Podcast
The Smerconish Podcast
Hosted by SiriusXM · EN
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.
176episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
America's World Cup Loss Might Be Good for America
Yesterday00:25:54Tap to summarizeAfter Team USA's World Cup exit against Belgium, Michael offers a surprising reaction: disappointment, yes—but also relief. He unpacks the match, Matt Freese's heartbreaking night, the controversy surrounding Flo Balogun's reinstatement after President Trump's intervention with FIFA, and why he believes a U.S. victory might have overshadowed something even bigger. Plus, Michael explains why the real success story may be America's role as host of the World Cup—and why that matters long after the final whistle. Original air date 7 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.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Should Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo have been the end of his campaign?
Yesterday00:12:28Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Graham Platner Nazi tattoo should have been the end of his campaign.... Agree or disagree? Michael reacts to the rapid unraveling of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign amid explosive new allegations and argues that the warning signs were visible long before the latest controversy. He revisits the longstanding controversy surrounding Platner's Nazi tattoo, questions why prominent Democrats and voters overlooked it, and examines what the fallout could mean for the battle to control the U.S. Senate. Plus, Michael reflects on Team USA's World Cup exit, the Flo Balogun controversy, and why America's successful hosting of the tournament matters beyond politics. 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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →America Isn't Failing—So Why Do We Think It Is?
2d ago00:27:05Tap to summarizeAre Americans too pessimistic about America? After the July 4th holiday, Michael examines why patriotism appears to be declining despite evidence that the country continues to lead in innovation, opportunity, and generosity. He explores whether we've become conditioned to expect the worst—and takes calls from listeners on pride, politics, and what it really means to love your country. Original air date 6 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.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Should Trump have called FIFA to review the Balogun suspension?
2d ago00:12:49Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should President Trump have called FIFA to review the suspension of Flo Balogun? Michael Smerconish explains why one controversial World Cup decision has become a much larger debate about politics, sports, and presidential influence. After Team USA's Flo Balogun had his suspension overturned following President Trump's appeal to FIFA, Michael weighs whether the original red card was unjust—and whether a president should ever intervene in an international sporting decision, even for the right outcome. He also reflects on his newfound appreciation for soccer, the World Cup's global appeal, and why this controversy has sparked such a passionate response from fans around the world. Listen here, and vote at Smerconish.com! And please - 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.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Should U.S. citizenship require allegiance - or just being born here?
5d ago00:11:25Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should U.S. citizenship require allegiance or just being born here? The Supreme Court reaffirmed birthright citizenship, but Michael argues the legal ruling doesn't end the policy debate. He explains why he believes the Court correctly interpreted the Fourteenth Amendment while asking whether automatic citizenship based solely on birthplace remains the right approach. Drawing on international comparisons, Justice Samuel Alito's dissent, the naturalization process, and his own experience speaking at a citizenship ceremony, Michael explores whether American citizenship should be rooted in allegiance, consent, and commitment—or continue to be granted simply by birth on U.S. soil. 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.
Transcribe →Can Democrats and Republicans Still Be Friends? Fetterman & McCormick Say Yes
6d ago00:31:12Tap to summarizeAs America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Michael Smerconish sits down with Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick for a rare bipartisan conversation overlooking Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Democratic and Republican senators discuss patriotism, political polarization, their unlikely friendship, working across party lines, and why civility still matters in American politics. Then, Michael opens the phones to hear listeners' reactions to one of the most uplifting political conversations in recent memory. Original air date 2 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.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Do you agree with Mark Halperin, that only those on the left care that Trump got richer in office?
6d ago00:11:41Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Mark Halperin right? Do only those on the left care that Trump got richer in office? Michael explores new financial disclosures showing President Trump's extraordinary gains from crypto ventures and other business interests while serving in office, prompting a broader debate about presidential ethics, public accountability, and partisan perception. Drawing on reporting from The Washington Post, a Wall Street Journal editorial, and commentary from Mark Halperin, Smerconish asks whether concerns about a president profiting while in office have become a purely partisan issue—or whether Americans have simply grown numb to political self-enrichment. 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.
Transcribe →Mark Halperin on Trump Cashing In On The Presidency
1w ago00:29:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode: Trump's reported $1.2 billion crypto windfall Presidential ethics and conflicts of interest Is Trump changing the presidency—or exposing what was always possible? Why voters may no longer care about political self-enrichment Listener reactions from across the political spectrum Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Should a candidate's mental illness be judged the same as a physical illness?
1w ago00:14:11Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should a candidate's mental illness be judged the same as a physical illness? Congressman Tom Kean Jr. returns to Capitol Hill after months away and reveals he was hospitalized for depression, reigniting a national conversation about mental health, stigma, transparency, and public service. Michael Smerconish examines the powerful disclosure, the sharply divided reactions—including criticism from Rep. Lauren Boebert—and whether Americans truly treat mental illness the same way they treat physical illness. He also explores the legitimate questions about accountability after more than 100 missed House votes, asking where compassion ends, public responsibility begins, and how voters should weigh both. Listen here, then cast YOUR Vote on the poll question, 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.
Transcribe →Would You Pay $1,000 to Stop Iran From Getting a Nuclear Weapon?
1w ago00:25:53Tap to summarizeMichael Smerconish welcomes former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the fragile ceasefire, President Trump's Middle East strategy, and America's standing in the world ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Then, Michael turns to listeners with a provocative question: if preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon costs the average American household $1,000, would it be worth paying? The responses reveal just how divided Americans remain on war, diplomacy, and national security. Original air date 30 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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