The Smerconish Podcast

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money case. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Will Donald Trump spend any time in jail? Listen here, then vote!

As Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he will not recuse himself from any January 6th cases after an upside-down American Flag was seen flying at his house, we are finding out there is MUCH more to this story, and it starts in the Alito's neighborhood. Digesting new reporting from The New York Times and a just-released story that had been held back by The Washington Post, Michael lays it all out here. Original air date 30 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Should universities refrain from taking official positions on controversial public policy issues? Listen here, then vote.

Former President Trump's criminal trial is now in the hands of the jury in New York City. When will the trial end? How will it end, with what convictions on what charges? All good questions - Michael previews the jury deliberation with CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig, and then checks in with NBC News/MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos as well. Expert legal analysis for you, all in one place! Original air date 29 May 2024.

Closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York City have concluded. So, Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: When will the Trump trial be over? Either...Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Later? Listen to his thoughts here, and please leave a rating and a review on your favorite podcast player. Then, go cast your vote!

Judgment Day is approaching for Former President Trump, with closing arguments happening today in his criminal trial in New York City. Michael welcomes Politico Magazine Senior Writer Ankush Khardori for a conversation on his piece, "Will the Jury Convict Trump? Here Are the Clues." Plus, recapping a role-play scenario from over the weekend with William J Brennan, attorney and CNN contributor, and CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig. Original air date 28 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Climate change is the most dangerous global threat facing humanity right now: Agree or Disagree? Listen here, then vote!

Michael offers a commentary for Memorial Day Weekend on the American Flag. In recent years, Old Glory has become more political, with MAGA supporters using it most often as part of their branding, and others using it in protest. Michael wonders, when you see an American Flag, do you think about what the politics of the person who is flying it, might be? Original air date 24 May 2024.

Michael asks you this daily poll question today at Smerconish.com: In what decade was America greatest? 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, Now? Listen to Michael lay his thoughts out here, then vote!

Documentary Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock has died at the age of 53. This is Michael's conversation with him from May 2004, when his hit film "Supersize Me" came out in theatres. Original air date 13 May 2004.

Reason Editor-At-Large, and host of "The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie" Nick Gillespie joins Michael to talk about this weekend's Libertarian National Convention, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Donald Trump are giving speeches. Original air date 24 May 2024.

American flags are on the mind as we head into Memorial Day Weekend. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: When you see an American flag flying, do you make assumptions about the political affiliation of the owner? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to Patti Davis, daughter of the late Ronald and Nancy Reagan, about her New York Times Op-Ed "Biden Can Do Something at the Debates That Trump Never Could." Original air date 22 May 2024.

Michael spoke with Patti Davis, daughter of the late President Ronald and Nancy Reagan, this week. She penned a piece in the New York Times offering debate advice to President Biden. That has Michael asking you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: At the first debate, should President Biden ignore or confront President Trump’s insults and interruptions? Listen here, then vote!

Wide World of News Publisher/Editor and political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael in studio, taking calls from across the country on the 2024 presidential race. Original air date 22 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, agree or disagree: If Biden were to step aside, Trump would surely lose. Listen here, then vote!

Michael Cohen admits stealing from the Trump organization, the judge asks the jury to step out, and other wild happenings on what turned out to be the final day of testimony in former President Trump's criminal trial. Michael breaks it all down with NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos. Shortly after this conversation, both sides rested their cases, and we await closing arguments next week. Original air date 21 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, good news or bad news: Sometime soon, the global fertility rate will drop below the point needed to keep population constant. Listen, then vote!

Michael talks to University of Maryland Professor Dr. Melissa Kearney, who discusses new research showing a decline in global birthrates. It is a trend that many are alarmed by. Original air date 20 May 2024

Less than six months until election day, and one candidate is in a criminal trial in court, and the other is on the campaign trail, but not doing well in the polls. Michael asks you this daily poll question today at Smerconish.com: Why is Biden losing? 1) Polls are wrong 2) It’s the media’s fault 3) Bad time to be incumbent 4) Rising prices and high interest rates 5) He’s too liberal 6) He’s too old. Listen to Michael lay it out in this episode, then vote, after you rate and review this podcast.

