The Smerconish Podcast

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: The Trump-Musk relationship is good for America, agree or disagree? Listen, vote.

John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, is one of the world's leading authorities on opinions of Gen Z's and Millenials. He offers an analysis titled "The New Rules of the Youth Vote" (written on his Substack), and he's not surprised that not as many youth voters voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 as were expected to. He lays out the data with Michael here. Original air date 20 November 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: It's time to drop all the criminal cases against Donald Trump - Agree or Disagree? Listen here, vote there!

2Way Editor in Chief and Wide World of News publisher/analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to talk about the success of his new 2WAY platform which is now offering live in-person shows, plus they go in depth on the political headlines of the day including the Musk-Trump bromance, Joe and Mika visiting Mar-A-Lago, Trump's cabinet nominees and more. Original air date 20 November 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 Joe and Mika have visited Mar-a-Lago? Listen, then vote!

Pew Research studied over 2000 news influencers (someone discussing news and current events on social media, who has over 100,000 followers on any one platform) and looked at 500 of them in detail, to find out how Americans are consuming news today. Michael welcomes Galen Stocking, Senior Computational Social Scientist at Pew Research Center, to explain the data.

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 the U.S. military be used for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants? Listen here, then vote....and please rate and review this podcast.

The Associated Press has declared the Pennsylvania Senate Race for Dave McCormick over Bob Casey, while Senator Casey still has not conceded. There is controversy over how ballots in some counties are being counted. The Washington Post wrote an editorial about this, "Democrats thumb their nose at the rule of law in Pennsylvania." Michael welcomes Neil Makhija, Montgomery County, PA Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections, to offer his side of the story. Original air date 18 November 2024.

Bela Karolyi, the Romanian-born US Olympic Gymnastics coach, has died at the age of 82. Listen to his conversation with Michael from January 2008, he was in studio ahead of the US Summer Olympic Trials coming to Philadelphia that year. Original air date 31 January 2008.

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 President Biden’s authorization of the use of U.S. supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine for strikes inside Russia? Listen here, then vote.

Michael shares a powerful piece featured in The Wall Street Journal "Luck of the Draw: Why I’m Glad I Didn’t Choose My Freshman Roommate" written by Rich Cohen. Michael invites his listeners to share their experiences with their first college roommates. Original air date 15 November 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 Matt Gaetz serve as Attorney General? Listen here, then vote! And leave a rating and review for this podcast.

Christopher Landau served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 2019-2021 during President Trump's first term. As talks of mass deportation and targeted arrests of undocumented immigrants have swirled in recent days, Michael asks for Landau's perspective on the situation. Original air date 14 November 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: When will the Trump-Musk 'Bromance' end? a) by Inauguration Day, b) by the end of the first 100 days, c) by the midterms, d) it will last the full Trump term. Listen, rate/review the podcast, and vote!

Wide World of News and 2WAY political analyst Mark Halperin makes his weekly visit, running through all of President-Elect Trump's cabinet picks so far, including Pete Hegseth, Mike Huckabee, Kristi Noem, and more, including noting the increasing changes that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could be nominated as HHS Secretary. Original air date 13 November 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 Trump’s response to illegal immigration be one of targeted arrests, or, mass deportation? Listen in, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Thomas Frank, author of the bestselling book "What's The Matter With Kansas?", joins Michael to talk about his latest NY Times op-ed, "The Elites Had It Coming." His essay begins, "Everyone has a moment when he first realized that Donald Trump might well return, and here is mine." Did you also have a lightbulb moment? Listen to their conversation now. Original air date 12 November 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 President Biden pardon Hunter and Donald Trump right now? Listen, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app!

Michael sits down with actor Kevin Costner in front of a studio audience at SiriusXM in New York City, the morning after the premiere of the newest season of Paramount Network's "Yellowstone." Costner left the show after five years, and is now focusing on his passion project, "Horizon: An American Saga." Michael calls 'Horizon' "a Movie that deserves to be seen." But before that, right at the open, Michael asks him about last night's Yellowstone episode...did Costner even watch it? Listen to find out. Original air date 11 November 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 Fareed Zakaria that Donald Trump benefitted from Democrats’ “overzealous misuse of law” intended to punish him? Listen, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast.

