and pyrrhic Unrest that dehumanizes all is cultivated so many misguided and uninformed ideologically driven yet unsupportable in a rational law and order, order is all that those who demand to control the order of the line waiting to enter the Thunderdome where a busted deal for due process means that only THOSE people face the fixed Wheel. Mission creeps to Uncivil Civil War sowing seeds and sprinting the reaping too often walked path of constant violence alongside devoted acolytes from all directions of extreme..Voracious cults-of personality Unsated, openly demand sanguinary vendettas quenched. Rhetorical strife and disagreeable ideas are acceptable justifications for laying waste to enemies. PREVIOUSLY On The Canceled Reality show we called reality Investigative Agencies had to at least appear as though they were Impartial.NEXT TIME STREAMING via ANTI-TRUTH ANTI-SOCIAL TRUMP-MERICA, This is The New NormalA bizarre Kash Patel comment could derail Kirk killer prosecution: legal expert (OR NOT says OCHELLI, you are thinking of Communist America AKA Weekend at Joey Bidens featuring poorly trained Zobie ventriloquist COMMUNIST-ALA Harris)https://www.rawstory.com/charlie-kirk-2673991437/?u=548ad90c0e879f774930a38769d4007f7f715717dcbc8d92c81bf7e7b4875523So Leaders can mislead and declare that YOUR Enemy Forfeits value granted by virtue of their creation. They are the OTHER, and ONLY Scotched earth is allowed to remain in the wake of retribution. Excuses for deciding a scale of value where 99% of the Populus is convinced that deaths of some fathers are acceptable thus worthy of righteous recidivism as humanity commits it's most consistent collective habitual human on human crime.War or the crime against humanity that humanity insists upon requiring Extrajudicial and extra moral injustice where many fathers are needlessly slaughtered. Demon O Crats and Con Man preservatives speak of thoughts, prayers, Empathy, and how murder is unacceptable. They are ALL lying and so are the exuberant followers parroting the full spectrum of media mouthpiece fallacies are enacting a silent agenda where a checklist to obtain permission to disregard the human right to be exists. Once enough boxes are ticked, the verdict is NOT TO BE, and there is no question of what the show trial must show, even if the criteria is not close to a true capital offense. EXAMPLE of a FAKE NEWS Mouthpiece :Meathead CuomoAppearing liberal, slowly converting to MAGA after being fired by CNN for Creep Policing and acting as a lawyer to be his brother's creeper keeper claiming journalistic integrity.Pals with other outdated propagandists, living on a newer Christian Broadcasting entity that has it preferred propaganda masked by trademark NEWSNATIONBlessed with turn key Indie media slots to artificially generated book sales and sponsors paying off like hosts have Polaroids of CEOS eating their own children, while carrying Trump's water like Chris is in a foot race with Smerconish. Disgraced former Limbaugh Wannabe, O'Reilly and the double fake actual DEI add-on Post-sold soul Geraldo Rivera staring as the empty avatar after revealing integrity more vacant than a Capone vault who's last acts of journalism were allowing the world to see the Zapruder film and making his T.V. NEWS bones broadcasting the horror of soon-to-be-rebooted lunatic asylums if the 47th POTUS gets his agenda fully implemented are consistent Cuomo cohorts.A guy I don't want to believe is as meat headed as he appears and perhaps only plays one on TV is one less capatosta ensuring no Italian POTUS in my Lifetime is often revealing my hopes to be unrealistic, inspires me to comment on his blessed social media and content platforms sections with text resembling this recent addition to his YouTube comments section:disingenuousadjectivedis·in·gen·u·ous ˌdis-in-ˈjen-yə-wəs lacking in candora false appearance of simple franknessBugiarduni:Insinceru:Cristoforo Otherwise you'd stop propping up O'Reily and that team and work with people outside the Left/Right trap you've contributed to with every platform you've infected and amplify people who speak to the paradigm in America that fake Christians represent and the non-liberal left falsely advocate for, which is that Abuse and ending of life is ok with the proper justification , political, social, etc. boil it down and that's what