Michael gets expert analysis from CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig about the cross-examination of Michael Cohen in the Trump Hush Money trial. Original air date 17 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Do you agree with Mitt Romney that Joe Biden should have pardoned Donald Trump? Listen, then vote.

Is it debatable? Michael offers his thoughts on the surprise of the Biden and Trump campaigns agreeing to two debates with TV network. Original air date 16 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Would a guilty verdict in the NY case damage Trump politically, or are views about him already baked in? Listen, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast.

Michael has an incredible lineup of great legal minds on a day when former President Trump's criminal trial is in recess, following Michael Cohen's testimony. He is joined first by veteran attorneys William J. Brennan and Michael van der Veen, who represented Trump in his impeachment trial. Then, analysis from CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig, and NBC/MSNBC Legal Analysy Danny Cevallos. Original air date 15 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Will RFK Jr. obtain the necessary ballot access and polling averages to make it to the debate stage? Listen here, then vote! And, please RATE and REVIEW this podcast.

Former President Trump name-checks Michael when talking to the media after court, and Michael offers thoughts on former personal fixer and personal attorney Michael Cohen's first day of testimony.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Do you agree or disagree with CNN host Fareed Zakaria saying the NY indictment would not have been brought against a defendant not named Donald Trump? Listen, then vote!

Michael talks to former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY) the morning of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen beginning his testimony in former President Trump's criminal trial. Original air date 13 May 2024.

Former President Donald Trump's ex-private attorney and 'personal fixer', Michael Cohen, takes the stand as the prosecution's star witness in the hush money trial in New York City today. Prosecutors are expected to rest their case this week. This has Michael asking you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Will Michael Cohen's testimony be a net plus or minus for the prosecution? Listen to Michael lay it out here, then please vote, and rate and review this podcast.

Michael and NBC / MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos discuss the latest in former President Trump's Hush Money Trial, where Stormy Daniels testified this past week, and Michael Cohen is expected to testify next week. Original air date 10 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, after President Biden made a new plan this week, Should aid to Israel be conditioned? Listen, then vote!

This weeks marks 10 years since the publication of "TALK: A Novel", Michael's first and only work of fiction that he has written. He reminisces with TC and Dan about this story of a talk radio host, with some salacious encounters, who makes it big, but comes to a crossroads. Original air date 9 May 2024.

There are several big issues in the news right now that have election and other implications, but, a recent survey caught Michael's attention which shows that there are certain of these major issues that people just do not care about, even if others think they do. This has Michael asking you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Which issue is the most important to you? The conflict in the Middle East, Education funding and access, Climate change, Healthcare Reform, Immigration Policies, National Security/Terrorism, Gun Control/Safety, Racial Justice and Civil Rights, Economic Fairness and Opportunity, or are none of these issues important to you? Listen here, then vote!

Michael welcomes Mark Halperin at the Wide World of News back with another one of his "Fake Ron Klain Memos" that offers unsolicited advice to "JRB" from a "fake" version of the former White House Chief of Staff, titled "The Way To Win." Listen as they go through Mark's thoughts in the memo.

Michael and CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig parse through Stormy Daniels' (real name: Stephanie Clifford) salacious testimony at former President Trump's hush money trial. Original air date 8 May 2024.

Lots of reaction to Stephanie Clifford's, professionally known as Stormy Daniels, testimony at former President Trump's criminal trial yesterday, about their alleged one-night stand in 2006, that lead to the alleged hush money payment to her that Trump is accused of. Michael asks you this daily poll question at Smerconish.com today: Did the admission of Stormy Daniels’ salacious testimony at Trump’s trial make this more a case about sex than documents?

Michael talks to Jack Kellam, Head of Operations at Autonomy, a UK-based company that did a big study on the effectiveness of four-day work weeks. Listen to their conversation on the results, and think, could you thrive in a four-day work week environment? Original air date 4 March 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you, Does Donald Trump want Judge Merchan to send him to jail for contempt of court? Listen to his thoughts, then vote!

Dickinson College has rescinded its invitation to Michael to be its commencement speaker. Listen to his response here, which is also written in full at Smerconish.com. In short, Michael says "We are doing our youth, future leaders, and nation a disservice if the civil, deliberative speech of the type I would have delivered at Dickinson is now unwelcome because it is easier to yield to the uninformed than to invest the time necessary to make reasoned decisions." Original air date 6 May 2024.

