The Smerconish Podcast

Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is that rule — and why is it suddenly back in the headlines? Michael speaks with Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard to break down the difference between the Equal Time Rule and the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine — and why the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr appears to be taking a fresh look at enforcement. Does the Equal Time Rule apply to late-night comedy shows? Why could Colbert air the interview on YouTube but not on broadcast television? And if this rule is enforced, what does it mean for terrestrial radio talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and others? After his conversation with Kinnard, Michael has a lively conversation with the audience about free speech, fairness, media silos, and whether the marketplace — not Washington — should decide. Original air date 19 February 2026. Like what you're hearing? Please rate, review, and share this podcast, and to hear more, listen to The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "The U.S. should strike Iran: a) To eliminate its nuclear capability, b) To change its leadership, c) Both, d) Neither." With U.S. aircraft carriers deployed and reports of escalating military positioning in the Middle East, Michael asks whether America is closer to striking Iran than most realize. If Iranian nuclear facilities were previously described as “obliterated,” why is new action on the table? And what would regime change actually look like — especially given lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan? Featuring insights from Admiral James Stavridis and a look at Iranian public sentiment, Michael questions whether the case for military action has truly been made — and whether the public is paying attention. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, 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.

Mark Halperin joins Michael to rank the top Democratic contenders for 2028 — and the results may surprise you. Why is Gavin Newsom leading the field? Is Josh Shapiro the real threat? Where do Kamala Harris, J.B. Pritzker, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanuel, and Mark Kelly stand? Halperin explains his latest Democratic power rankings — focused not on who would win the presidency, but who is most likely to win the nomination. The conversation also explores whether Democrats will prioritize electability over identity in 2028, and whether the party shifts back toward the center. Plus: Trump’s posture toward Iran, the continuing Epstein fallout, and what Republicans are quietly planning for the midterms. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 18 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://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 President Obama who says "The odds are good that there's life out there...but... the chances we've been visited by aliens is low"? After former President Obama reignites curiosity about extraterrestrial life in a recent podcast interview, Michael revisits the alien question through the lens of skepticism, science, and personal experience. Featuring insights from skeptic Michael Shermer and a personal, memorable Oval Office moment involving the “Book of Secrets,” this episode separates the probability of life elsewhere in the universe from claims of UFO visits and government cover-ups. Is believing in alien life reasonable—and is believing they’ve been here a bridge too far? Cast your vote and join the conversation, 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.

Five states have begun banning soda and candy purchases through SNAP — with 18 states seeking similar waivers. Is this smart public health policy or government overreach? Michael speaks with Dr. Julia Wolfson of Johns Hopkins to break down how SNAP works, why 42 million Americans rely on it, and whether restricting “junk food” will improve health — or deepen stigma. From slippery slope concerns to the politics behind the policy, this is a thoughtful look at one of the most debated changes to food assistance in decades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in Milan-Cortina, several Team USA athletes are speaking out about U.S. politics—from immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights—prompting a sharp response from former President Trump. Michael examines whether Olympic competition should remain a politics-free zone or whether athletes have every right to use their global platform. With reactions from Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim, Mikaela Shiffrin and others, plus a look back at historic Olympic protests, this episode asks whether national unity is still possible in an age of constant partisanship—or if even the Games are now part of America’s culture wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Like him or not, is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last hundred years?" On Presidents Day, Michael steps back from partisanship to examine “consequential” in its purest sense—having great meaning or lasting effect. From FDR’s New Deal and Reagan’s Cold War legacy to Obama’s Affordable Care Act and Biden’s Ukraine coalition, how does Trump compare? With three Supreme Court appointments, two impeachments, sweeping tax cuts, trade shifts, border crackdowns, NATO tensions, and the ongoing impact of Trump 2.0, has any modern president left a deeper imprint on American politics and institutions? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and 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.

The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But what does that really mean? Michael Smerconish speaks with Nicole Hansen of the Campaign Legal Center to break down what the legislation would require — including whether a Real ID is enough, why a passport or certified birth certificate may be necessary, and how the bill could impact mail registration and voter rolls nationwide. Then, listeners weigh in on this civil, fact-based conversation on one of the most contentious voting debates in America. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring presidential approval, stepping away from the very metric that has defined modern political accountability—from FDR to Trump and Biden. Michael explores why the polling giant is exiting both horse-race election surveys and now approval ratings, whether political pressure or business strategy is driving the shift, and what it means in an era of historic polarization. Do approval ratings still serve a vital civic purpose, or have they become little more than partisan ammunition? Your vote at Smerconish.com frames the debate. Cast your ballot, 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 confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly worded? Too speculative? Or is the media overestimating public interest? TC and Dan offer their blunt opinions, and listeners weigh in on empathy, news fatigue, and whether some stories simply don’t resonate. Plus, Michael previews a new poll on Gallup’s decision to discontinue presidential approval ratings — and what that means for democracy and the media. A candid, behind-the-scenes look at polling, public opinion, and what really drives engagement. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.