actual INDIE media have been struggling to have heard for my entire 50+ years . Millions of content creators and if you searched you'd find a dozen Americans maybe, you never acknowledged the 100 you could have across your career either. Prove THAT wrong and you'd be something unique (END COMMENT)response to:Chris Cuomo on the Fallout From Charlie Kirk's Murderhttps://youtu.be/yihdmkgzOVw?si=YapgCW9zsh7RLwKP---Iran-Contra figures Oliver North and Fawn Hall secretly marry 40 years after scandal: report https://nypost.com/2025/09/09/us-news/iran-contra-figures-oliver-north-and-fawn-hall-secretly-marry-40-years-after-scandal-report/#Russia 'deliberately targeted' Poland's airspace, Sikorski sayshttps://kyivindependent.com/russia-deliberately-targeted-polands-airspace-sikorski-says/Trump sparks health fears at 9/11 event as one side of face 'completely drops'Yet again, rumours are swirling about the US president's health following his latest appearance at the Pentagon Memorial near Washington on the anniversary of 9/11https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/trump-sparks-health-fears-911-35889605Bob Menendez's wife says she was ex-senator's ‘puppet' as she gets 4½ years in prison for briberyhttps://apnews.com/article/nadine-menendez-bribery-sentencing-egyptian-government-04f87a7e5eea1d9afb8da1b00067f77a?Poland downs drones in its airspace, becoming first NATO member to fire during war in Ukrainehttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/poland-downs-drones-its-airspace-becoming-first-nato-member-fire-during-war-2025-09-10/---I hope that he was going to be found guilty, I would imagine, and IBE THE EFFECTListen/Chat on the Sitehttps://ochelli.com/listen-live/TuneInhttp://tun.in/sfxkxAPPLEhttps://music.apple.com/us/station/ochelli-com/ra.1461174708Ochelli Link Treehttps://linktr.ee/chuckochelliAnything is a blessing if you have the meansWithout YOUR support we go silent.---NOVEMBER IN DALLAS LANCER CONFERENCEDISCOUNT FOR YOU10 % OFF code = Ochelli10https://assassinationconference.com/Coming SOON Room Discount Details The Fairmont Dallas hotel 1717 N Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. easy access to Dealey Plaza
**NOTE: This podcast episode began recording while suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was still at-large. While Michael was recording this (and live on YouTube), the news broke that President Trump announced that a suspect was in custody.** Is America entering a new and dangerous phase? Peggy Noonan argues the assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point, one that could reverberate in troubling ways. Michael discusses her column and today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Do you agree with Peggy Noonan: The assassination of Charlie Kirk feels different... like a hinge point... that is going to reverberate in new dark ways?" Listen here, then vote. And, please rate and review this podcast.
Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter) — a piece that captures the intensity of America's overheated political climate. After wrestling with the heaviness of the moment, he shifts gears to lighten things up with a conversation on film. Joined by Daniel Fienberg, chief TV critic of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael dives into their list of the 25 greatest sports movies of all time. From Rocky to Slapshot, Hoosiers to Caddyshack, they debate the classics, defend the surprises, and argue over what really belongs in the top tier. It's an episode that moves from sobering reflection to cinematic joy — capturing both the weight of our times and the relief of a good escape. Original air date 12 September 2025.
On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America's toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very angry social media reaction to him), and the deeper issues he believes are fueling a “sick” and polarized nation. From the dangers of jumping to conclusions to the role of isolation, technology, and fractured communities, Michael ties the moment to the themes he's been raising for years: the urgent need for engagement, empathy, and connection. Balancing remembrance of September 11, 2001 with analysis of September 11, 2025 — listen to this conversation conversation about grief, anger, division, and whether there's still a path back to unity.
