The Smerconish Podcast

Épisodes

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  Today's Poll Question: As the media has gotten more diverse, has the bias of the “Dominant Media” against Trump worsened? 08.10.2026 10min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Mark Halperin that as the media has gotten more diverse, the bias of the dominant media against Trump has worsened? More media choices than ever—but is mainstream news coverage becoming less fair? Michael Smerconish examines journalist Mark Halperin's provocative argument that legacy media outlets have grown increasingly biased against Donald Trump, even as podcasts, cable news, and independent platforms reshape the information landscape. Halperin contends that anti-Trump sentiment has become embedded in newsroom culture, making it harder for Republicans to receive balanced coverage. But Michael questions whether a truly "dominant media" still exists when Americans can choose news that reinforces their beliefs. Is this systemic bias, justified scrutiny, or something more complicated? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast.
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  Mark Halperin: The Media Is Trying to Destroy Trump 07.10.2026 32min

  Is the press giving Donald Trump and Republicans a fair shake? 2WAY Political Analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish to argue that America’s “dominant media” applies a different standard to Democrats and Republicans—and that the problem has only intensified in the Trump era. They discuss coverage of Trump’s record and Democratic flip-flops, plus the extraordinary success of Fox News as it marks 30 years on the air today. Then, listeners weigh in, challenging—and defending—Halperin’s case. Original air date 7 October 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Who should remain anonymous in a rape accusation case, prior to a verdict? 07.10.2026 17min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Prior to a verdict, who should remain anonymous in a rape accusation case? Only the accuser, both the accuser and the accused, or no one? Michael examines the difficult balance between victim privacy, the presumption of innocence, and the public’s right to know. Using the Cornell rape case as a backdrop, he looks at why the accuser remains anonymous while the seven accused men have been publicly identified, photographed, and discussed despite no criminal charges. He also considers how social media, newsroom traditions, past false-accusation cases, and the lasting power of online reputational damage complicate an already fraught question. Listen here, then vote.
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  Did Russia Just Have a Plague Lab Leak? Annie Jacobsen Sounds the Alarm 06.10.2026 24min

  Reports of a mysterious death at a Russian laboratory are raising fears about pneumonic plague—and the circumstances sound eerily similar to the scenario Annie Jacobsen laid out in her latest book, "Biological War." Jacobsen joins Michael Smerconish to explain what makes pneumonic plague so dangerous, why Russia’s secrecy and quarantine response are drawing scrutiny, and what signs she’ll be watching for next. They also discuss the possibility of weaponized pathogens, gain-of-function research, and whether the United States would be prepared if a deadly outbreak escaped containment. Original air date 6 October 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Should NY AG Letitia James be the person to investigate the Cornell rape case? 06.10.2026 11min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should New York Attorney General Letitia James be the person to investigate the Cornell rape case? Michael examines whether AG James can fairly oversee the high-profile Cornell case after publicly referring to the accuser as a “survivor” before an investigation was completed. Drawing on arguments from former federal prosecutor Elie Honig and attorney Justin Dillon, Michael explores the appearance of prejudgment, prosecutors’ ethical obligations, and lessons from the 2006 Duke lacrosse case. The issue isn’t whether the allegations deserve investigation—they do. The question is whether James is the right person to conduct it. Listen here, then cast your own vote - and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast.
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  Too Drunk to Consent? The Law Complicating the Cornell Rape Case 05.10.2026 33min

  The latest developments in the Cornell rape case raise a complicated question: When is someone too intoxicated to legally consent to sex? Michael breaks down New York’s rape laws, the controversial “voluntary intoxication” loophole, and why the distinction between being drugged, unconscious, and voluntarily intoxicated could make this case extraordinarily difficult to prosecute. Plus, new reporting on recorded phone calls involving the Cornell students and Michael’s conversation with listeners about whether New York law should change. Original air date 5 October 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Is America over-policed or under-policed? 05.10.2026 14min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is America over-policed or under-policed? Michael explores a provocative argument from Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, "The American Way of Killing" (hear Michael's conversation with Gladwell on The Book Club Podcast later today): America may have too few police officers, not too many—and far too many people behind bars. Comparing U.S. cities with their European counterparts, Michael examines whether smaller police forces can actually contribute to more violence, while easy access to guns turns everyday disputes deadly. He also revisits the Second Amendment, the Heller decision, and Gladwell’s argument that Americans have misunderstood the amendment’s original meaning. Listen in, then vote!
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  The Midterm Map Is Shifting 02.10.2026 21min

  With the 2026 midterms just weeks away, Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down the battle for control of the House and Senate—and why races in places like Kansas and Iowa deserve attention. They also revisit the Bernie Sanders–AOC 2028 idea, discuss Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s presidential potential, and examine Donald Trump’s stakes in the midterms. Could the political map be shifting faster than Republicans expected?
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  Today's Poll Question: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions? 02.10.2026 15min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions? Michael revisits the Cornell sexual assault case with new information now in the public record, including reporting on Jane Doe’s statements, text messages, the university’s Title IX process, and the district attorney’s decision not to initially bring charges. While acknowledging the disturbing conduct described in the case, Michael explains why he still believes the contradictions and the high burden of proof could make criminal convictions difficult to obtain. Listen, then cast your vote at Smerconish.com - and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast.
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  Cornell Rape Case: You Can’t Unring the Bell 01.10.2026 21min

  New details have emerged in the Cornell rape case, including reporting about Jane Doe’s statements to police, text messages after the alleged incident, and Cornell’s Title IX investigation. Michael is joined again by NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos to examine what the new information means for the renewed criminal investigation — and why, in Danny’s view, prosecutors may not be able to “unring the bell” when it comes to statements already in the record. Original air date 1 October 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Should AI designers consider religion when programming morality? 01.10.2026 13min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should AI designers consider religious doctrine when programming morality? As artificial intelligence becomes a source of advice on everything from family conflicts to medical decisions, whose values should guide its answers? Michael examines reports that Anthropic has consulted religious scholars as it wrestles with the “moral formation” of AI—and considers the larger question of whether centuries of religious thought should have a role in shaping the technology’s ethical framework. If every AI system inevitably reflects somebody’s values, should religious doctrine be one of the influences its designers consider? Listen here, and please rate, review AND share this podcast with a friend.
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  How Biased Is Michael Smerconish? The Numbers Are In 30.09.2026 31min

  How biased is Michael? The latest Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart is out, and Michael is more than happy to share his report card: A Blutarsky. He breaks down where his CNN program and SiriusXM podcast land on the left-right media bias spectrum, compares his scores with some of the biggest names in news and commentary, and offers a theory for why his radio show lands slightly to the left of his TV program: the callers. Plus, listeners weigh in on whether Michael — and the media they consume — are really as politically balanced as they think. Original air date 30 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Should Billionaires Pay a Wealth Tax—or Only Taxes on Income? 30.09.2026 11min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the government tax the wealth of billionaires, or stick to taxing income? Michael examines the growing debate over whether enormous fortunes should be taxed based on wealth rather than income. Drawing on his conversation from yesterday with economist Gabriel Zucman, Michael explores proposals aimed at billionaires, including the argument that vast stock holdings can appreciate for years without generating taxable personal income. But a wealth tax raises difficult questions of its own: How do you value private companies, real estate, art, and other illiquid assets—and could founders be forced to sell shares just to pay the bill? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast.
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  The Cornell Rape Case Is Reopened. Can Prosecutors Actually Win? 29.09.2026 37min

  A newly filed civil lawsuit has put an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University back in the spotlight—and prompted the local district attorney to reopen the investigation. Michael examines the graphic allegations, the accuser’s earlier sworn statement described by the DA, and the major discrepancies now at the center of the case. NBC senior legal analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael to discuss why, despite deeply troubling alleged conduct, securing a criminal conviction could prove extraordinarily difficult. Then listeners weigh in on consent, prosecution, campus culture, and the burden of proof. Original air date 29 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: After President Trump leaves office, will presidential power go back to what it was before? 29.09.2026 23min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After Donald Trump leaves office, will presidential power go back to what it was before? Donald Trump’s expansive use of executive authority raises a question that could outlast his presidency: Will his successors surrender those powers—or use them for their own agendas? Michael sets up today's poll question in this podcast episode with a little preview of the latest YouTube episode of "Can We Agree?", featuring constitutional scholar John Yoo and political academic William Galston. They clash over presidential war powers, Congress’s role, constitutional guardrails, and whether Trump represents a historic break or the continuation of a decades-long expansion of executive authority. The bigger question: Once presidential power expands, can it ever truly contract? Listen here, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast!
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  Is Trump About to Cost Republicans Congress? 28.09.2026 33min

  Early voting begins in just a few days in many states, so the midterm elections are underway. Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the forces shaping the battle for Congress. They examine shifting voter enthusiasm, Trump’s approval, the war in Iran, inflation and gas prices, and why historical midterm trends may only tell part of the story. Then, Michael opens the phones to listeners for their take on what could drive voters this November. Original air date 28 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Should Stay-at-Home Parents Get the Same Federal Child Care Aid as Daycare Users? 28.09.2026 14min

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should stay-at-home parents get the same federal child care aid as parents who use daycare? Michael examines a proposal that could expand federal child care assistance to families in which one parent works while the other stays home with the kids. He traces the idea to a 2021 Wall Street Journal essay co-authored by J.D. Vance and explores the arguments over daycare, parental choice, child development, and whether public policy should financially support at-home caregiving. With the proposal now drawing attention—and disagreement—among CONSERVATIVES, Michael asks whether federal child care dollars should follow families regardless of how they choose to care for their children. Listen here, then rate and review and share this podcast, and be sure to vote at smerconish.com.
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  Can the Dignity Index Fix America’s Toxic Politics? 25.09.2026 23min

  Can Americans disagree politically without treating each other with contempt? Michael speaks with Special Olympics International Chairman Tim Shriver about the Dignity Index, an eight-point scale measuring contempt and dignity in our public discourse. With nearly 9 in 10 Smerconish.com voters saying a candidate’s civility toward opponents matters to their vote, they ask whether Americans are truly ready to reject the politics of personal attacks—and become “dignity voters.”
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  Today's Poll Question: Would A Bernie/AOC Ticket Be Viable In 2028? 25.09.2026 12min

  Bernie Sanders and AOC… on the same 2028 presidential ticket? Michael examines Mark Halperin’s provocative prediction that the two progressive stars could team up early and instantly reshape the Democratic primary. Could a Sanders–Ocasio-Cortez ticket actually be viable in 2028?
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  Should Parents Choose the Best School—or Try to Fix a Failing One? 24.09.2026 36min

  Nikole Hannah-Jones made a principled decision to send her daughter to a struggling Brooklyn public school—but a decade later, she’s confronting the consequences. Michael examines her deeply personal story and the fierce debate it has sparked over school choice, segregation, teacher accountability, and a difficult question for every parent: When it comes to your child’s education, should principle ever come before opportunity?