American University Professor Allan Lichtman, author of "The Keys To The White House" returns just days after the election to talk about where his prediction that Kamala Harris would win, did not hold. (Listen to Michael's pre-election discussion with him in Episode #1113, from November 1). Original air date 8 November 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: Like it or not, does Donald Trump embody America? Listen, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast.

Michael loves data. He loves the details and nuances that you learn from data about a subject. In today's case, its about how Trump won, and how Harris lost. Women, Men, Minorities and more....how did people vote? Emily Guskin, Deputy Polling Director at The Washington Post, breaks down several exit polls showing how people from varying backgrounds voted in the 2024 presidential election this week. Original air date 7 November 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 America's first female president be a Democrat or Republican? Listen here, leave a rating and review of this podcast, and then head over and vote!

Wide World of News and 2WAY political analyst Mark Halperin and Republican strategist David Urban, who ran Donald Trump's successful 2016 campaign in Pennsylvania, join Michael the day after Election Day 2024, where President Trump was elected to be the next President of the United States. Original air date 6 November 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: Best election map coverage: Bill Hemmer, John King, or Steve Kornacki? Listen here, then vote!

We are living in an age of conflict, brought about by disconnect: a disconnect that has frayed the fabric of our nation, polarized our politics, and harmed the mental health of our kids. But Michael knows how to fix it: We need to get out and mingle, like he did with many at the Bagel Barrel in Doylestown, Pennsylvania today, in a special Election Day broadcast. Listen to this special commentary from Michael's hometown, with a lesson for us all for tomorrow. Original air date 5 November 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: Who wins? Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?

What to expect tomorrow? So many variables, so many angles...but one expert to turn to. Listen to Michael's conversation with longtime adviser to Presidents, Governors and Senators, Doug Sosnik. He wrote an opinion essay in the New York Times on 1 November 2024, "Why Trump Has a More Plausible Path to the Presidency, in 19 Maps." Original air date 4 November 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: Is the Des Moines Register poll showing Kamala Harris leading in Iowa an incorrect aberration or a predictor of how the race will end? Listen, then vote!

Michael talks to "13 Keys to the White House" creator, American University Professor Allan Lichtman, five days before Election Day. He has used his formula to predict that Vice President Harris will win the presidency. Original air date 31 October 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: Whose supporters will have a more difficult time coping with defeat? Harris or Trump? Listen here, vote there.

CNN's chief national correspondent John King joins Michael 5 days before Election Day 2024, to talk about his famous 'Magic Wall' that he has become known for on Election Night, using the technology to zoom in and look at voting results and more as they happen. Original air date 31 October 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: In the 2024 presidential election, are you voting FOR a particular candidate or AGAINST another? Listen here, then vote!

2WAY and Wide World of News Political Analyst Mark Halperin makes his final appearance before Election Day 2024, going through the latest headlines with Michael, and offers his take on what each side must do to win next Tuesday. Listen to this expert analysis and please rate and review this podcast, and share! Original air date 30 October 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 Kamala Harris go to Austin, TX, and sit for a 3-hour interview with Joe Rogan? Listen, then vote. Then, rate and review this podcast.

And so begins the final week of the 2024 election...and it is a dead heat between Vice President Kamala Harris, and Former President Trump. Michael offers his thoughts on the state of the race, in particular what effect Trump's weekend rally at Madison Square Garden, which received a lot of negative attention, might have in the final days. Also, a look at all the latest polling, and reaction from listeners with one week to go til Election Day. Original air date 29 October 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: Is opposition from the dominant media helping Donald Trump? Listen to him now, then vote, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast, and share with friends!

Michael welcomes NYU Professor and bestselling author Jonathan Haidt to talk about the need for people to get off their smart phones, get out of their bubbles, and...mingle! Not only is Haidt the author of "The Anxious Generation" and "The Coddling of the American Mind" (now out as a documentary), but he's also quoted in Michael's "Mingle Project" speech. Haidt is a big proponent of phone-free schools. Listen to his thoughts here, and share yours when you rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Original air date 25 October 2024.

