The Smerconish Podcast

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.

Michael challenges Dr. Frank Luntz—legendary GOP messaging guru—to do the unthinkable: craft a winning pitch for democratic socialism. Luntz lays out a step-by-step playbook built on fairness, freedom, and an “imagine better” future, explains why Republicans are a write-off, how to persuade the center, and why naming and framing beat labels. A masterclass in language, persuasion, and the politics of possibility. Original air date 6 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 dives into a thought-provoking question: Could America embrace democratic socialism if its principles were better understood? With a focus on Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory, the rising interest in socialism (and many learning how it actually works), and shifting public opinions, Michael explores whether democratic socialism can be sold to a wider audience. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com. 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 the morning after a pivotal Election Day. They unpack the surprising demographic shifts in Virginia and New Jersey, the widening gender gap among young voters, and what the results mean for both parties heading into 2026 and beyond. From Trump’s influence to Gavin Newsom’s rising profile, this episode dives deep into how the political landscape is reshaping in real time. Original air date 5 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 breaks down the Democrats’ big question after Election Day: Which path forward makes the most sense — the moderate model of Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, or the progressive momentum behind Zohran Mamdani? He also reflects on key election results, shifting voter dynamics, and what it all means for 2026 and beyond. Listen here and vote on today's poll question 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.

Election Day takes center stage as Michael welcomes David Wasserman, Senior Editor and Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. From his role on NBC’s Decision Desk, Wasserman shares how he models races, what signals he’s watching in Virginia, New Jersey, and California, and what tonight could mean for Trump, the Democrats, and the country’s political future. A smart, fast-moving conversation about data, demographics, and democracy — from inside the engine room of Election Night. Original Air date 4 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.

It’s Election Day in New York City — and Michael Smerconish has thoughts. He dives into the high-stakes mayoral race that pits experience against youth, pragmatism against progressivism, and Cuomo against Mandani. From The New York Times’ editorial retreat to what this race says about the future of the Democratic Party, Michael offers his sharp insight and signature wit here. Listen in, and then vote on today's poll question at smerconish.com, which asks: "If you resided in NYC, for whom would you be voting for Mayor?" 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.

On the eve of a pivotal election in the Big Apple, Michael talks with Frank Morano—radio veteran and newly-minted member of the New York City Council. Together they dissect the fierce mayoral contest in New York City: Why are the polls so unpredictable? What role does talk radio play in shaping public perception and turnout? And crucially — which three levers of power (policing, rent regulation and zoning) could give the next mayor an outsized impact from day one? A must-listen for anyone tracking urban politics, voter behavior and how one race could ripple far beyond the five boroughs. Original air date 3 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.