Podcasts about smerconish

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.

Retired Adm. James Stavridis and New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger join CNN Michael Smerconish to weigh in on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.  Then, Smerconish argues why it's impractical and morally wrong to deport the roughly 10 million undocumented immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, committed no violent crimes, and became productive members of society. Later, Rep. Byron Donalds debates Smerconish on Trump's ICE raids. Finally, Ben Sherwood, author of "Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that could save your life" explains why sitting within five rows of an emergency exit on a plane may have helped the passenger in seat 11A survive the deadly Air India plane crash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

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.

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 revealing episode. Listen, then cast your vote, and please rate and review this podcast!

Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada's expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolute expert on this subject. A deeply thought-provoking episode on autonomy, suffering, and the boundaries of compassion.

Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it's about who we hire, why we hire, and what it says about us. Listen, then cast your own vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review this podcast!

Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud, their mutual vulnerabilities, and why a truce might be on the horizon. Listen in for Michael's insider commentary on today's sizzling poll question, and the political and business stakes of this heavyweight clash. Then head to Smerconish.com and vote on the question: "Who could inflict the most damage to the other: Musk or Trump?"

Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S. colleges reduce foreign enrollment to better preserve American social mobility and promote national unity?" Drawing on a provocative New York Times essay by Princeton professor David Bell, he explores the complex trade-offs behind foreign student enrollment—from economic benefits and global prestige to issues of fairness, access, and national cohesion. Is it time to rebalance the system in favor of American students? Or is limiting foreign enrollment a mistake? Don't just vote—listen first. Then, head to Smerconish.com to cast your ballot.

Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump's major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and more. Musk calls it a ‘disgusting abomination.' Has the billionaire, who just left his 'DOGE' position at the White House, just derailed Trump's agenda? Michael Smerconish breaks it all down, from fiscal policy to political fallout. Listen in, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Did Elon Musk just kill Trump's “big, beautiful bill”?

Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into this provocative issue, drawing on fresh polling data, recent high school sports controversies, and the political weaponization of the issue in campaign ads. It's a nuanced conversation at the intersection of athletics, civil rights, and public sentiment—don't miss it. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com!

On today's episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is being used to unfairly blame Joe Biden for Donald Trump's election?” After recently interviewing former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson about their new political thriller, Michael shares insights on the book's surprising substance—particularly Clinton's vision for tackling the national debt, tucked into a beach read. But while Smerconish zeroed in on the book's fiscal message, others focused on Clinton's comments regarding President Biden and his role in Trump's reelection. Is this new narrative fair—or a strategic rewrite of political responsibility? Listen for Michael's take, then head to Smerconish.com to vote on today's question and make your voice heard.

Michael Smerconish delves into why he's willing to give Musk and President Trump some credit for sparking a conversation about waste, fraud and abuse. Plus, Michael Smerconish speaks with entrepreneur and investor Kevin O'Leary about Elon Musk's influence on U.S. industry and politics, the future of Tesla, and DOGE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump's trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump's real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com! Listen for sharp analysis, legal insight, and—yes—a few taco jokes. Vote now at Smerconish.com.

Today's poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump's battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on the Supreme Court case over a middle school student wearing a provocative shirt.

A Massachusetts student's t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does the First Amendment protect a public middle school student's right to wear a t-shirt saying: “There Are Only Two Genders”?

It's commencement season. This year's speakers include military leaders, politicians, sports stars, celebrities, even a famous frog. They'll all be addressing many young graduates saddled with college debt and aspirations of making money.  Smerconish talks with Owen Zidar, professor of economics at Princeton regarding the secret path to wealth that no one talks about.   And, President Biden's debate performance was a turning point, but what came after? The silence, the deflections all may matter more. Which 2028 likely candidates saw the decline and said nothing, or still propped him up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, Michael dives deep into a thought-provoking question inspired by his own jury summons: Would you be more or less likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of his or her job? As part of today's poll at Smerconish.com, Michael explores the nuances behind public trust in law enforcement and shares how his own views have evolved over the years. But that's not all—this episode takes a personal turn as Michael recounts fascinating stories from his trial lawyer days, including courtroom battles involving boxing promoter Don King and the Fraternal Order of Police. Packed with legal insight, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection on the justice system, this episode is both timely and timeless.

Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times report detailing the backdoor deal, the secret talks, and the national security concerns over retrofitting the jet for presidential use. Will Trump cut corners to get in the air fast? Plus: the ethical firestorm over Trump's private dinner with crypto investors, meme coins, and the biggest questions yet about presidential pay-to-play politics. Listen to Michael's take before you head over to Smerconish.com to answer today's daily poll question: Will Donald Trump ever fly on the gifted Qatari jet as AF1 while he's still President?