An incredibly well done, granular analysis of the counties you want to focus on a week from tomorrow when the votes start to come in. Michael Baharaeen, Chief Political Analyst at The Liberal Patriot, lays out all the 2024 battleground details with Michael in this deep dive. Original air date 28 October 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: Is VP Harris making a mistake by not campaigning with President Biden? Listen now, then vote!

The AP is the gold standard when it comes to a journalism outlet announcing election results on election night. How does the AP do it? A deep dive here with Associated Press Washington Bureau Chief Anna Johnson with the details behind the curtain, on how the magic happens. Original air date 25 October 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 we know the outcome by Friday after the election? Listen to his thoughts, and rate and review this podcast. Then, vote!28

What if Joe Biden was the better candidate all along? Harlan Ullman, Chair of the Killowen Group and Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council poses that question in a provocative opinion piece in The Hill. Listen to his take with Michael here. Original air date 24 October 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...The race will not be as close as the polls suggest. Listen here, then rate and review this podcast and vote at Smerconish.com.

If you've listened to SiriusXM's POTUS 124 recently, you've not gone long without hearing a commercial for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, voiced by Ron Reagan. We've received so many comments about it, that we needed to find out what its all about. Michael welcomes Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan, for a conversation on religion here. Original air date 23 October 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 Kamala Harris say more about her work at McDonald’s or continue to ignore Trump in this regard? Listen here, vote there!

Shanin Specter, attorney for the exonerated "Central Park Five" joins Michael to discuss the defamation suit filed against former President Trump for what he said about them in a September 2024 presidential debate. The group of men were accused and convicted of raping and beating a woman in New York City in 1989. The convictions were vacated in 2002 after someone else confessed to the crime. Specter says had Trump immediately retracted and apologized after his comments in the debate with VP Kamala Harris, they would not have filed the lawsuit. Original air date 22 October 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 Elon Musk's daily $1 million giveaway constitute an act of election interference or is it a demonstration of free speech? Listen here, vote there!

Who is going to win the election? According to an often-overlooked index, there are signs in popular culture that will point to one candidate over another. Michael talks to John Kenneith White, Professor Emeritus at Catholic University of America, who's written about cultural signs in an opinion essay at The Hill, he says they point to a Harris victory this year. Not all will agree - listen in! Original air date 21 October 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: Politically speaking, did Trump win or lose the weekend with his ribald comments about Arnold Palmer and his working the McDonald’s drive-thru window? Listen here, then vote, and leave a rating and review of this podcast!

All eyes are on the Philly suburbs for the 2024 election in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania. Central to it all is Michael's hometown of Doylestown, where actor and comedian Tim Stack also happens to be from. Listen to this great conversation which may jog some hometown memories of your own. Original air date 18 October 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: Is it now time for Netanyahu to claim victory and end the war against Hamas? Listen here, vote there!

Michael offers his thoughts on Vice President Harris' first sit-down interview with Bret Baier on FOX News, less than three weeks until Election Day. Original air date 17 October 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 we take Trump's extreme rhetoric on the campaign trail literally?

Three weeks from today will be the Wednesday after Election Day. Listen to a state of the 2024 race conversation with Wide World of News and 2WAY political analyst Mark Halperin. Original air date 16 October 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 Kamala Harris’ interview on Fox News be good or bad for her campaign? Listen here, vote there!

RealClearPennsylvania's Charles McElwee took a deep dive into a particular bellwether area of swing state Pennsylvania that has big implications for the 2024 election, for Politico Magazine. You'll get a real lesson in geography and politics in this conversation, no matter where in the country you are listening from.. Original air date 15 October 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 the U.S. send an antimissile system and 100 troops to Israel? Listen here, then vote.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) recently downplayed the effects of climate change on hurricanes and their increasing in strength and destruction. Michael runs through the Governor's comments with one of the world's leading climate scientists, Dr. Michael Mann, Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of multiple books. Original air date 14 October 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: If Kamala Harris loses, it will be because of... a) Biden’s Late Exit, b) Failure to Differentiate from Biden, c) Misogyny, d) Racism, e) Media Coverage of Trump, f) Not Choosing Josh Shapiro, g) Running Too Controlled a Campaign, h) The Electoral College, i) Jill Stein? Listen here, the vote at Smerconish.com! And please take a moment to rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform - thanks!