A viral moment at a Phillies game has the internet fired up — but should we just leave “Phillies Karen” alone? In today's episode, Michael dives deep into the debate surrounding a now-infamous ballpark incident involving a woman dubbed “Phillies Karen.” From listener calls and powerful personal stories to reflections on empathy and cancel culture, this discussion goes far beyond a viral clip. Plus, Michael shares a moving passage from Patti Davis about Ronald Reagan and the timeless lesson of kindness — and ties it all together with a must-watch Chick-fil-A training video that might just change how you see the world.
In this episode, Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question: Which is more politically damaging to Donald Trump — his denial of involvement in the Epstein birthday video, or the greeting itself? With approval ratings, looming elections, and other elements to worry about, every headline counts. Michael breaks down the implications, public reactions, and what this strange controversy reveals about modern political optics. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com! And please rate and review this podcast.
Michael explores today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should the New York Times have revealed a secret 2019 Navy SEALs operation in North Korea?" He doesn't share his final answer here yet — because he still has more questions, for when on today's radio program on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 he speaks with Dave Philipps at the New York Times about this story, and he'll get those answers. Join the conversation as he weighs the public's right to know against national security concerns.
Michael Smerconish delivers a commentary from the Philadelphia suburbs discussing the gap between life perception and reality, particularly in the context of college education and the American Dream. He explores the realities most American college students face, emphasizing that a majority do not experience the 'traditional' four-year residential college experience. Smerconish connects this theme to political divides, noting how educational backgrounds correlate with political affiliations. Smerconish incorporates views from professionals like economist Neil Mahoney and politicians like Doug Sosnick, highlighting economic concerns and shifts in voter demographics. The narrative also brings in perspectives on America's strengths and optimism as expressed by figures like Jim Van Dehi and Tim Warrens, advocating that the American Dream, while challenged, is still alive. The script transitions into a conversation on modern childhood, discussing 'helicopter parenting' and advocating for greater childhood independence via insights from Lenore Skenazy, who promotes the 'Free Range Kids' movement. Finally, the segment touches on the poll question of whether the American Dream still holds true, revealing a more optimistic view from Smerconish's audience compared to a national survey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In today's episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. military conduct lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters without a formal declaration of war? Plus, new developments in the Epstein investigation stir strange political alliances: hear how yesterday's poll turned out as well.
A violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago leaves nearly 60 shot and 8 dead — should the National Guard be sent in? Michael Smerconish explores Trump's controversial proposal and its shaky legal footing. That's the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question. Plus, on yesterday's poll question, a heated debate over tax-free tips for certain workers, and the shocking possibility of January 6 rioters receiving government compensation.
Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to DJs, he unpacks the 68 jobs newly exempt under Trump's proposed “no tax on tips” plan. Michael shares his own tipping experiences and explains why he thinks this policy might do more harm than good. A must-listen debate on fairness, wages, and the future of tipping in America. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com!
In this episode, Michael Smerconish discusses the implications of California possibly following Texas in mid-decade redistricting, challenging the state's independent redistricting commission. He examines the polarization driven by gerrymandering and self-sorting, and the potential consequences for the 2026 midterms. Smerconish also hosts election analyst David Wasserman to analyze the political landscape if California's initiative to abandon its independent commission succeeds. The show shifts to a discussion on social trends, including Americans' declining party culture, reduced alcohol consumption, and the impact of isolating behaviors. Randy Carter shares his experience from the 1965 A-TEAM program, highlighting the tough realities of manual labor and its modern implications. The episode wraps up with a contentious debate over Jeffrey Epstein's death and a call for more social mingling to address increasing societal polarization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gerrymandering is bad. But self-sorting? It might be the silent force doing even more damage to American democracy. In today's episode, Michael Smerconish dives into California's surprising move to potentially dismantle its independent redistricting commission—a system once hailed as the national model for fairness and transparency. Why now? What's driving this shift? Should California abandon its independent redistricting commission? Vote Now at Smerconish.com
The numbers are in—and they're brutal. In today's episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks what the data reveals—and just as importantly, what it doesn't. Democrats have lost ground to Republicans in every single state that tracks party registration—an eye-popping 4.5 million voter swing since 2020. Why are so many Americans abandoning the Democratic Party? Michael lays out six possible explanations. His choice is surprising; what's yours? Go cast your ballot at Smerconish.com.