It's six months until the 2024 presidential election. Today Michael asks you this daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Will either presidential candidate open a national lead larger than the margin of error in the final 6 months? Listen here, then vote!

Tami D. Benton, MD, is the Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She joins Michael to provide insight into why it is crucial for teens to have support for their mental health. Original air date 03 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael follows up from yesterday's poll question and asks: Is Joe Scarborough correct in saying that footage of police clashing with pro-Palestinian protestors helps Donald Trump? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to Evan Rose, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, about a study he co-authored where fake resumes, with equivalent qualifications but different personal characteristics, were sent to job openings. Listen to find out his approach, and what happened. Original air date 2 May 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today with the protests on college campuses over the Israel-Palestine conflict continuing to escalate, he's asking, Should President Biden be more condemning of those responsible for campus unrest? Listen here, then vote.

Happier, more connected neighborhoods start right in the front yard. So says new research out from the University at Buffalo, which suggests a good, well built and presented front yard could be a solution to America's loneliness epidemic. Michael welcomes Architecture Professor Dr. Conrad Kickert to discuss. Original air date 1 May 2024.

Michael talks to G. Elliot Morris, 538/ABC News Editorial Director for Data Analytics, about new 2024 race polling.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking, following the South Dakota Governor's revelation in her book that she shot and killed a dog, Did Kristi Noem just help or hurt herself with Donald Trump? Listen here, then vote!

Is the U.S. in the midst of a decline akin to that of Rome, Habsburg Spain, the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires and the Soviet Union? That's the Daily Poll Question Michael is asking you today at Smerconish.com. He has dived into a new report out from RAND, listen here for the details, then vote!

Excerpts from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's forthcoming book have her in a bit of controversy. In the book, he tells the story of her killing a dog after it attacked some chickens. Michael wonders, why would this protentional running mate pick for Donald Trump even tell the story? Original air date 29 April 2024.

Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Who will Trump select as his VP? Choices: Katie Britt, Doug Burgum, Ben Carson, Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds, Nikki Haley, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Kristi Noem, Mike Pompeo, Vivek Ramaswamy, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, Elise Stefanik, JD Vance, None of the above. Listen to Michael's thoughts here, then vote!

Michael talks to Jeff Nussbaum, a former speechwriter to President Biden and author of "Undelivered." This weekend is the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, and Nussbaum previewed it in Politico Magazine in his piece "Trump's Jokes Killed DC's Sense of Humor." Original air date 26 April 2024.

As week 2 of former President Trump's criminal trial wraps up, there is one face we have not yet seen in the courtroom, or by his side in his daily pre-court appearances. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Melania Trump ever step foot in the hush money court room? Listen to his commentary here, then vote on the website. And please rate and review this podcast.

Michael talks to BallotPA Chair David Thornburgh about the problem with primaries in Pennsylvania and other states: they are closed, and independents like Michael can not vote in them! Find out more about the Committee of Seventy's BallotPA project at ballotpa.org. Original air date 25 April 2024

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking, following his not being able to vote in his own state on Tuesday: Should registered Independents be permitted to vote in party primaries? Listen here, then vote!

There is no court session today for President Trump's criminal trial in New York City. Michael talks to NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos about what transpired in the court yesterday, including the spotlight on Trump's relationship with the National Enquirer, as its former publisher David Pecker testified. Original air date 24 April 2024.

There is a proposal in California to ban Clear, a high-end, bypass-the-TSA-line concierge travel service. This has Michael asking you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Should airports offer non-TSA security lines for those willing to pay a fee and undergo a background check, creating a 'fast-pass' system for the wealthier? Listen to his explanation, then hit the site and vote!

There is a lot to learn here - might the long-standard 6% real estate commission that agents get be a thing of the past, due to a recently announced settlement with the National Association of Realtors? Michael learns everything we need to know here with attorney Mitch Kider, Chairman and Managing Partner of Weiner Brodsky Kider PC. Original air date 23 April 2024.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to ban the social media platform TikTok. It now heads to the Senate. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Should the U.S. government ban TikTok? Listen here, then vote!