Michael talks to Louis DeJoy, United States Postmaster General, about election mail and the postal service's state of readiness to get mail-in ballots delivered safely. Original air date 11 October 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: Is the dark tone of Trump’s campaign a deliberate campaign strategy, or the result of impulsivity?

Former Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) and Former Governor Parris Glendening (D-MD) are part of a bipartisan group of 17 former governors who are urging sitting governors to certify the 2024 election results in a timely manner after Election Day - to avoid what happened in 2020 and not risk disenfranchising millions of voters. They join Michael here for a conversation as to why speaking out and doing this is important. Original air date 10 October 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: Must Kamala Harris do more to differentiate herself from Joe Biden in order to win? Listen here, then vote!

Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin says Vice President Kamala Harris' recent media blitz and political communication style and messaging needs an immediate reset. He offers a fake speech based on the 1998 movie 'Bulworth." Original air date 9 October 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 you consider the prevalence of extreme weather in determining where to live? Listen here, vote there!

Michael talks with Purdue University Professor Kaylyn Jackson Schiff about how politicians will continue to lie and use misinformation to get out of a tough/negative situation, in the wake of stories surfacing about North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson referring to himself as a "black nazi." Original air date 23 September 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, following his weekend conversation with her on CNN, Michael asks you: Do you agree with Secretary Clinton that Section 230, which shields online platforms from liability for 3rd-party content, should be repealed? Listen here, then vote.

Today's podcast opens with Michael talking to Robert Draper at the New York Times about the non-existent relationship between Kamala Harris and her father, even though they live just two miles apart. Then, he looks at another in-depth piece in the Times about the reigniting of questions over former President Trump's age and mental acuity. Has there been a change? Original air date 7 October 2024.

Today's Daily Poll Question is a little different and extra special, so Michael hopes you will indulge him and take a listen today. It's all about the successful sales so far of "Smercomics 2024", the political cartoon book chronicling the 2024 election, featuring the drawings of four award-winning editorial cartoonists from over the last year. Listen in as Michael discusses it on the final day of sales - orders close at 12:00 AM (midnight) EAST tonight. Here's the special part: 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Children's Crisis Treatment Center (https://www.cctckids.org/). Michael is expecting to make a $100,000 donation to CCTC. So that brings about today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Where order #8,200 of "Smercomics 2024" was received at 3:55PM ET on Saturday, what will be final total sold when orders close for goo at Midnight tonight? a) 8,400 b) 8,600 c) 8,800 d) 9,000 e) More than 9,000 f) More than 10,000? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to Allan Lichtman, Distinguished Professor of History at American University, and the co-founder of the "13 Keys to the White House" election predicton model. Original air date 4 October 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: Which “October Surprise” will have the most significant impact on the election? 1) Jack Smith’s recent filing, 2) Israel, 3) The port strike, 4) Aftermath of Hurricane Helene, 5) Something still to come 6) Nothing will have significant impact. Listen here, then vote!

Federal Prosecutors, lead by special counsel Jack Smith, put forth their most extensive case to date against former President Trump and his effort to overturn the 2020 election. It was unsealed in court yesterday. Michael welcomes CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig for a conversation on his unbelievable take on this bombshell report - Michael is hearing from Ellie, a perspective that not being offered anywhere else, which he has published today in New York Magazine. Listen to this conversation now. Honig is a former state and federal prosecutor. Original air date 3 October 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 Pete Rose be posthumously admitted to the Baseball Hall Of Fame? Listen here, then vote!

Michael gets Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin's take on this week's Vice Presidential debate between Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz. It's a bit different from Michael's analysis - listen in! Original air date 2 October 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: Five weeks from today – the day after the Election – will we know the victor? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Would you use your body's data for convenience, like paying for things or faster security lines? An article in the Wall Street Journal, "Amazon Wants Your Palm and TSA Wants Your Face. What Saying Yes Will Mean" caught Michael's attention. He gets expertise here from Maxine Most at Acuity Market Intelligence. Original air date 25 September 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 California have banned legacy admissions at private universities? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) offers his perspective on what it is like to debate Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate J.D. Vance (R-OH). They ran against each other in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, where Vance ultimately won. Michael talks to Ryan just before Vance faces Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) in this week's vice presidential debate on CBS.