Michael dives deep into today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should President Trump commit to deploying U.S. troops alongside those of European nations to provide security to Ukraine once hostilities have ended?" With major diplomatic moves unfolding and Europe pushing for security guarantees, Michael breaks down what's at stake, why this moment matters, and what the public really thinks. All this just after the "Alaska Summit" on Friday between Trump and Putin, and before Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington, DC today. Listen here, then vote, and rate and review this podcast!
Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it's not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were voting before listening to this episode...it's important, eye-opening, and isolating: Drawing from new Gallup data, cultural commentary, and The “Mingle Project,” he argues that a growing lack of social connection is to blame. Plus, reflections on the Ukraine war, the Trump-Putin summit. A must-listen on loneliness, polarization, and what we've lost in a screen-bound society.
Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From Trump's National Guard plan in DC to a groundbreaking academic paper, this episode dives deep into whether our justice system is prioritizing the wrong solutions. With insights from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and scholarly work you've probably never heard of, this is one you don't want to miss. Listen here, then rate and review the podcast, and vote at smerconish.com!
Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return all the territory it has seized since the 2022 invasion? With peace talks possibly on the horizon, he explores the harsh realities behind public sentiment, Gallup polling, and what Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. may have to compromise. Plus, thoughts on Trump, Zelensky, and whether a “win” is even possible.
A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan's emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legality in America. Listen here, then head over to Smerconish.com and let us know your thoughts.
Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it's happening, and how you can find out if you live in a distorted district. Prompted by today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com (“Do you live in a gerrymandered legislative district?”), this episode offers a clear, engaging primer on political redistricting, the history behind it, and the real-life consequences playing out in places like Texas. Plus, hear Michael's thoughts on how fair maps could actually work — and why that's such a rare outcome. Listen here, and please share, rate, and review this podcast!
Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how they are shutting the door on political canvassers. With stories of incivility, political violence, and societal disconnect, Michael explores what it means to engage (or not engage) with politics today, starting at your own front door! Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks: Do you open your door to a political canvasser?
Michael broadcasts from Boston ahead of his speech to the National Conference of State Legislators, reflecting on political violence, viral poll results, and a provocative question at Smerconish.com today: "Would you support a reduced sentence for Ghislaine Maxwell if her testimony resulted in the conviction of other sex offenders?" Plus, why her recent transfer to a low-security facility could signal something bigger — and what it means in the Trump-era political landscape.
CNN Michael Smerconish gives Democrats some advice on how to respond to Trump's recent accomplishments. Then, Rahm Emanuel, the former Ambassador to Japan and Chicago Mayor, weighs in on how Democrats should attack President Trump's policies. Also on the show, Washington Post National Health Reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham joins Michael Smerconish to discuss how the Trump administration is considering expanding healthcare coverage for weight loss drugs. And, Free Press Reporter Maya Sulkin shares new reporting about hateful comments the late Blackstone director is receiving online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today's poll question dives into a surprisingly nostalgic and controversial topic: Should we reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools? Michael takes a trip down memory lane—from pizza days and posture checks at Doyle Elementary to the shower policies of junior high PE classes—and unpacks how the fitness test became a cultural milestone. With Trump advocating for its return ahead of America's semi quincentennial, and critics arguing it promotes outdated standards, Michael explores both sides of the debate. Cast your vote today at Smerconish.com
Last episode from the old studio! Michael Smerconish chastises me about moving mugs and talks about the changes!
Kamala Harris has bowed out of a California gubernatorial bid; but does that mean she's all-in for a 2028 presidential run? In today's episode, Michael Smerconish digs into the strategic moves (and missed opportunities) behind the former VP's decision and explores why her path to the Democratic nomination is anything but clear. From age dynamics to her vetting of 2028 rivals like Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore, Smerconish unpacks the political chessboard — and makes a bold prediction. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com.