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should police be permitted to use facial recognition technology in public spaces to identify and locate individuals wanted by law enforcement? Michael dives into the legal, ethical, and privacy implications of this controversial tool, sparked by a revealing Washington Post investigation and insights from a leading ACLU expert. Where should we draw the line between safety and surveillance? 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.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: "To counter Donald Trump's influence, should the Democratic Party recruit and embrace celebrity candidates?" Listen here for Michael's take, then 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.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Agree or disagree: "Most people can be trusted." Listen here for Michael's take, then 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.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Was James Comey's "86 47" social media post a threat to President Trump? Listen here for Michael's take, then 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.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should citizenship be automatically granted to those born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily? Listen here for Michael's take, then 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.

In efforts to shield President Biden from scrutiny over his health, were his aides primarily engaged in rationalization or deliberate scheming? That is today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com. Listen here for Michael's take, then 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.   

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.   

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.   

Michael Smerconish sits down with Dr. Byron Johnson of Baylor University for a thought-provoking conversation that explores groundbreaking findings from the Global Flourishing Study—the largest longitudinal research effort ever conducted on well-being, spanning 200,000 people across 22 countries. They discuss why wealthier nations like the U.S. may be falling behind in true life satisfaction, the importance of social relationships, and how isolation, technology, and the decline of in-person interaction are reshaping global happiness trends. Drawing comparisons to the well-known World Happiness Report, Johnson and Smerconish highlight how flourishing is more than just financial prosperity—it's deeply tied to relationships, meaning, and purpose: It is tied to MINGLING! An essential listen for anyone trying to understand what it really means to live a "good life" in the modern world.

Michael has three things that he's seen in the last 24 hours that bring this commentary and question he's asking to mind in this episode. It starts with a story in the New Yorker titled "Everybody is Cheating Their Way Through College", and then builds from there to get to what he's asking in today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Which is a more secure career path: College Degree or Skilled Trade? Listen to his thoughts, then 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.

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.      

Self-Deportation for Cash? President Trump's controversial idea of giving $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who volunteer to leave the country is splitting Americans and is basis of Michael's Poll Question at Smerconish.com today, asking: Should the U.S. government provide financial stipends to undocumented immigrants who volunteer to self-deport? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Will President Trump's ambivalence about upholding the Constitution cause ANY erosion of his support among Republicans? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should retailers itemize tariff surcharges on customer bills? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should charter schools with religious affiliations be eligible to receive public funds? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: If voters knew what they know 100 days into Trump 2.0, would Trump have defeated Harris? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: If a state judge helps a migrant evade federal ICE agents, should that judge be arrested and charged with obstruction and concealment? Listen to Michael explain the issue, then 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.

The war between Russia and Ukraine is top of mind today. Michael is asking you this Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is achieving peace worth the cost if it means officially ceding Crimea and other Ukraine territory to Russia? Listen to Michael explain the issue and his 'yes' vote, then 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.

Michael loves his Tesla. So listen to his take here on Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Which is more likely: Tesla recovers its brand loyalty among progressives, or conservatives embrace electric vehicles (EVs)? Listen to Michael explain the issue and his 'yes' vote, then 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.

The Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor this week, where a group of parents want to be able to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ themed lessons in school, has Michael asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should parents have the right to exempt their children from school materials that include LGBTQ+ themes? Listen to Michael explain the issue and his 'yes' vote, then 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.

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a whirlwind tour of the most pressing stories shaping Washington. From Donald Trump's surprise pivot on China and Jerome Powell that sent the markets into a tailspin, to RFK Jr.'s headline-grabbing move to phase out artificial food dyes, and JD Vance's meteoric rise as perhaps the most influential VP in modern history—nothing is off limits. Is Trump acting like a day-trader-in-chief? Why is the MAGA movement now pushing health reform? And has Pete Hegseth finally pushed things too far? Hear deep insights, sharp commentary, and a few laughs as Smerconish and Halperin break down the chaos with clarity. Original air date 23 April 2025.

Today's poll question at Smerconish.com asks: With birth rates declining in many developed nations, should governments adopt policies that actively encourage citizens to have more children? Listen to Michael lay it out, then 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.

Michael opens this episode remembering Pope Francis, who passed today at the age of 88. In an insightful commentary, he weaves into today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Will Pete Hegseth's tenure as SecDef survive reports of a second Signal breach?Listen to Michael lay it out, then 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.

Religion can be a tricky subject...while it can bring a lot of good, it can also lead to conflict, and even war. Today being Good Friday, this brings us to today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Should we hope possible life forms on exoplanet K2-18b have religious beliefs? Listen to Michael lay it out, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Does Trump benefit politically from ALL of the following: 1) fighting Harvard, 2) not facilitating return of Abrego Garcia, and 3) reducing the IRS workforce? Yes or No - Listen to Michael lay it out, then 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.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should federal funding be cut from universities like Harvard in response to perceived failures in addressing campus antisemitism? Michael's vote is No: Listen here to his explanation, then 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.