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.
186episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Today's Poll Question: If Not England-Argentina, What Is the Greatest Sports Rivalry Ever?
5d ago00:13:38Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which of these is the greatest sports rivalry? England-Argentina, Yankees-Red Sox, Ohio State-Michigan, Army-Navy, Duke-North Carolina, Real Madrid-Barcelona, Ali-Frazier, Celtics-Lakers, Palmer-Nicklaus, India-Pakistan, Lehigh-Lafayette, or Harvard-Yale? As England and Argentina prepare for another high-stakes World Cup showdown, Michael explores why The Wall Street Journal calls it the greatest rivalry in sports, tracing its roots through World Cup history, the Falklands War, Maradona's "Hand of God," and decades of national pride. He also makes the case for legendary American and international rivalries - and asks you to weigh in and vote at Smerconish.com. Be sure to then 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 →We're Not as Polarized as You Think
5d ago00:32:38Tap to summarizeA groundbreaking new study challenges the idea that America is hopelessly divided. Michael speaks with Tufts political scientist Brian Schaffner about research involving more than 700,000 Americans that found Trump and Harris voters share remarkably similar life experiences and concerns. Then, listeners weigh in on whether our common humanity is enough to bridge today's political divide. Original air date 14 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: The next 'Sister Souljah Moment'...Should Democrats take on the Socialist wing?
6d ago00:17:18Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would a 2028 Democratic contender benefit from taking on the socialist wing now? Michael revisits Bill Clinton's famous "Sister Souljah moment" from 1992, and asks whether today's Democratic Party is approaching a similar political crossroads. As Democratic Socialists gain momentum in key primaries, is there an opening for a 2028 presidential hopeful to draw a clear ideological line—or would that fracture the party before the general election? Featuring analysis of Josh Shapiro, Rahm Emanuel, Bernie Sanders' influence, and Bill Daley's warning about a potential "Tea Party trap," this episode explores the strategic debate shaping the Democrats' future. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com - 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 →America Is Getting Lindsey Graham Wrong
6d ago00:28:17Tap to summarizeMichael Smerconish reflects on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, examining the contradictions that defined his career—from bipartisan dealmaker and military veteran to outspoken Trump ally. Was Graham a principled pragmatist, an opportunist, or something more complicated? Michael explores how history should remember one of Washington's most polarizing political figures before opening the phones for a thoughtful and spirited conversation with listeners. Original air date 13 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: Is Soccer Here To Stay?
1w ago00:14:18Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has this World Cup finally converted America to soccer? The 2026 World Cup has shattered viewing records, packed stadiums and watch parties, and reignited a decades-old question: has soccer finally secured a permanent place in American sports culture? Michael examines the numbers behind the surge, from television audiences and youth participation to billion-dollar media rights and MLS growth. Is this another fleeting World Cup phenomenon, or has the U.S. reached a genuine tipping point? Michael weighs the evidence, shares his own experience attending matches, and explains why he believes this time may be different. 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 →Today's Poll Question: What do you fear more — AI, or the government that would regulate it?
1w ago00:11:44Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which do you fear more: artificial intelligence or the government that would regulate it? Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concern—it's already reshaping everyday life, medicine, national security, and the economy. Michael examines the growing battle over who should regulate AI, as Illinois joins California and New York in adopting sweeping new rules while the Trump administration argues that a patchwork of state laws could undermine innovation and America's competitive edge against China. Should Washington establish national standards, or are the states right to step in while Congress remains on the sidelines? 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 →Graham Platner Turns Himself Into The Victim
1w ago00:27:15Tap to summarizeMichael breaks down Graham Platner's campaign exit video following sexual assault allegations that led to his withdrawal from Maine's U.S. Senate race. Michael examines the rhetoric of Platner's message—arguing that it reframes the controversy as a story of political persecution while sidestepping accountability. Plus, callers weigh in on what Platner's departure says about political campaigns, public trust, and the Democratic Party's response. Original air date 9 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 What Gets Iran to Yield: Talks, Blockade, Boots, or Bombs?
2w ago00:11:55Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: What gets Iran to yield: talks, blockade, bombs, or boots? Michael examines the collapse of the Iran ceasefire, renewed U.S. military strikes, escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the difficult choices facing American policymakers. Are additional airstrikes enough, or has the conflict reached the point where only a naval blockade—or even ground forces—could change Iran's calculus? Drawing on polling, military history, and the strategic realities of the region, Michael weighs the costs, risks, and political consequences of every option. Listen here, and then vote - and be sure to catch an upcoming conversation with Admiral James Stavridis on this podcast later today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →The Death of Reading Could Change Democracy Forever
2w ago00:30:16Tap to summarizeWhat do we lose when we stop reading? Michael sits down with The Atlantic's Rose Horowitch to discuss her provocative cover story arguing that America is entering the post-reading era. From shrinking attention spans and changing classrooms to social media, AI, and the future of democracy, they examine why the decline of reading may be one of the defining cultural shifts of our time. Original air date 8 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: Which is more politically potent...democratic socialism or charges of "communism"?
2w ago00:11:22Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more politically potent: Democratic socialism or charges of "communism"? Michael explores whether branding Democrats as “communists” is a more effective political strategy than embracing democratic socialism as a governing philosophy. Using Michigan’s pivotal Senate primary as a case study, he examines the Democratic Party’s ideological crossroads and the GOP’s messaging advantage heading into the midterms. 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.
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