Michael Smerconish dives into the controversial question dominating today's poll: Will President Trump offer clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell? Drawing from recent headlines, listener feedback, and a compelling essay by former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, Michael unpacks Maxwell's chilling role in Epstein's abuse network, her potential offer to testify before Congress—but only if granted a pardon—and the mounting contradictions in Trump's public statements. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com.
President Trump's tariffs were marketed as a bold move to protect American jobs and level the global playing field. The big question remains: On balance, are President Trump's tariffs helping or hurting the U.S. economy? Michael Smerconish examines the real economic impact of Trump's tariffs — from farmers and factory floors to consumers at the checkout line. Are these tariffs a strategic win or a costly misfire? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com.
For today's daily poll question, Michael Smerconish asks: Should states ever engage in mid-decade redistricting? With political power, representation, and control hanging in the balance, this episode unpacks the explosive implications of redrawing maps outside the normal 10-year census cycle. Is it a necessary correction—or a dangerous political weapon? Tune in for the deeper truth behind today's poll and how your vote could shape the debate. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com.
France just became the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine as a state. Should the U.S. follow suit? Michael Smerconish breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reflects on the potential global consequences of inaction. Plus, a follow-up to yesterday's poll question on President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden's explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully crafted PR move? Michael dives deep into Hunter's comments on his father, addiction, politics, and the controversies surrounding the Biden family. That is the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks you "Based on whatever you've read or watched of Hunter Biden's interviews this week, do you mostly agree with him?" Listen here, then vote!
Michael dives into today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington's football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down yesterday's viral poll on Stephen Colbert's cancellation — was it politics or just poor ratings? Tune in for sharp insight, history, humor, and the politics of distraction.
Jamie Weinstein is joined by Michael Smerconish, host of SiriusXM's The Michael Smerconish Program and CNN's Smerconish, to discuss the state of centrism and the future of the Republican Party. The Agenda:—Centrism in 2025—Third-party viability—Government efficiency—The role of media in political division—Trump's Epstein problem—Trump's letter to Epstein—Republicans in 2028 The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael tackles today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled: Ratings/Revenue, or Politics?" Was it a strategic move to cut financial losses—or a political play tied to Trump and the Paramount-Skydance merger? Michael shares his take, backed by reporting from The Atlantic, Nielsen, and more. Plus, a recap of recent poll results on Ukraine missile support, masked ICE agents, and whether the public will ever see the alleged Trump birthday letter to Epstein. Listen for insight and nuance here - then vote! And please rate, review, and share this podcast.
Should Ukraine be given missiles that can reach Moscow? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com - Michael dives in and breaks down the geopolitical stakes, shares insights from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis (who says yes, BUT...), and reflects on public opinion around U.S. support for Ukraine. Plus, a check in on what we talked about in yesterday's podcast - the big action to help independent voters in Pennsylvania.
Michael explains why he is one of the lead plaintiffs in a Pennsylvania lawsuit that could (and should) shake up elections moving forward, and lays out the legal, personal, and political case. The filing urges the PA state Supreme Court to overturn the commonwealth's closed primary system, arguing it unconstitutionally denies nearly 1.4 million unaffiliated voters a voice in critical elections. Michael's answer to today's Smerconish.com poll question is "HELL YES": Should the nation's millions of registered Independent voters be able to vote in primary elections? Listen here, then vote!
Michael dives deep into today's fiery poll question: Will Jeffrey Epstein cause a significant and permanent rupture in Donald Trump's standing with his base? With insight from powerful essays by Jonathan Chait and Philip Bump, Michael explores how conspiracy thinking, political loyalty, and Trump's own ties to Epstein are colliding in a way that even MAGA may not ignore. Is this finally a tipping point — or just another flash in the pan? Tune in for analysis, context, and your chance to weigh in at Smerconish.com when you go and vote after listening! Also, please rate, review, and share this podcast.