Sister Mary Scullion, an advocate for the homeless in Philadelphia, joins Michael to talk about a case the Supreme Court is hearing today out of Oregon, on whether homeless people can be punished for sleeping outside when there is no place else for them to go. Original air date 22 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Is it cruel and unusual to criminally cite the homeless for public encampment if they have no access to shelter? Listen, then vote!

Michael talks to Northwestern University Professor Dr. Elisa Jacome, she is one of the co-authors of a study uncovering the most extensive evidence to date that immigrants are less likely to be imprisoned than U.S.-born individuals. Original air date 19 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Do you agree with those news organizations that have requested Biden and Trump publicly commit to participating in debates? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, David Frum, who writes in The Atlantic, "The networks want their show, but to give the challenger equal status on a TV stage would be a dire normalization of his attempted coup." Listen to his take on why Biden should not debate Trump ahead of Election Day. Original air date 18 April 2024.

The University of Southern California denied its valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, to give a speech at the 2024 commencement for her vocal support for Palestinians. Today, Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should a student’s prior political speech be considered when determining whether they can speak at college graduation? Listen here, then vote, and please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform.

Seven Manhattan residents, including a diverse mix of professions and backgrounds, were selected as jurors for Donald Trump's high-profile criminal trial, amid stringent selection processes. Listen to Michael and CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig talk through the chosen ones so far, sharing their thoughts. Original air date 17 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Could you be a fair juror in the current Trump trial? Listen, then vote!

Michael talks to University of Haifa Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Roy Salomon about the connection of psychedelics and trauma, after it was found that attendees of the concert in the Israeli desert, who were using psychedelics, were able to get through the trauma of being attacked by Hamas, when they otherwise may not have been able to do so. Original air date 16 April 2024.

The former President's criminal trial began in New York City yesterday. Michael asks you today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How will the Trump trial end? Conviction, Acquittal, Hung Jury, Mistrial, or Guilty Plea? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to Ankush Khardori at Politico Magazine about his piece "The Surprising Strategy Trump Could Use to Win His Manhattan Trial." Original air date 15 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Should Israel de-escalate, or retaliate, against Iran? Listen, then vote!

O.J. Simpson, charged with, and acquitted of, killing his ex-wife in 1994, died of cancer on 11 April 2024. Michael dusted off this conversation from his archives to share with you, speaking with Denise Simpson in November 2005, 11 years after her sister was murdered.

"Arkansas led the nation sending letters home from school about obesity. Did it help?" This NPR-titled story is the basis of Michael's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today. Listen here as he explains the question: Should schools send parents letters alerting them to obesity concerns in their children? Then, vote!

A new look at undecided voters. Michael talks to Lynne Kelleher, one of the subjects of The Atlantic piece penned by Elaine Godfrey, "The RFK-Curious Women Of Bucks County." Original air date 10 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Will Biden and Trump debate in 2024? Listen, then vote!

Michael has noticed something in the last few days: a change in the course of the 2024 election. Listen in. Original air date 10 April 2024.

President Biden has unveiled a new student loan debt relief plan. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: Should President Biden cancel up to $20,000 in unpaid student interest for borrowers who owe more than their initial loan amount? Listen here, then cast your vote!

Michael has a look at the newly-released questionnaire for potential jurors for former President Trump's upcoming hush-money trial in New York, and gets some expertise and thoughts on the jury selection process from veteran criminal defense attorney William J. Brennan. Original air date 9 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains his thoughts here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Does it help or hurt Trump politically to say that he favors immigration from “nice” countries like Denmark and Switzerland? Listen, then vote - and please rate and review this podcast!

Michael recaps his sold-out speeches over the weekend in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, where he offered his new presentation known as "The Mingle Project." He is on a mission to restore civility and compromise to our public discourse. For three decades he’s had a front row seat to the increase in polarization that has gripped the nation. He sees the current climate as part of a much larger disconnect in society fueled by technology and self-sorting, having a serious impact on the mental health of our youth. The Mingle Project is both his diagnosis and prescription for the problem, presented through anecdote, social science …….and a few laughs! Original air date 8 April 2024

One of the major issues in this election cycle headlines today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com. Michael asks you: Do you support a national ban on abortion after 15 weeks? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote! And please leave a rating and review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player. Thank you!

