The Smerconish Podcast

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

Today's Poll Question: Are Democrats having their own MAGA moment?

August 6, 2026 • 13 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are Democrats having their own Maga moment? Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow Michigan Democratic Senate primary victory may reveal something larger than an ideological shift. Michael examines how anger at party leadership, frustration with the establishment and distrust of traditional ideas about electability are fueling a Democratic insurgency. Drawing comparisons to Donald Trump’s takeo...
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Mark Halperin’s New 2028 Rankings: Shapiro Surges to No. 1

August 5, 2026 • 29 mins
Mark Halperin unveils his latest rankings of the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field—and there is a new name at No. 1. Michael presses the political analyst and "Wide World of News" publisher on why Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has moved ahead of Gavin Newsom, where Mark Kelly fits into the race, and whether the Democratic primary could become a battle between the party’s establishment and progressive win...
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Today's Poll Question: Is the AI-driven economy a house of cards?

August 5, 2026 • 15 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the AI-driven economy a house of cards? Stocks are reaching historic highs as America’s largest technology companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI chips, data centers, utilities, and construction. But billionaire investor Ray Dalio says the enthusiasm bears troubling similarities to the bubbles of 1929 and 2000. Michael examines whether today’s AI boom is suppor...
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The 2026 Midterms: Blue Wave Incoming?

August 4, 2026 • 27 mins
Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the latest data on the 2026 midterms, explaining why history points toward a Democratic wave—even as polarization, redistricting, and campaign cash could limit the gains. Plus, why this year's election may tell us far less about the 2028 presidential race than many assume. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use ...
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Today's Poll Question: Can Sanders-style Progressive Democrats Win General Elections In Swing States Like Michigan?

August 4, 2026 • 13 mins
Today's poll tackles a question that could reshape the Democratic Party: Can a Sanders-style progressive win in a battleground state? Michael explores Michigan's high-stakes Senate primary, the rise of young progressive voters, and what the results could mean for 2026 and beyond 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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The Hidden Story Behind Todd Blanche's DOJ Confirmation

August 3, 2026 • 34 mins
Should Dr. Anthony Fauci testify before Congress with immunity? Michael examines why nearly 50,000 poll voters overwhelmingly said yes, then unpacks the controversial Todd Blanche DOJ agreement, Trump's IRS audit protections, and the growing debate over "lawfare" against political opponents. A deep dive into one of Washington's most complicated—and consequential—legal and political battles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...
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Today's Poll Question: Of These Threats, Which Worries You Most?

August 3, 2026 • 13 mins
What keeps you up at night: nuclear war, AI, climate change—or a biological attack? What should we fear most? Michael previews his conversation with bestselling author Annie Jacobsen and explores today's poll on the biggest threats facing the future. 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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Inside the Fight Over AI Regulation, China, and America's Future

July 31, 2026 • 31 mins
Mark Zuckerberg argues that superintelligence should be widely available, while former White House cyber czar Richard Clarke warns AI may need safeguards more like a dangerous pathogen than a consumer product. Michael explores the growing debate over AI regulation, China's role in the global AI race, data centers, guardrails, and whether America is moving too fast—or not fast enough. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. ...
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Today's Poll Question: Was Dr. Anthony Fauci Justified in Invoking the Fifth Amendment?

July 31, 2026 • 9 mins
Was Anthony Fauci right to plead the Fifth? Michael breaks down the explosive Senate hearing, the politics of "lawfare," and why he believes the biggest takeaway has nothing to do with Fauci—and everything to do with America's broken political system. 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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The Hidden Cost of the AI Boom: The Data Center Wars Are Just Beginning

July 30, 2026 • 30 mins
America needs data centers to power AI, but few communities want one nearby. Michael talks with The Free Press senior editor and writer Joe Nocera about the growing battle over data centers—who benefits, who pays and whether transparency, tax revenue and new technology can ease local resistance. Then, listeners weigh in on jobs, electricity, water, farmland and whether states should pause construction as the artificial intell...
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Today's Poll Question: Should your state pause construction of new data centers?

