Claim OwnershipThe Smerconish Podcast
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Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
1783 Episodes
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which statement do you agree with most? A) Israel compelled the US to act against Iran. B) The US compelled Israel to act against Iran. C) Iran's actions triggered US and Israeli responses."
After nearly 40,000 votes yesterday on whether force against Iran should end, a new question emerges: who actually drove the decision to strike? Secretary Rubio suggested Israel was poised to act. Speaker Johnson echoed that framing. Prime Minister Netanyahu cited an urgent, existential threat. Then President Trump said he may have forced Israel’s hand. With fresh Axios reporting adding new timeline details, Michael walks through the conflicting narratives and asks the key question—who compelled whom, and why now? Listen here, then vote! And please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The conversation also explores the Clintons’ depositions, the timeline of what people knew (and when), and whether the public release of millions of documents is serving justice or fueling indiscriminate shaming.
Where’s the line between legitimate accountability and reputational destruction? And what lessons — if any — have we learned from past eras of public overreach?
Find Joe Nocera at The Free Press.
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "When should the use of force against Iran end? a) Now; b) When Iran’s military and nukes are neutralized; c)When Iran’s regime changes; or d) Both B and C."
As new polling shows most Americans oppose military action against Iran, the White House and its allies argue the strike was preemptive and defensive—designed to prevent greater casualties if Israel were attacked. Michael breaks down fresh data, examines the administration’s justification, and questions whether the U.S. faced a direct imminent threat or acted to shield Israel from one. Listen here and cast your vote to join the debate, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The US attacked Iran - now on Day 3 of the deadly conflict, Michael turns to one of the nation’s most experienced military leaders for clarity. Retired 4-star Admiral James Stavridis — former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO — breaks down why the strike happened now, what the true objective may be (regime change? nuclear deterrence? weakening Iran’s proxies?), and whether Iran is stronger than we’ve been led to believe. They discuss the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the role of Russia and China, how NATO allies are reacting, and whether the Iranian people could ultimately determine the outcome. Then, callers weigh in — raising constitutional concerns about congressional authorization, debating President Trump’s leadership, and questioning whether America has a clear endgame.
Is this the start of regime collapse — or another prolonged Middle East conflict? Original air date 2 March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Agree or disagree: The Epstein fallout is now more about guilt by association than guilt by deeds."
As millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein become public, prominent figures are resigning, apologizing, and facing reputational ruin — often without charges or proven wrongdoing. Michael examines whether the national reaction has crossed from accountability into indiscriminate shaming. Are we abandoning the presumption of innocence in favor of public cancellation? With references to past DOJ norms, media scrutiny, and historical lessons from the McCarthy era, this episode asks whether knowing Epstein is being treated as equivalent to criminal conduct — and what that means for due process in America. Listen in, then vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Hear Ben and Michael break down:
The GOP civil war between establishment and MAGA
The brutal Cornyn ad targeting Paxton’s personal life
Why Trump hasn’t endorsed (and whether he will)
Democrats’ unexpected strategy to win back young men
And whether “bro politics” and religious messaging can flip Texas
Is this race headed for a runoff? Can moderation survive the primaries? And in 2026, does infidelity even matter to voters anymore? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Does the value of transparency from release of the Epstein files outweigh the risks of spreading unverified accusations?" As new revelations surface — including missing FBI interview summaries tied to allegations involving President Trump — the debate intensifies over what the public deserves to see. With Bill and Hillary Clinton testifying, selective document releases raising eyebrows, and legal scholars warning about the dangers of dumping raw investigative material, Michael examines the tension between transparency and reputational harm. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Did you see the "Trump Train" coming? Michael didn’t — and neither did Barack Obama’s inner circle. Drawing from newly released oral history interviews on the Obama presidency, Michael explores how top advisers like David Axelrod, Jen Psaki, and Jon Favreau underestimated Donald Trump’s political rise. From the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner roast to the escalator announcement in 2015, this episode revisits the moments many dismissed — and asks why so many got it wrong. Plus, SiriusXM’s Steve Scully joins the conversation with a behind-the-scenes account of that infamous Correspondents’ Dinner — including what was happening off-camera as Trump reacted in real time. Could it all....happen again? Listen in, then rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 26 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Democrats have stood in agreement at the State of the Union when President Trump said the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens?"
Michael revisits the most buzzed-about moment of the State of the Union — when President Trump challenged lawmakers to stand if they agreed with that principle, and Democrats largely remained seated. Was it smart politics, calculated stagecraft, or an obvious trap? Michael examines whether Democrats made a political misstep — and whether the exchange will matter with independents heading into the midterms. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to break down President Trump’s State of the Union address — from the viral “stand up” immigration moment to the pivot on affordability, the Supreme Court swipe, and a late warning shot toward Iran. Was it a unifying speech, a midterm campaign kickoff, or pure political theater? Michael and Mark analyze Trump’s disciplined delivery, his strategic framing of immigration and the economy, and the maneuver that put Democrats in a made-for-TV bind. Plus: what the Iran comments could signal ahead of high-stakes negotiations. Listen in, and please rate, review and share this podcast. Original air date 25 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should an individual's Google searches be private?"
