The Smerconish Podcast

Mark Halperin, a political analyst and commentator, joins to dissect the enduring narrative of Donald Trump's political demise. They discuss why predictions of Trump’s collapse often miss the mark. Halperin dives into foreign policy tensions, like Ukraine and Venezuela, and contrasts Trump’s disruptive style with traditional diplomacy. He introduces the concept of 'controlled chaos' to explain Trump's strategies. The duo examines public perception and how economic metrics could reshape voter views, all while navigating the tumultuous landscape of American politics.

Michael Smerconish confronts a challenging question: should we empathize with January 6 defendants who believed they were defending democracy? He explores a recent New York Times report on the impact of pardons and the enduring belief in election fraud among rioters. The discussion includes moral judgment versus accountability, and whether sincerity affects our evaluation of their actions. Expert insights from lawyers and researchers reveal that many rioters were middle-class professionals. Listener reactions add fuel to the debate as they share strong opinions.

Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He is a leading expert on political violence, terrorism, and democratic stability, and has conducted extensive research on the January 6 defendants.Michael van der Veen is a Philadelphia-based trial attorney who served as lead defense counsel for President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. He has also represented multiple defendants charged in connection with January 6.William J. Brennan is a veteran criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling complex federal cases. He has represented several January 6 defendants and frequently speaks on issues of criminal justice and prosecutorial overreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As protests spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and economic collapse, President Trump warns that the U.S. could respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities use deadly force against demonstrators. In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: If Iran uses force against protesters, should the United States respond militarily? Michael examines the moral case for intervention, the real-world risks of escalation, and whether non-military options—like sanctions, communications support, and exposure of regime abuses—offer a better path forward. With global tensions rising and America already stretched abroad, where should the line be drawn? 👉 Listen and vote now at Smerconish.com, and 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 United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic, highly coordinated military operation—but what happens next? in this episode, Michael examines the stunning takedown of Maduro, now facing sweeping narco-terrorism charges in a New York courtroom, and asks the question few seem prepared to answer: Was there a real plan for the day after? Michael breaks down the indictment, the potential life sentence Maduro faces, and the extraordinary military precision behind the operation—while weighing sharply divided reactions from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Thomas Friedman. He also explores concerns about U.S. overreach, regime change, and whether America is now responsible for Venezuela’s future. With calls from listeners across the U.S. and beyond, this episode captures the uncertainty, debate, and historical echoes surrounding one of the boldest foreign policy moves in decades. A tactical success—perhaps. A strategic gamble? Almost certainly. Original air date 5 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A viral video claims widespread daycare fraud in Minnesota, raising questions about systemic issues. The discussion highlights that quick COVID relief spending may have prioritized speed over security, leading to potential fraud in the hundreds of billions. Michael critiques Congress for inadequate oversight and notes that fraudsters have misused relief funds on luxury items and crypto. He believes that Minnesota's situation is likely indicative of a larger pattern and urges listeners to consider the implications of government oversight and pandemic responses.

Why are fewer Americans volunteering—and why does it matter? Michael digs into new data showing a long-term decline in volunteerism, echoing warnings first raised by Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone. Joined by Wall Street Journal opinion editor Mary Julia Koch, Michael explores how civic engagement has shifted toward episodic, virtual, and performative activism—and what we’ve lost as a result. They discuss generational trends, loneliness, the rise of online substitutes for real connection, and why volunteering doesn’t just help communities—it strengthens the people who do it. From tutoring students to mentoring veterans, listeners across the country share how showing up has changed their lives. In a fragmented, self-sorted society, volunteering may be one of the last true “mingle” experiences left. Original air date 4 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can you really trust your smartphone to cast a secure vote? Michael Smerconish talks with venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk about a groundbreaking experiment in mobile voting, launching in Anchorage, Alaska. As smartphones already manage our money, medical records, and identities, Tusk argues it’s time they handle our ballots too. They dive into how phone-based voting works, the security safeguards behind it, the criticism from election experts, and whether increased convenience could boost turnout and weaken political extremism. Plus, callers weigh in on trust, tradition, and whether voting should remain a communal civic ritual—or move fully into the digital age. Original air date 20 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.

President Trump announces plans for a new class of massive U.S. Navy warships—but are battleships the future or a relic of the past? Michael Smerconish speaks with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, about America’s shrinking fleet, China’s rapid naval expansion, and why concentrating power in giant ships may create dangerous vulnerabilities in the age of drones, missiles, cyber warfare, and submarines. Original air date 23 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the United States a Christian nation — and should it be? Michael breaks down Vice President JD Vance’s explosive comments at Turning Point USA, sparking a national debate over faith, identity, and the Constitution. He also examines the very public conservative infighting between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Steve Bannon, raising questions about whether the movement’s biggest gathering is a political asset or liability. Plus: why CBS spiked a 60 Minutes segment, what that says about media power, major political and cultural headlines shaping the moment, and a year-end reflection on what truly unites America. Vote in today’s poll and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.