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

October 29, 2026 • 27 mins
Is the Trump era nearing its end? veteran Democratic strategist and former Clinton White House adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a revealing, data-driven look at what could be a political earthquake on Tuesday, November 3. With President Trump's approval rating at historic lows, Americans struggling with the cost of living, and the war with Iran weighing heavily on voters, Sosnik explains why Democrats are positioned to retake...
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A dirty political trick or just smart campaign strategy? A stunning New York Times investigation reveals an alleged scheme involving Democrats recruiting a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to potentially confuse voters in Alaska's heated Senate race. Michael breaks down the controversy, the role of ranked-choice voting, and whether this tactic crosses an ethical or legal line. Today's poll asks: Recruiting a candidate with your ...
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With Election Day just days away, could an October Surprise change everything? Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for a final look at the 2026 midterms, weighing the possibility of a Democratic tsunami against a Republican upset. Which Senate races could determine control of Congress, and will President Trump accept the results? Halperin also explores the last-minute wild cards that could upend the election, from...
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime? Artificial intelligence could cure cancer, fight Alzheimer's, and revolutionize government services. It could also pose an existential threat to humanity. Michael examines the extraordinary promises and alarming risks outlined in Anthropic's IPO prospectus, including tens of thousands of words devoted to potential dangers. With concerns mounting...
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Can President Donald Trump really strip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of her U.S. citizenship—and potentially have her deported? As the Trump administration investigates the Minnesota Democrat, Michael speaks with Minneapolis immigration attorney David L. Wilson of the Wilson Law Group to explain denaturalization, the legal process for revoking citizenship. What constitutes immigration fraud? Why are search warrants and grand jury...
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which drives voters more, their demographics or their values? We like to believe our votes reflect our values. But what if race, gender, age, and education are far more predictive of our political choices? Michael examines new voter data from The New York Times showing dramatic demographic shifts between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, alongside Gallup research revealing surprising...
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Should taxpayer dollars fund schools—or follow students? Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is a Democrat who's breaking with his party on school choice, arguing that America's public education system is failing too many children. He joins Michael to discuss school vouchers, charter schools, teachers unions, and the Trump administration's new federal scholarship tax credit. Plus, callers challenge Williams on w...
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: It takes 218 seats to control the House. How will the midterms end? a) Republicans keep control, b) Democrats win narrowly (218–229 seats), or c) Democrats win big (230 seats or more)? With just eight days until the 2026 midterm elections, Michael examines whether Republicans can hold the House or whether Democrats are headed for a commanding victory. Election forecasts from Cook Polit...
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October 23, 2026 • 67 mins

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did JD Vance help or hurt his chances of winning the 2028 GOP nomination by defending Ramaswamy's ad? Vice President JD Vance is standing behind Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, even as prominent Republicans condemn its deeply personal content. President Trump has doubled down in support, but Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other GOP l...
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Are the kids alright? After joining former RNC Chairman Michael Steele for a conversation with 600 students at Pennsylvania's Hill School, Michael shares his message to America's next generation. Are Americans truly more divided than ever, or have we simply forgotten how to disagree? From political polarization and social media misinformation to the dangers of living in ideological bubbles, Michael challenges young people to think ...
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Ramaswamy's ad using his rival's mother will: a) help him, b) hurt him, or c) make no difference. Vivek Ramaswamy's latest attack ad in the Ohio governor's race features Amy Acton's estranged mother calling her own daughter a liar. But there's a stunning detail the commercial leaves out: mother and daughter reportedly haven't seen each other in 47 years, and troubling court records tell a ve...
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Will JD Vance run for president in 2028, and would Donald Trump immediately endorse him? 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin joins Michael with exclusive insights from his interview with the Vice President aboard Air Force Two. Plus, could John Fetterman switch parties and cost Democrats control of the Senate? Halperin also reveals his latest 2028 Democratic presidential rankings, with Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg and Josh Shapiro l...
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Europe's wave of violent protests reach America soon? France is experiencing a wave of unrest, with protests spreading across Europe and political tensions rising on both sides of the Atlantic. Could America be next? Michael examines the competing explanations for the violence—from President Trump's warnings about immigration to economic pressures, government debt, and young peopl...
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Listen to Michael's conversation with Dr. Peter Gray on his new book "Restoring Childhood" here.


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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Could a Democratic Congress rein in President Trump? The 2026 midterm election 'concludes' two weeks from tomorrow. Michael examines what Democrats could actually accomplish if they reclaim control of the House, Senate, or both. From investigations and subpoenas to healthcare, tariffs, and judicial confirmations, Democrats have an ambitious agenda—but Trump's veto power and Senate rule...
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October 16, 2026 • 72 mins

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is the bigger midterm prize, the House or the Senate? Election Day is just over two weeks away - Michael breaks down what's really at stake if Democrats reclaim one or both chambers of Congress. A House majority could unleash investigations, subpoenas, spending battles, and even another impeachment vote. But Senate control brings a different kind of power: confirming—or blocking&...
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