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling says you may not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in your general Google searches—especially if you haven’t taken steps like using a VPN. Michael breaks down the controversial “reverse keyword warrant” that allows police to ask Google who searched for specific terms tied to a crime. Is typing into a search bar the same as voluntarily sharing information with a third party? Or does this decision erode a fundamental privacy right in the digital age? Listen in, then vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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On the eve of the State of the Union, Michael sits down with Yahoo News national politics reporter Andrew Romano to preview what President Trump may say in what could be one of his longest addresses yet. With approval ratings hovering in the high 30s, independents slipping away, and major issues looming — Iran, tariffs, immigration, inflation, and a Supreme Court setback — can Trump use the moment to reset the narrative? After the interview, Michael breaks down the latest polling from Yahoo, CNN, ABC, and NPR and takes calls from listeners reacting to the state of the country — and the state of the presidency. Is the State of the Union strong? The numbers suggest a nation deeply divided. Original air date 24 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Where would you like to see the USA gold medal winning men's and women's hockey teams present at tonight's State of the Union?"
Fresh off Olympic gold in Milan, Team USA hockey is riding a rare wave of national unity—but should that moment take center stage at a deeply partisan State of the Union? Michael explores whether inviting the men’s and women’s teams honors a shared American triumph or risks turning sports into political theater. With protests already planned and memories of past SOTU disruptions still fresh, this episode examines decorum, tradition, and the enduring power of sports to bring Americans together—even when politics pulls them apart. Listen here, then vote, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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1Is the United States on the brink of striking Iran?
Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to break down President Trump’s options—from diplomacy and cyber operations to limited precision strikes and the possibility of “shock and awe.” With massive U.S. forces already deployed, has America ever prepared this much firepower without pulling the trigger? Then, listeners weigh in—including sailors and submariners who describe the real-life toll of extended deployments: missed funerals, months without sunlight, and the strain on military families. A powerful conversation about war planning, presidential decision-making, and the human cost of staying ready. Original air date 23 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should licensed broadcast radio and television stations have to give equal time to competing political candidates?" A Stephen Colbert interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has reignited debate over the FCC’s nearly century-old equal time rule. After CBS lawyers raised concerns about triggering the regulation, Colbert cried foul — and the controversy exploded online. Michael breaks down what the rule actually says, how it differs from the Fairness Doctrine, and whether “spectrum scarcity” still justifies government oversight in today’s media landscape. Is this selective enforcement, political pressure, or simply the law being applied? And in an era of unlimited media choices, should balanced coverage be the government’s job — or ours? Listen here, then vote, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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As mentioned in this episode, listen to Book Club With Michael Smerconish: Andy Webb, author of "DIANARAMA."
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the use of profanity in politics refreshing or overdone?"
From a new Illinois Senate ad repeating “F Trump” to a long list of Democrats and Republicans casually dropping f-bombs, political language has undeniably shifted. Michael examines whether this trend reflects authenticity in an unfiltered era—or a calculated attempt to seem relatable. Listen here, then vote - and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is that rule — and why is it suddenly back in the headlines?
Michael speaks with Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard to break down the difference between the Equal Time Rule and the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine — and why the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr appears to be taking a fresh look at enforcement.
Does the Equal Time Rule apply to late-night comedy shows? Why could Colbert air the interview on YouTube but not on broadcast television? And if this rule is enforced, what does it mean for terrestrial radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and others? After his conversation with Kinnard, Michael has a lively conversation with the audience about free speech, fairness, media silos, and whether the marketplace — not Washington — should decide. Original air date 19 February 2026. Like what you're hearing? Please rate, review, and share this podcast, and to hear more, listen to The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "The U.S. should strike Iran: a) To eliminate its nuclear capability, b) To change its leadership, c) Both, d) Neither."
With U.S. aircraft carriers deployed and reports of escalating military positioning in the Middle East, Michael asks whether America is closer to striking Iran than most realize. If Iranian nuclear facilities were previously described as “obliterated,” why is new action on the table? And what would regime change actually look like — especially given lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan? Featuring insights from Admiral James Stavridis and a look at Iranian public sentiment, Michael questions whether the case for military action has truly been made — and whether the public is paying attention. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The poll questions were all devised by financial organizations or researchers. What if the studies were more comprehensive and looked at the happiness increases associated with friends or creativity or family or meaning or health? Would 30% more friends make people happier? Would 20% more exercise? 10% more creative pursuits? A larger family? What about time?
Ramaswamy? What a Nazi, he wants to disenfrancise millions of voters?? Between Trump and this guy, it is disturbing that CNN is giving the oxygen of publicity to fascist extremists.
Until this interview I considered Smerconish knowledgeable of history. Liberation of what? Man this was disappointing.
6 headlines crammed between 60 commercials in under 25 minutes. Thanks, but no thanks.
Hi.. my opinion is that the government should issue at the age of adulthood to every citizen.. 1 rifle 1 shotgun 1 pistol any other firearms are may not be used or sold.. getting rid of current stock beguns now
The 13% that said "no" should be deported to an island of nazis.
How the fuck does an Admiral and scholar like this have the absolute poorest audio quality ever. Get a microphone folks. A real one.