The Smerconish Podcast

Admiral James Stavridis Mark Halperin's Morning Meeting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which should determine US citizenship, the place of birth or the citizenship of one's parents? Michael Smerconish breaks down the high-stakes legal and political battle over birthright citizenship as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments tied to Donald Trump’s executive order. With history stretching from Dred Scott to Wong Kim Ark, the episode explores whether the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to all born on U.S. soil—or if that interpretation could shift. Smerconish also examines how the U.S. compares globally and why this issue cuts to the core of national identity, law, and constitutional limits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit SCOTUSblog here. In this episode, Michael and Amy unpack: -The origins of birthright citizenship (Dred Scott → 14th Amendment → Wong Kim Ark) -What “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” really means -How the current Supreme Court might rule -Whether the U.S. is an outlier globally Then, Michael turns to listeners for a wide-ranging and candid debate: Should being born on U.S. soil automatically make you a citizen? This is a timely, nonpartisan conversation about law, policy, and identity—right at the center of today’s political and constitutional crossroads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's best chance of winning the White House in 2028 a straight, white Christian man? Michael Smerconish examines a quietly intensifying debate among Democratic strategists about electability, identity, and voter bias after recent presidential losses. Drawing on reporting from Axios and insights from Mark Halperin’s early 2028 rankings, he weighs which potential candidates could actually win a general election—and whether party values are colliding with political reality. Listen in as Michael connects today's tensions with the Democratic Party's uncertain path forward, and cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit Michael's Mingle Project Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After a month of watching this war, based on Iran's actions, do you now believe they'd be more or less likely to use a nuke if they had one? Michael Smerconish examines how recent Iranian missile and drone strikes—targeting both military installations and civilian areas—are shaping public perception of nuclear risk. He also explores a provocative debate: whether a U.S. victory in Iran could have unintended global consequences, and how partisan reactions to war complicate national interests. The result is a sobering conversation about deterrence, escalation, and what recent events reveal about Iran’s potential nuclear posture. Listen in, then vote, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Find R.m. Schneiderman's work on Substack. Hear Michael's book club podcast episode with Marcus Luttrell here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress ban betting on government actions, terrorism and war? Michael examines a wave of suspicious trading activity that appears to anticipate major geopolitical decisions—from U.S. strikes abroad to sudden policy reversals—raising questions about who knows what, and when. With new legislation proposed to prohibit wagering on sensitive events, the debate pits national security and ethics against free markets and predictive insight. Are these platforms valuable forecasting tools, or dangerous incentives that could invite manipulation and undermine public trust? Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Find Holly Peterson's work here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with the California jury verdict, blaming Meta and YouTube for designing features that cause mental health distress? Michael Smerconish breaks down a landmark Los Angeles verdict holding Meta and Google liable for millions in damages tied to a young woman’s mental health harms. Is this Big Tech’s “Big Tobacco moment,” or an overreach by trial lawyers? He explores the product liability theory behind the case, why Section 230 didn’t apply, and how cultural and legal trends often start in California. Plus, the broader implications for regulation, future lawsuits, and what it all means for social media users and companies alike. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.