Former Minnesota Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen shares his insights into what it is like to debate Governor Tim Walz. They shared the debate stage three times when running against each other for governor, a race that Walz ultimately one. Ahead of tomorrow night's Vice Presidential Debate on CBS between Walz and J.D. Vance, Michael gets Jensen's take. Original air date 30 September 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. Based on CBS News announcing ahead of tomorrow night's debate that moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will not fact-check either candidate — Walz and Vance will be responsible for fact-checking one another, Michael asks you: Should the moderators of the Vice Presidential debate engage in real-time fact checking? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Caricatures of politicians have long been a part of the world's editorial pages - and every time a new person comes into the spotlight, a debate happens on how to appropriately depict them. How far is too far? What's funny, what sends a message? Michael welcomes award winning editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers, who draws for Smerconish.com to discuss how he draws Vice President Kamala Harris. Then, the audience weights in on how they would draw her. Original air date 27 September 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: Which of the followiing biometrics will you surrender for the sake of convenience: Palm Scan, Facial Recognition, Both, or Neither? Listen here, then vote!

Michael talks to Politico's Thomas Frank, who reports that federal agencies are racing to address climate change, but the government does almost nothing to prevent thousands of people from dying of extreme heat. Mr. Frank heads E&E News' climate finance team - listen to him discuss his piece "They died with the AC off: Why the government pays for heating but not cooling." Original air date 17 September 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 the election be as close as the current polls suggest? Listen, then cast your vote!

Michael talks about Harvard Economist Raj Chetty's guest essay in The New York Times, "I Have Studied Social Mobility for Years. Here’s How Kamala Harris Can Build an ‘Opportunity Economy'." Chett's thesis directly relates to Michael's signature mission to restore civility and compromise to our public discourse, known as "The Mingle Project." Key point: Cross-class relationships are incredibly important. Original air date 25 September 2024.

Michael talks to political analyst Mark Halperin at The Wide World of News, now inside of 6 weeks until election day. What's with the Harris campaign's choice of an interview with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle on the economy, after what the anchor said as a guest on Bill Maher's program last week? Listen in for Mark and Michael's thoughts, on how we need to hear more from Kamala Harris on specifics of her plans. Original air date 25 September 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: Who needs a second debate more: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Listen here, then vote!

There are currently several federal inquiries into wrongdoing within New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration. Spectrum News Anchor, Podcast Host, and New York Magazine contributor Errol Louis explains it all. He is a Manhattan based journalist and political analyst and has the scoop from the Big Apple. Original air date 24 September 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: Is Amazon's new five-day office policy a one-off decision by a single corporation or the beginning of a broader trend to return to in-person workplaces? Listen here, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Will another debate help Former President Trump? Does he even need it? Maybe not, but does Vice President Harris need one? Michael talks to Josh Dawsey at The Washington Post who reported out on a turbulent few weeks for Trump's campaign with several negative headlines, but, that has not seemed to cause a huge dent in his presidential run, now with six weeks until election day. Original air date 23 September 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 you give to people on the street? Listen here, then vote!

Michael discusses the recently rediscovered posts from North Carolina's Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Michael also opens the floor for callers to share their thoughts on the controversy and hypocrisy surrounding the content. Original air date 20 September 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 promotion of diversity on college campuses include ideological balance? Listen to him discuss now, then vote, and, take a moment to rate and review this podcast.

Michael talks to Richard Clarke about the sophisticated attack of exploding pagers by Israel against Hezbollah. And, would Clarke ever return to the White House? Richard A. Clarke served for thirty years in national security policy roles in the US Government, first in the Pentagon, then the State Department, and finally for an unprecedented decade of continuous service for three Presidents on the White House National Security Council for President Bush (41), Clinton, and Bush (43), among other key positions. Original air date 19 September 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 the communication device attacks, presumably by Israel, make us more or less safe? Listen to him discuss now, then vote, and, take a moment to rate and review this podcast.

Michael talks to Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin about the latest 2024 race headlines. Are both Harris and Trump still in it, and is it a close race? Listen here. Original air date 18 September 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, Which of the following do you wish was never invented? Facebook, Instagram, Smart Phones, Snapchat, The Internet, TikTok, X/Twitteror,or "I'd keep them all." Listen here, then vote!