The Smerconish Podcast
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.
Episodes
January 27, 2026 • 15 mins
What happens when social media design meets the courtroom? As a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles, Michael breaks down the case that could hold Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube legally responsible for teen screen addiction. Drawing on polling data, psychological research, and product-liability law, Michael explains why he’s voting “yes” on today’s poll—and why this jury’s decision could reshape Big Tech’s future. Listen ...
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January 26, 2026 • 12 mins
What if the 2024 presidential election were rerun today? Michael revisits a familiar—but newly relevant—poll question, weighing Kamala Harris’s post-election momentum against Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings and fiercely loyal base. With fresh polling data, swing-state context, and a look at why voters got it wrong before, Michael games out whether a rematch would really change the outcome—or deliver the same surprise all ...
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January 23, 2026 • 21 mins
Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, joins Michael to tackle the biggest global questions of the moment: Will NATO survive the Trump era? Why Greenland has become a strategic flashpoint in the Arctic—and how climate change is reshaping global power. Stavridis breaks down the roles of China, Russia, Canada, and Europe, weighs in on Trump’s fixation with Greenland, and explains why the Arctic may define t...
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January 23, 2026 • 10 mins
Which matters more: gun rights or property rights?
Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question through the lens of a major Supreme Court case challenging Hawaii’s concealed-carry law. As the justices weigh whether gun owners need permission to carry firearms onto private property open to the public, the debate raises fundamental questions about the Second Amendment, property rights, and where the burden shou...
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January 22, 2026 • 17 mins
One year into President Trump's second term, all eyes are on the 2026 midterm elections. Michael Smerconish is joined by David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, to break down what the numbers really say about the fight for Congress. From shrinking battleground districts and independent voter drift to inflation, immigration, and the limits of a potential Democratic wave, Was...
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January 22, 2026 • 12 mins
As global temperatures rise, Greenland is becoming one of the most strategically important places on Earth—but will President Trump ever acknowledge why? Michael Smerconish explores the growing geopolitical and military significance of the Arctic, featuring expert insights on national security, NATO, and climate science. Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Will President Trump ever admit that “climate c...
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January 21, 2026 • 31 mins
Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation sparked by President Trump’s remarks at Davos. They unpack Trump’s controversial comments on Greenland, NATO, and military force — separating rhetoric from strategy — and examine why the Arctic is becoming a flashpoint amid climate change, Russian and Chinese aggression, and missile defense concerns. The discussion also covers Trump 2.0 ...
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January 21, 2026 • 13 mins
Will NATO survive Trump? That’s today’s Smerconish.com poll — and it’s no longer hypothetical. As President Trump ramps up pressure on allies, flirts with territorial expansion, and reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Michael Smerconish explores whether the NATO alliance can endure Trump 2.0. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pc...
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January 20, 2026 • 24 mins
What do Americans still have in common? Michael sits down with Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter Ben Fritz to explore the rise and fall of the American monoculture. From 'I Love Lucy' and 'Seinfeld' to streaming algorithms and TikTok feeds, they unpack how infinite choice fractured shared experience, weakened social glue, and may even be deepening political and cultural divides. Is sports the last thing left that unites us...
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January 20, 2026 • 12 mins
Is Kamala Harris politically toxic—or still a force Democrats can’t ignore? Is Josh Shapiro the party’s future—or a candidate defined by his past? Michael Smerconish unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question and the growing divide between Democratic insiders and voters as the 2028 race begins to take shape. Listen here and then cast your ballot: Who is more likely to be the 2028 Democratic nominee? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi...
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January 19, 2026 • 40 mins
Broadcasting live from the nation’s largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Temple University, Michael Smerconish explores what’s really driving America’s political divide — and how we might begin to heal it.
In a wide-ranging conversation on polarization, media, technology, loneliness, and the loss of common experience, Michael argues that the real problem isn’t red vs. blue, but our failure to mingle.
Joined by MLK Day o...
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January 19, 2026 • 16 mins
Is mandatory national service the key to rebuilding civic unity—or an unacceptable infringement on personal freedom?
In this episode, Michael explains the thinking behind the Smerconish.com poll question and makes the case for national service as a remedy for polarization, loneliness, and civic disengagement. Broadcasting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Michael connects volunteerism, shared experience, and the “Mingle Project” to a ...
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January 16, 2026 • 33 mins
Are GLP-1 weight loss drugs changing America—for better or worse? Michael explores the surprising ripple effects of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy with PwC consumer markets leader Ali Furman. From gyms and grocery stores to travel, fashion, alcohol, gambling, and wellness, this conversation looks beyond weight loss to how these drugs may be reshaping consumer behavior, the economy, and even compulsive habits. Callers weigh in with r...
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January 16, 2026 • 11 mins
Is it possible to call Donald Trump a successful president—even if you oppose him? In this episode Michael breaks down the provocative daily poll question at Smerconish.com, which is asking you: "Is Trump a successful president if he keeps Gaza peace, resolves Russia/Ukraine war, reforms Venezuela, purchases Greenland, and enables Iran regime change?"
Drawing on criticism from The Atlantic, current betting markets, approval ratings...
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January 15, 2026 • 26 mins
Michael talks with Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI), chairman of the House Administration Committee, about a bipartisan push to crack down on congressional stock trading. Steil explains why existing insider-trading laws fall short, how his proposed Stop Insider Trading Act would ban lawmakers from buying individual stocks, and whether the reform could restore public trust in Congress. The conversation dives into ethics, accountabilit...
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January 15, 2026 • 12 mins
As GLP-1 weight loss drugs surge in popularity, Michael asks a big question: will they make society healthier — or undermine exercise and long-term wellness? A thoughtful look at health, behavior, and the future of weight loss. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at smerconish.com, and please rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our col...
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January 14, 2026 • 33 mins
Mark Halperin is Editor in Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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January 14, 2026 • 11 mins
Should the United States buy Greenland?
Michael explains today's Smerconish.com poll question sparked by Senator John Fetterman’s provocative comment suggesting the U.S. could purchase Greenland — just as it once bought Alaska and Louisiana. With global tensions rising and renewed focus on the Arctic, Michael explores the strategic, political, and historical arguments behind the idea, including insights from former NATO Supreme All...
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January 13, 2026 • 30 mins
A new Gallup survey reveals a political reality the media has long ignored: independents are now the largest group in American politics.
Michael Smerconish breaks down the data showing a record 45% of Americans reject both major parties. He explains why past Gallup headlines missed the real story, why this shift matters for elections and governance, and whether younger voters will stay independent or eventually choose sides. Plus, ...
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January 13, 2026 • 14 mins
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, a new redesign of American coins has sparked a familiar national debate. Should commemorative coins focus solely on the founding year of 1776—or reflect a broader, more inclusive version of American history?
In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll, explores the controversy surrounding the Semiquincentennial coin designs, and explains...
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