Podcast
Smerconish on CNN
Hosted by CNN Podcasts · EN
Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Operation Venezuela: A Day with Global Ramifications
Jan 300:44:59Tap to summarizeCNN Breaking News: US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolas MaduroIn this CNN breaking news segment, it is reported that the United States, under President Trump's orders, conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela that led to the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as grave military aggression, and explosions were reported in multiple regions. Expert commentary includes a military analysis by Admiral James Stavridis, discussions on the potential legal outcomes for Maduro in US courts, and insights into the geopolitical and regional reactions. The segment also explores the potential aftermath for Venezuela and the broader implications of the operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →The Unraveling of the Epstein Files
Dec 2000:43:39Tap to summarizeFormer federal prosecutor Anush Kori joins to discuss five rules for reading the Epstein files and the challenges faced in the redaction process. The episode further explores the divisive nature of the topic, the social media reactions, and the broader implications on public trust and accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →The Great Wealth Transfer: A Tide of Change
Dec 1300:44:37Tap to summarizeThis episode delves into the socio-economic and political implications of the upcoming Great Wealth Transfer, which predicts that up to $124 trillion will be handed down from Baby Boomers and older generations to Gen X and Millennials. Additionally, the episode discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets and the importance of federal regulations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Justice and Inequality: The Impact of Fame on Drug Prosecution
Dec 600:44:24Tap to summarizeMichael Smerconish discusses the disparity in how drug-related deaths are treated depending on the fame of the victim, highlighting cases like Matthew Perry and Michael K. Williams, where the suppliers were severely punished. He contrasts this with the relative lack of action for the vast majority of Americans who die from drug overdoses each year. The segment also covers the legal and moral implications of using military force against drug traffickers, referencing a controversial September 2nd attack on a drug trafficking vessel. Smerconish advocates for transparency and full investigation of the incident. Admiral James Stavridis joins to discuss the potential misuse of lethal force and the importance of adhering to legal and moral standards. The latter part of the show shifts to the concept of wealth and poverty in America, questioning what constitutes wealth in today's economy, especially as inflation and living costs rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Smerconish: Art of the Denial
Jul 19, 2025Tap to summarizeCNN Michael Smerconish unpacks the bombshell Wall Street Journal reporting on the alleged birthday letter President Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein. And, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig weighs in on President Trump's latest legal battle with The Wall Street Journal. Then, Political Science Professor Seth Masket and Senior Vice-President of Open Primaries Jeremy Gruber join Michael Smerconish to debate the benefits and drawbacks of open primaries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also, California Democratic Congressman Lou Correa weighs in on the latest debate of ICE agents wearing masks during arrests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Smerconish: A Sad, New Normalcy
Dec 21, 2024Tap to summarizeCNN Michael Smerconish looks back at other memorials from tragic deaths and asks if others will memorialize the UnitedHealth CEO. NYU Stern Business School Professor Scott Galloway shares his take on the public condemnation towards the healthcare industry after a suspect shot and killed UnitedHealth's CEO Brian Thompson. Two New Jersey state representatives are asking the federal government to step in and take down these drones to understand their origin. ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt addresses the legal and ethical challenges of whether undocumented migrants could be arrested at schools, places of worship, and domestic violence centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →New Report Warns of "Near-term Major War"
Sep 21, 2024Tap to summarizeMichael Smerconish and Richard Clarke, a former White House counterterrorism coordinator, discuss the looming global threats facing the U.S. while the presidential race is saturated with salacious headlines. Corey Lewandowski, a senior Trump campaign official, addresses the latest scandal involving North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. A Purdue University Political Science professor and AI expert finds that politicians can benefit from blaming AI for real scandals instead of apologizing. A national campaign tested "mobile voting" for a few military families across the country and saw an increase in voter turnout. The pilot program is now advocating for all Americans to cast their ballots through their phones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →