The Smerconish Podcast

Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into this provocative issue, drawing on fresh polling data, recent high school sports controversies, and the political weaponization of the issue in campaign ads. It’s a nuanced conversation at the intersection of athletics, civil rights, and public sentiment—don’t miss it. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com!

Legal heavyweight John Yoo joins Michael in studio to unpack everything from Trump’s war rhetoric and potential suspension of habeas corpus to immigration law, presidential overreach, and Harvard’s political battles. From rejecting a White House job offer to defending the Constitution—this episode goes deep on law, politics, and power. A legal scholar and former government official in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.Original air date 2 June 2025.

On today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is being used to unfairly blame Joe Biden for Donald Trump's election?” After recently interviewing former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson about their new political thriller, Michael shares insights on the book’s surprising substance—particularly Clinton’s vision for tackling the national debt, tucked into a beach read. But while Smerconish zeroed in on the book’s fiscal message, others focused on Clinton’s comments regarding President Biden and his role in Trump’s reelection. Is this new narrative fair—or a strategic rewrite of political responsibility? Listen for Michael’s take, then head to Smerconish.com to vote on today’s question and make your voice heard.

Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at DOGE. The first draft of what he's written (and delivers here) may or may not have been fueled by a drink and a cigar. Musk is leaving his role at DOGE and the federal government to return full time at Tesla and SpaceX. Original air date 30 May 2025.

Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump’s trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump’s real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com! Listen for sharp analysis, legal insight, and—yes—a few taco jokes. Vote now at Smerconish.com.

A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this really a political loss for Trump, or a strategic win? GOP strategist David Urban joins to discuss how this could actually help Trump moving forward. Plus: What this means for markets, businesses, and the future of U.S. trade policy.

Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on the Supreme Court case over a middle school student wearing a provocative shirt.

Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast.

A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does the First Amendment protect a public middle school student’s right to wear a t-shirt saying: “There Are Only Two Genders”?

What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the quiet epidemic of male loneliness. From childhood sleepovers to adult solitude, Graham-Felsen explores how once-intense male friendships fade with age—and what that says about masculinity, society, and emotional intimacy today. Together, they unpack historical shifts, social norms, and powerful data showing that American men are increasingly disconnected from one another. With reflections on politics, social media, and what we can learn from Abraham Lincoln and Herman Melville’s letters to their male friends, this is a conversation about what it means to be a man—and a friend—in today’s world. A must-listen for anyone navigating modern relationships—male or female. Original air date 27 May 2025.