Wrestlemania is hugely popular - Michael had no idea this is such a big deal! Alas, WWE's signature annual event, "Wrestlemania" is taking over Philadelphia this weekend - we get expertise on it from SiriusXM Vice President of Programming Operations Doug Mortman. A wrestling superfan, he co-created "Busted Open" which airs on SiriusXM's Fight Nation Channel 156. Original air date 5 April 2024.

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains his thoughts here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot - today he's asking: Which is a bigger hurdle to electing a third-party president - candidate, or demand? Listen here, vote there!

A new Associated Press-NORC poll finds that a majority of Americans share many core beliefs, despite the apparent deep divisions our country is currently facing. Michael is very happy about this news - listen here! Original air date 4 April 2024.

A lawmaker in California is sponsoring legislation that would, if made into law, allow employees to ignore after-hours communications from their employers. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Should states give workers the right to ignore after-hours calls, emails and texts from their employers? Listen to this podcast, leave a review, and then vote!

Michael talks to Mark Halperin at The Wide World of News (subscribe at walkingduck.com/mark) about the latest WSJ poll on the 2024 race between Biden and Trump. Original air date 3 April 2024.

Each day, Michael poses a new Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com, and lays out his thoughts in this podcast. Today's question: Do you agree with RFK Jr. that “we shouldn’t make pariahs” of those who believe the 2020 election was stolen? Listen here, and please rate and review this podcast before you vote!

Michael has been watching CBS 60 Minutes' investigation into 'Havana Syndrome' where government and military personnel report pain, ringing in ears and other symptoms, that seem ot be caused by actions of foreign entities. Attorney Mark Zaid represents clients who have suffered symptoms - Michael welcomes him for a conversation to learn more about these "anomalous health incidents." Original air date 2 April 2024.

President Biden has been criticized by former President Trump and others for his recognizing the Transgender Day of Visibility this past weekend. Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Should President Biden have issued a proclamation in support of Transgender Day of Visibility which coincided with Easter? Listen to his thoughts in this podcast, then vote!

Michael's "Mingle Project" is underway - where he is pushing to get us all out of our bubbles to get together and...mingle, to make the world a better place. This Monday, he runs through a few headlines that fit the bill. Original air date 1 April 2024.

Starting today, the minimum wage for food workers in California is $20/hour, while other industry minimum wages are $15.50/hour. Michael asks you today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should other states follow California raising its minimum wage for food workers to $20 per hour? Listen here, then vote!

A story at NBC News caught Michael's eye, "Experts war-gamed what might happen if deepfakes disrupt the 2024 election. Things went sideways fast." Issue One Founder & CEO Nick Penniman joins Michael to talk about these deepfakes and the need for a never center to combat them. Original air date 28 March 2024.

As we wrap up another week that saw some wild headlines, including former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel getting hired and then fired by NBC News, Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which side benefits politically from the Ronna McDaniel/NBC flap? Democrats, Republicans, or Neither? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote!

Lars Mapstead is a tech entrepreneur, road racing enthusiast, and 2024 Libertarian Candidate for President. He joins Michael to discuss his candidacy for president and the role of third party candidates in the 2024 election cycle. Original air date 28 March 2024.

Recently, former President Trump's Truth Social hit the stock market and has been soaring as a "meme" stock. This has Michael asking you this daily poll question at Smerconish.com today: Would politics factor into your personal investment decisions?

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. named his pick for Vice President last night as Nicole Shanahan. Michael takes calls and discusses the place Kennedy and other third party candidates have in the 2024 race. Original air date 27 March 2024.

Michael lays out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do third-party candidates a) enhance democracy by providing more choices, b) harm democracy by splitting votes, or c) have a neutral impact? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 27 March 2024.

FiveThirtyEight/ABC News Senior Elections Analyst Geoffrey Skelley joins Michael with his analysis of how, and if at all, third party presidential candidates can get on ballots this fall - enough to have any chance of getting votes to be players in the election. Original air date 26 March 2024.

NBC News made a controversial hire in bringing on former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel on board as a paid contributor. Backlash from within the organization ensued, due to her negative treatment of NBC while she was RNC Chair. This has Michael asking you this daily poll question at Smerconish.com today: Do media outlets have an obligation to ensure a MAGA perspective is represented?