July 30, 2026 • 11 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should your state pause construction of new data centers? Michael examines the growing backlash against the massive facilities powering AI and the modern internet. With New York moving to halt certain projects, other states considering restrictions, and voters worried about electricity costs, water use, and strain on the grid, the debate is quickly becoming national. But slowing construction...
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Fauci Takes the Fifth: What Is He Hiding?

July 29, 2026 • 40 mins
Dr. Anthony Fauci invokes the Fifth Amendment before a Senate committee as Michael examines his newly released diaries, the lingering questions surrounding COVID’s origins and the bitter debate over masks and pandemic policy. Then Mark Halperin joins Michael to discuss Fauci’s media relationships, Mitch McConnell’s health, Gavin Newsom’s political future, the 2028 Democratic primary calendar and the growing ...
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Today's Poll Question: On balance, did Dr. Anthony Fauci do more good or more harm?

July 29, 2026 • 15 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: On balance, did Dr. Anthony Fauci do more good or more harm? Anthony Fauci returns to Capitol Hill under subpoena as newly released pandemic diaries revive questions about COVID’s origins, school closures, masking guidance, and what officials knew behind the scenes. Michael examines Fauci’s private notes, his past public statements, and the looming confrontation with Senator Rand...
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Mark Kelly Could Be the Democrats’ 2028 Wild Card (...or Not.)

July 28, 2026 • 30 mins
Michael speaks with The Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich about his revealing profile of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly—combat veteran, astronaut, devoted husband to Gabby Giffords, and possible 2028 presidential contender. They examine why Kamala Harris passed him over for vice president, whether his extraordinary résumé can overcome his limitations as a campaign performer, and what the remarkable Kelly-Giffords partnership r...
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Today's Poll Question: How much longer will the war with Iran last?

July 28, 2026 • 12 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How much longer will war with Iran last? Michael examines whether the U.S.-Iran conflict is approaching an end or settling into a prolonged confrontation. With attacks paused and mediators reporting progress toward renewed negotiations, President Trump says talks are going well—but warns military action could resume. New CBS polling reveals widespread uncertainty, frustration and a bel...
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Small Plane, Big (Independent) Political Idea: Michael’s West Virginia Weekend

July 27, 2026 • 32 mins
Michael recounts his eventful West Virginia weekend—from a thrilling flight aboard a small Cirrus aircraft to a visit to the historic Greenbrier—before revealing the real reason for his trip. He went to join Joe and Heather Manchin as they launch their new Independent Leadership Council, an effort to help elect genuinely independent candidates who could hold the balance of power in Congress. Also, hear listeners debate ...
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Why Is Trump Less Risk-Averse in His Second Term?

July 27, 2026 • 11 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Why is President Trump so much less risk averse in his second term compared to his first? After reading Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Regime Change, Michael examines what may explain the more brazen, high-risk style of Trump’s second term. Is it the freedom of being term-limited, Supreme Court-recognized immunity for official acts, greater confidence in the presidency, a se...
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6,600 Noncitizens Registered, Nearly 400 Voted: What Happened in New Jersey?

July 24, 2026 • 29 mins
New Jersey says a software error mistakenly added approximately 6,600 noncitizens to its voter rolls—and fewer than 400 ultimately cast ballots. Does the incident undermine claims that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare, or show that isolated errors can be detected and corrected? Michael speaks with David Becker, executive director and founder of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research and a former se...
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Today's Poll Question: Can Federal Prosecutors Force Journalists to Reveal Their Sources?

July 24, 2026 • 12 mins
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is it ever appropriate for federal prosecutors to subpoena journalists to reveal their confidential sources? Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed four New York Times journalists after their reporting raised questions about whether a Qatar-donated Air Force One had adequate security protections. Michael examines the clash between national security investigations and press freedom, including th...
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Who Should Vote First in 2028? Michael’s Democratic Primary Strategy Game

July 23, 2026 • 31 mins
Michael turns the Democratic Party’s 2028 primary calendar into a political strategy game: Which state should vote first, and could that decision determine the eventual presidential nominee? He weighs diversity, geography, affordability, voter access and general-election competitiveness before making the case for Nevada. Then listeners join the debate, offering alternatives including Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, North C...
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