The Smerconish Podcast

If President Trump applied his Middle East peace strategies to America's political divide, would he succeed? With world leaders from all political perspectives praising Trump’s role in Gaza’s ceasefire, Michael explores whether that same deal-making could heal the deep fractures in U.S. politics — or if America is too divided for peace. 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 talks with CNN’s Jeff Zeleny about a groundbreaking poll that reveals five distinct types of independent voters. From the "Disappointed Middle" to the "Checked Out," understanding these groups is essential to understanding modern American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A historic hostage deal sees 20 Israelis released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners. Michael Smerconish asks the tough question: Is this kind of negotiation justified to facilitate peace? He breaks down the facts, shares powerful insights, and reveals what listeners like you had to say in today’s poll at smerconish.com. Plus, thoughts on Trump’s role in the deal, the ethics of negotiating with terrorists, and how this could shape the future of Middle East diplomacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Ryan Burge is Professor of Practice at Washington University in St. Louis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael offers a bold take on today's Smerconish.com poll question which asks: "If peace holds in the Middle East, should President Trump receive the Nobel Peace Prize next year?" From 2025 Nobel winner Maria Corina Machado to Thomas Friedman’s surprising take, Michael explores whether Trump’s diplomacy deserves global recognition — and what the Nobel Committee’s decision really says about politics and peace. Listen here, then vote there! 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 two “Mingle Project”-themed stories that reveal how technology and loneliness are reshaping human connection. From a report that 1 in 5 teens have had a romantic AI relationship, to new research showing our brains can only handle 150 real friendships, Michael connects the dots on what’s happening to our ability to truly mingle. Is society drifting from real relationships to artificial ones? Original air date 9 October 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 provocative poll question: "Will President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops spur the sort of violence that would justify continued military presence?" He unpacks the legal and political stakes — from the Posse Comitatus Act to the Insurrection Act — and asks whether the current strategy could be by design. 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.

Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss’s claim that the far left destroyed America’s center-left, and what that and the rest of her opinions and experiences mean for that company moving forward. Halperin notes that Weiss is what big journalism needs now: He and Michael explore how media bias, polarization, and public perception are reshaping U.S. politics. They also also touch on the government shutdown, Russia’s latest moves, and the uncertain economy ahead. A smart, spirited conversation about the future of the media, politics, and the American middle. Original air date 8 October 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 owns up to a one-word mistake in today's Smerconish.com poll question — and it sparks a fascinating debate. Listen here and then vote on this question: "Who will be elected president first, a woman or someone openly LGBTQ+?" He breaks down why that missing word matters, what new polling reveals about voter attitudes, and how figures like CBS' Bari Weiss and Pete Buttigieg factor into America’s political future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael reacts to a new Politico poll that reveals a surprising truth: younger Americans are less likely than older ones to support electing a female president. He’s joined by The Atlantic’s Olga Khazan to unpack what this says about gender, power, and how women candidates still face a “double bind” in U.S. politics. Plus, what kind of woman could finally break the White House glass ceiling? Listen here for that, and reactions from the audience. Original air date 7 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.