The Smerconish Podcast

This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #6. "Can We Agree?" is the program that asks whether two brilliant minds from opposite corners of an argument can find any common ground on the questions that matter most to Americans today. The U.S. national debt is now larger than the economies of China, Germany, Japan, Britain, and India combined. That’s $297,000 for every household in America, and $117,000 for every U.S. citizen. How do we lessen this burden on future generations?
Facing off in this special live edition of “Can We Agree?“: Stephen Moore, who advised Donald Trump on the economy, says the cure is growth. Maya MacGuineas, who has led the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget since 2003, says the fix requires both spending cuts and more tax revenue. Two serious people. One $40 trillion question. Can they agree? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Democrats win big today, who becomes better positioned for 2028? An AOC-style progressive or a Shapiro-style moderate?
Election Day 2026 could deliver a Democratic wave, but what would that victory mean for the party's future? Michael examines the battle between the progressive wing, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the moderate lane championed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With polls pointing toward major Democratic gains, both factions could claim a mandate heading into the 2028 presidential race. Will voters reward bold progressive politics or pragmatic centrism? Listen here, and cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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We JUST turned our clocks back. Could President Trump make us spring forward AGAIN before the year is over? Michael Smerconish talks with Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond about Trump's renewed push for permanent daylight saving time, the Sunshine Protection Act, and the Republican senator standing in its way. Then, listeners across the country weigh in on dark winter evenings, kids waiting for school buses, health concerns, and the never-ending debate over changing our clocks. Is it finally time to pick a time and stick with it? Listen here, then share, rate, and review this podcast! Original air date 2 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: To what does Haley Stevens owe more of a duty, her conscience or her party?
Just 48 hours before the midterm elections, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens stunned the political world by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Donald Trump celebrated the surprise endorsement, but could the move actually hurt Rogers more than help him? Michael examines Stevens' objections to El-Sayed, the backlash from fellow Democrats, and whether her last-minute break with party loyalty will sway Michigan voters. With Election Day looming and new polling pointing toward a potentially strong Democratic showing nationwide, Michael asks whether political conscience should ever outweigh allegiance to one's party. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com - but before you to, please leave a rating and a review on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A Florida mom was arrested for leaving her four children, ages 9 to 14, home alone while she traveled for work—even though she'd arranged for a babysitter to check on them. Was this child neglect, or have we taken helicopter parenting too far? Michael revisits his own free-range childhood in the 1970s, when kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised and independence was part of growing up. He questions whether today's parents are protecting their children or robbing them of essential life experiences. Callers share astonishing stories from their own childhoods, debate the Florida mother's arrest, and confront a provocative question: Would the parenting practices of yesterday get you thrown in jail today? Original air date 29 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the midterms mark the end of the Trump era?
Michael examines political strategist Doug Sosnik's provocative analysis of the coming election. Could the 2026 midterm elections signal the beginning of the end of Donald Trump's political dominance? With Trump's approval rating at 33%, history suggests Democrats could be headed for a massive victory. But Sosnik argues that gerrymandering, the education divide, and fundamental shifts in the electorate make a traditional blue wave far less certain. Even without a Democratic landslide, could the midterms usher in a new, post-Trump political era? Michael breaks down the historical comparisons, the changing electoral landscape, and what's really at stake. Vote now at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is the Trump era nearing its end? veteran Democratic strategist and former Clinton White House adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a revealing, data-driven look at what could be a political earthquake on Tuesday, November 3. With President Trump's approval rating at historic lows, Americans struggling with the cost of living, and the war with Iran weighing heavily on voters, Sosnik explains why Democrats are positioned to retake the House—and possibly the Senate. But he also warns that today's political realignment could prevent the kind of historic landslide the numbers might otherwise suggest. Plus, why Sosnik believes Election Day could mark the beginning of the end of the Trump era, ushering in a volatile new chapter in American politics. What happens when the votes are counted—and is the country prepared for what comes next? Listen here, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 29 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A dirty political trick or just smart campaign strategy? A stunning New York Times investigation reveals an alleged scheme involving Democrats recruiting a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to potentially confuse voters in Alaska's heated Senate race. Michael breaks down the controversy, the role of ranked-choice voting, and whether this tactic crosses an ethical or legal line. Today's poll asks: Recruiting a candidate with your opponent's name — dirty trick or fair game? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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With Election Day just days away, could an October Surprise change everything? Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for a final look at the 2026 midterms, weighing the possibility of a Democratic tsunami against a Republican upset. Which Senate races could determine control of Congress, and will President Trump accept the results?
Halperin also explores the last-minute wild cards that could upend the election, from AI-generated voter misinformation and an infusion of Elon Musk's money to a potential military confrontation with Iran. Plus, a surprising prediction about JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Trump's endorsement in the 2028 presidential race. Michael then opens the phones to listeners who offer their own election-changing scenarios. Could the biggest political shock still be ahead? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime?
