The Smerconish Podcast

Episode

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  The Midterm Map Is Shifting 02.10.2026 21mnt

  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 15mnt

  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 21mnt

  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 13mnt

  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 31mnt

  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 11mnt

  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 37mnt

  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 23mnt

  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 33mnt

  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 14mnt

  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 23mnt

  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 12mnt

  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 36mnt

  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?
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  Today's Poll Question: Which Is More Likely: AI Ends Humanity or AI Cures Cancer? 24.09.2026 16mnt

  Will AI destroy humanity—or save millions of lives? Michael explores the growing fears surrounding artificial intelligence alongside remarkable examples of AI improving healthcare, predicting sepsis, cutting hospital wait times, and potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment. So which future is more likely: AI apocalypse or AI medical miracle?
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  Bernie and AOC in 2028? Mark Halperin Floats a Stunning Ticket 23.09.2026 31mnt

  Could Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez join forces in 2028? Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish and floats the provocative possibility of a Bernie-AOC presidential ticket — and what it could mean for the Democratic field. Plus, they discuss the approaching midterms, Donald Trump’s battles with the media, and the growing 2028 conversation surrounding Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Original air date 23 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: What was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years? 23.09.2026 14mnt

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which was the most consequential U.S. presidential election of the last 50 years? Choices: 1980, 1992, 2000, 2008, or 2016. Inspired by Dana Bash and David Fisher’s new book "The Elections That Changed the World" (hear Dana's interview on our Book Club Podcast, Episode #565) Michael looks back at five elections that reshaped American politics: Ronald Reagan’s 1980 victory, Bill Clinton’s 1992 win, Bush v. Gore in 2000, Barack Obama’s historic 2008 election, and Donald Trump’s 2016 upset. Michael examines how each contest altered the country’s political trajectory—from the conservative revolution and the war on terror to the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court, and the rise of Trump-era politics. Listen, then make your choice at Smerconish.com, and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast!
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  America Wanted a Trump-Mamdani Fight. It Didn’t Get One 22.09.2026 33mnt

  President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are about as politically different as it gets—so what should we make of their surprisingly cordial meeting at Gracie Mansion? Michael examines whether either man is getting played, and whether their willingness to work together offers a rare lesson in political civility. New York City Councilman Frank Morano and former Trump White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci join the conversation, followed by listeners weighing in on whether cooperation—or confrontation—is what America really wants. Original air date 22 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Trump and Mamdani are working together. Who's getting played? 22.09.2026 11mnt

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Trump and Mamdani working together. Who's getting played: Mamdani, Trump, Both, or Neither? Michael connects the unexpected cordiality between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a broader question about dignity in politics. After a Gracie Mansion meeting focused on housing, immigration, and affordability, Michael asks whether either man is being played—or whether the willingness of ideological opposites to cooperate is worth welcoming. He also revisits Tim Shriver’s Dignity Index and the challenge of treating political opponents with respect without ignoring real disagreements. Plus, what might each leader have to gain from keeping the relationship productive? Listen here, then vote!
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  AI Could Destroy Us—or Save Us 21.09.2026 29mnt

  Michael opens with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis for a rapid-fire look at Iran, the Houthis, Ukraine, and the growing danger of humans weaponizing artificial intelligence. Then, after weeks of warnings about runaway AI and its potential for catastrophe, Michael turns to the other side of the story: how AI is already being used for good in education, medicine, public health, and everyday life. Is AI our greatest emerging threat—or one of our most powerful tools? Original air date 21 September 2026.
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  Today's Poll Question: Is a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote? 21.09.2026 10mnt

  Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a candidate's civility toward opponents a factor in your vote? Michael Smerconish explores whether respect, dignity, and a willingness to work across political lines still matter when voters choose a candidate—or whether policy positions outweigh everything else. The conversation is prompted by Tim Shriver’s work with Unite and the Dignity Index, which focuses on reducing contempt in public life. Michael considers a difficult tradeoff: what if you agree with a candidate’s agenda but reject the way they treat opponents? And what if a more civil candidate holds views you oppose? It’s a timely look at character, disagreement, and what voters actually value at the ballot box. Listen, vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast!