The Smerconish Podcast

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a whirlwind tour of the most pressing stories shaping Washington. From Donald Trump's surprise pivot on China and Jerome Powell that sent the markets into a tailspin, to RFK Jr.'s headline-grabbing move to phase out artificial food dyes, and JD Vance’s meteoric rise as perhaps the most influential VP in modern history—nothing is off limits. Is Trump acting like a day-trader-in-chief? Why is the MAGA movement now pushing health reform? And has Pete Hegseth finally pushed things too far? Hear deep insights, sharp commentary, and a few laughs as Smerconish and Halperin break down the chaos with clarity. Original air date 23 April 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor this week, where a group of parents want to be able to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ themed lessons in school, has Michael asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should parents have the right to exempt their children from school materials that include LGBTQ+ themes? Listen to Michael explain the issue and his 'yes' vote, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Also listen to Michael's commentary in Episode #1332, Bill Maher Mingled With Donald Trump, And That's Great from 14 April 2025. 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 asks: With birth rates declining in many developed nations, should governments adopt policies that actively encourage citizens to have more children? Listen to Michael lay it out, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with Dana Mattioli, technology investigations and enterprise reporter for the Wall Street Journal. She's written "The Tactics Elon Musk Uses to Manage His 'Legion' of Babies--and Their Mothers." Then, the audience weighs in on pronatalism. Original air date 21 April 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 opens this episode remembering Pope Francis, who passed today at the age of 88. In an insightful commentary, he weaves into today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Will Pete Hegseth's tenure as SecDef survive reports of a second Signal breach?Listen to Michael lay it out, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 19th, 1995 remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Michael reads from an email he received this morning from his friend Sara Sweet, who's father, W. Stephen Williams, was killed in the bombing. She hopes no one ever forgets this horrific day thirty years ago. Original air date 18 April 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and expert in global affairs, dives deep into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. He highlights five alarming signs of potential military conflict, from cyber warfare to military maneuvers near Taiwan. Stavridis compares current dynamics to historical conflicts, emphasizing that interconnected economies can indeed lead to war. He also discusses the crucial role of the U.S. Navy in maintaining peace and the broader implications of economic tariffs on global stability.

Religion can be a tricky subject...while it can bring a lot of good, it can also lead to conflict, and even war. Today being Good Friday, this brings us to today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Should we hope possible life forms on exoplanet K2-18b have religious beliefs? Listen to Michael lay it out, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael hosts a compelling conversation centered around immigration, undocumented workers, and the everyday realities of hiring day laborers—sparked by a memorable and candid call from "Tom in Texas." This came after a conversation with Philip Bump at the Washington Post about how the story of Kilmar Abrego García - the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador after being arrested trying to get day labor work outside a Home Depot - tells us far more than the narrative on immigration and deportation we are hearing from the Trump White House. Original air date 17 April 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.