Michael Smerconish dives into today's sizzling poll question: Do you believe Jeffrey Epstein had a list of powerful men involved in his alleged sex trafficking operations? With MAGA influencers turning on President Trump and the DOJ after them saying no list exists, Michael unpacks the media spin, David French's NYT piece ("MAGA Tears Itself Apart Over Jeffrey Epstein" Jul. 13), and Tina Brown's eyebrow-raising commentary at the Free Press ("MAGA is Right About Jeffrey Epstein" Jul. 11). Was there ever a black book — or is this just political theater? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com. And please rate and review this podcast!
Today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll asks: “Russia vs. Ukraine: Is this the beginning of the end—or the end of the beginning?” Michael dives into this critical moment in the war, examining Trump's evolving position on arming Ukraine, the political risks he's navigating, and what Putin's long game might really be. From shifting GOP views to NATO backchannels, it's a moment that may redefine the conflict. Plus, a quick look back at yesterday's hot-button poll on the $1000 Trump Accounts for babies. Listen here, then vote, and please rate and review AND share this podcast!
Michael dives into a hot-button issue with today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should religious leaders be permitted to endorse political candidates in churches and other religious centers without losing their tax-exempt status? The IRS just made a quiet but potentially seismic shift — is this a free speech win or a threat to the separation of church and state? Plus, a look back at yesterday's poll question results on the alarming study on the decline of children's health in America.
A new study conducted by a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a deeply troubling reality: children in the United States are facing worse health outcomes than their peers in other high-income nations—across nearly every indicator. Michael Smerconish breaks down the findings with insight, urgency, and a bit of personal reflection. From chronic conditions and gun violence to mental health, poverty, and policy failures, this episode dives deep into why America is falling short. This is the premise for today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Why do U.S. children have comparatively worse health outcomes? Listen here, then vote there!
God's Debris: The Complete Works, Amazon https://tinyurl.com/GodsDebrisCompleteWorksFind my "extra" content on Locals: https://ScottAdams.Locals.comContent:Politics, Hawthorne Effect, Waking Mood Study, Hormone Blockers, NYC Rental Conversions, Khamenei Speculation, Alien Encounters Briefing, Smerconish, Trump Wins List, Holiday Fuel Prices, Torsten Slok, Trump Tariffs Success, CA Democrat Donors, Kamala Harris, Anti-Netanyahu Lawfare, Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid Funding, Chuck Schumer, Ric Edelman Bitcoin, Tom Fitton, China Fake Driver Licenses, Climate Change Decline, RFK Jr., Chronic Disease Funding, Scott Adams~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots of useful topics to build your talent stack, please see scottadams.locals.com for full access to that secret treasure.
On today's TGIF edition, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest Smerconish.com poll: Will voters who shifted away from Democrats in 2024 return to the party anytime soon? With fresh data from Pew Research, Michael unpacks surprising demographic trends—from Latino voters moving right, to young voter drop-offs, to the impact of Democratic socialism in NYC. Plus: a lighthearted detour into a ChatGPT evaluation of Smerconish... as president.
Michael dives into today's provocative Smerconish.com poll question: "Is the nomination of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of NYC a winning model for Democrats nationwide?" In this episode, he dissects the stunning upset in New York's Democratic mayoral primary and explores what it reveals about the Democratic Party's internal tensions, the power of progressive messaging, and the establishment's growing disconnect. Is Mamdani's victory a blueprint—or a liability—for Democrats on the national stage? Tune in for insight, analysis, and a few surprising historical parallels.
Michael dives into today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Will we ever know the true impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites? With conflicting reports from Trump, the Pentagon, Israeli intel, and intercepted Iranian communications, the picture remains murky. Was it a crushing blow or just a temporary setback? Listen here, then vote! And please leave a rating and review of this podcast.
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.
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.
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 hormone therapy for minors seeking to transition to match their gender identity?" And, listen to this timely, thoughtful conversation on law, identity, and American values.
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.
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 violence against lawmakers. A must-listen for anyone following the 2025 (and even 2028) political drama.