The Smerconish Podcast

Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Did the ends of the Democrat-supported government shutdown justify the means?" After weeks of stalemate, Democrats ended the fight without key concessions—but may have reframed the national debate on health care. Was the pain worth the politics? Plus, insights on yesterday's poll results - listen here, and 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.

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack breaking revelations from Jeffrey Epstein’s newly surfaced emails — including what they suggest Donald Trump may have known about Epstein’s conduct. Then, shifting gears to dissect the GOP’s healthcare dilemma, rising insurance premiums, and what both parties risk in the next budget showdown. Finally, they look ahead to 2028, where Halperin just changed his mind about Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions. Original air date 12 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll, asking: Should the Supreme Court allow states to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving afterward? He breaks down the upcoming Supreme Court case, explores how 30 states already handle this issue, and weighs both sides of the debate — from election integrity to voter access. Plus, reflections on yesterday’s conversation about whether betting markets can out-predict polls. Listen here, then vote, and please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doug Sosnik is a policy and political expert who has closely advised President Bill Clinton and multiple U.S. Senators, governors, Fortune 100 corporations, foundations and universities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Admiral James Stavridis is a retired four-star U.S. naval officer. He is currently Partner and Vice Chair of Carlyle, a global investment firm. He is also 12th Chair of Rockefeller Foundation board.  Previously he served for five years as the 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He led the NATO Alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as 16th Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy, and cyber security. He also served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006-2009. He earned more than 50 medals, including 28 from foreign nations in his 37-year military career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Veterans Day, Michael asks: Which is a more reliable predictor of elections — traditional polls or betting markets? With new data from Vanderbilt showing gamblers outperformed pollsters in 2024, he wonders if polling as we know it is on the way out. Listen in and see if you agree, and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, comment, and review 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.

Billionaire trader and philanthropist Jeff Yass joins Michael to discuss his $100 million donation to the University of Austin, a new institution co-founded by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss that promises “the fearless pursuit of truth.” Yass explains why he believes higher education is broken, how government involvement has inflated costs, and why this new school refuses federal funding altogether. He outlines a radical model — no tuition, no federal money, and full accountability to students’ success — arguing that universities should be judged not by prestige, but by the impact of their graduates. An eye-opening conversation about money, ideology, and the future of learning. Original air date 10 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

41 days later...Eight Democrats broke ranks to help end the government shutdown — but was it the right call? Michael weighs in on today’s hot-button Smerconish.com poll question and explains why compromise might still be possible in Washington. Listen here, 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.

The #1 movie on Netflix, 'A House of Dynamite', imagines the unthinkable: a ballistic missile headed straight for Chicago. Michael Smerconish sits down with screenwriter Noah Oppenheim and former White House national security advisor Richard Clarke to separate cinematic fiction from terrifying fact. Oppenheim, who co-wrote 'Zero Day' and once led NBC News, reveals how his collaboration with director Kathryn Bigelow turned a 20-minute nuclear countdown into the most intense film of the year—and why the Pentagon actually responded to it. Then Clarke, who served under Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Bush, explains how much of the movie mirrors his real-life experience in the Situation Room on 9/11, and why America’s nuclear defenses may not be as foolproof as we’d like to think. Can the U.S. really stop an incoming missile? Would the President have only minutes to decide the fate of the world? And how close are we, right now, to midnight on the doomsday clock? Listen here, 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.

'Sandwichgate' has concluded. Did the jury get it right in acquitting the man who threw a sandwich at a federal officer? While the internet laughs and trades condiment puns, Michael isn’t amused — he sees a dangerous precedent in the verdict. In this fiery episode, he breaks down the “sandwich trial,” explores the fine line between protest and assault, and pushes back against what he calls a clear case of jury nullification. Plus, a quick look back at yesterday’s fascinating discussion on democratic socialism - Listen in, and then please rate and review 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.