Artificial intelligence could cure cancer, fight Alzheimer's, and revolutionize government services. It could also pose an existential threat to humanity. Michael examines the extraordinary promises and alarming risks outlined in Anthropic's IPO prospectus, including tens of thousands of words devoted to potential dangers. With concerns mounting about AI's rapid advancement and lack of regulation, Michael considers Admiral James Stavridis's call for sensible government oversight. Are we approaching an era of unprecedented human progress, or unleashing technology we may not be able to control? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Can President Donald Trump really strip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of her U.S. citizenship—and potentially have her deported? As the Trump administration investigates the Minnesota Democrat, Michael speaks with Minneapolis immigration attorney David L. Wilson of the Wilson Law Group to explain denaturalization, the legal process for revoking citizenship. What constitutes immigration fraud? Why are search warrants and grand jury proceedings so unusual in these cases? And does losing citizenship automatically mean deportation? Then, listeners weigh in on whether the investigation represents political retribution, legitimate legal scrutiny, or potentially both. It's a provocative discussion about immigration law, the power of the Justice Department, and the unanswered questions surrounding Ilhan Omar. Original air date 27 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which drives voters more, their demographics or their values?
We like to believe our votes reflect our values. But what if race, gender, age, and education are far more predictive of our political choices? Michael examines new voter data from The New York Times showing dramatic demographic shifts between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, alongside Gallup research revealing surprising agreement on core American values. If Americans share so much common ground, why do we vote so differently? Michael makes the case that our increasingly disconnected lives—and the people we surround ourselves with—may explain America's political divide. Listen here, then share, rate, and review this episode - AND....Cast your vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Should taxpayer dollars fund schools—or follow students? Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is a Democrat who's breaking with his party on school choice, arguing that America's public education system is failing too many children. He joins Michael to discuss school vouchers, charter schools, teachers unions, and the Trump administration's new federal scholarship tax credit. Plus, callers challenge Williams on whether school choice helps disadvantaged students or simply takes money away from public schools. Original air date 22 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: It takes 218 seats to control the House. How will the midterms end? a) Republicans keep control, b) Democrats win narrowly (218–229 seats), or c) Democrats win big (230 seats or more)?
With just eight days until the 2026 midterm elections, Michael examines whether Republicans can hold the House or whether Democrats are headed for a commanding victory. Election forecasts from Cook Political Report, Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball, and Nate Silver increasingly favor Democrats, while betting markets point toward a sizable majority. Michael breaks down the numbers, the stakes of reaching 218 seats, and why the difference between a narrow win and a blue wave could reshape Washington. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did JD Vance help or hurt his chances of winning the 2028 GOP nomination by defending Ramaswamy's ad?
Vice President JD Vance is standing behind Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, even as prominent Republicans condemn its deeply personal content. President Trump has doubled down in support, but Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other GOP leaders are pushing back. Michael examines whether Vance's unwavering loyalty to Trump and Ramaswamy strengthens his standing with MAGA voters or risks alienating Republicans looking for a different direction after the midterms. Could this controversy open the door for Marco Rubio or another 2028 contender? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Are the kids alright? After joining former RNC Chairman Michael Steele for a conversation with 600 students at Pennsylvania's Hill School, Michael shares his message to America's next generation. Are Americans truly more divided than ever, or have we simply forgotten how to disagree? From political polarization and social media misinformation to the dangers of living in ideological bubbles, Michael challenges young people to think independently, question their assumptions, and engage in democracy. Callers weigh in on the greatest threats to America's future, while Michael makes the case that what unites us is still far more important than what divides us. Original air date 22 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Ramaswamy's ad using his rival's mother will: a) help him, b) hurt him, or c) make no difference.
Vivek Ramaswamy's latest attack ad in the Ohio governor's race features Amy Acton's estranged mother calling her own daughter a liar. But there's a stunning detail the commercial leaves out: mother and daughter reportedly haven't seen each other in 47 years, and troubling court records tell a very different story. Michael examines whether the ad is political hardball or a spectacular miscalculation. Vice President J.D. Vance tells critics to "stop whining," while President Trump weighs in with his own reaction. Will this controversial tactic persuade Ohio voters, or will it backfire on Ramaswamy just days before the election? Listen here and rate, review and share this podcast - and vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Will JD Vance run for president in 2028, and would Donald Trump immediately endorse him? 2WAY Editor-in-Chief Mark Halperin joins Michael with exclusive insights from his interview with the Vice President aboard Air Force Two. Plus, could John Fetterman switch parties and cost Democrats control of the Senate? Halperin also reveals his latest 2028 Democratic presidential rankings, with Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg and Josh Shapiro leading the pack. Michael takes listener calls on the future of both parties and what voters really want in their next president. Original air date 21 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Europe's wave of violent protests reach America soon?
France is experiencing a wave of unrest, with protests spreading across Europe and political tensions rising on both sides of the Atlantic. Could America be next? Michael examines the competing explanations for the violence—from President Trump's warnings about immigration to economic pressures, government debt, and young people's frustration over an uncertain future. Is Europe's upheaval is a warning sign for the United States—or whether America's democratic institutions and elections offer a different path. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com and rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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