The Smerconish Podcast

When six Democratic members of Congress released a video urging troops to “refuse illegal orders,” President Trump called it seditious behavior. But was the video itself appropriate—or reckless? Michael speaks with Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham (ret.), a former Air Force JAG and law professor, who says the lawmakers “did more harm than good.” Together, they unpack what the law actually says about disobeying orders, how politics risks turning the military into a pawn, and where the real danger to democracy lies. Original air date 24 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.

Was it appropriate for members of Congress to release a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders? That's today's Smerconish.com poll question...While President Trump’s fiery response suggesting the Democrats in the video be tried for treason grabbed headlines, Michael explores the deeper issue — was the video itself a political provocation or a necessary act of principle? Hear Michael’s take, and insights from a piece written by Retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, now a professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, who argues the lawmakers may have “done more harm than good.” (Programming Note: Michael interview Lt. Col. VanLandingham in a podcast episode being released later today!) Listen now as Smerconish challenges both sides to think critically about duty, politics, and the Constitution...and cast your vote at smerconish.com, and thank you for sharing, rating and reviewing 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.

A three-judge federal panel just struck down Texas’s mid-decade redistricting map — and the fallout could reshape the 2026 House majority. Michael invites Yale constitutional law professor Jed Rubenfeld to break down why the court called it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, how a “volcanic” dissent all but guarantees Supreme Court review, and what this means for California’s controversial Prop 50 map. A deep dive into the legal, political, and democratic stakes of America’s newest redistricting showdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael breaks down today’s poll question: If courts halt Texas’s redistricting, should California pause theirs too? He explores the legal, political, and constitutional stakes behind state-by-state redistricting battles—and what “fairness” really means in the process. Vote in today’s poll and watch the full show on 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 digs into a groundbreaking New York Times report revealing Amazon’s push to automate up to 600,000 jobs — and what it means for the future of American work. NYT tech correspondent Karen Weise joins to explain what she saw inside Amazon’s most advanced robotic facility, how automation is reshaping warehouse labor, and why this shift is already underway. Michael also revisits a professor’s bold prediction of 99% unemployment, audience skepticism, and the broader debate over AI’s impact on jobs. A must-listen for anyone wondering where the workforce is headed next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael tackles today’s big question: Should Americans be able to vote from their phones? In this episode, he explores the security risks, potential benefits for voter turnout, global experiments with digital voting, and how mobile ballots could reshape U.S. politics. Plus, he reviews audience reactions to the Daily Poll and the ongoing debate over trust in American elections. A timely, thought-provoking look at the future of democracy. Join the conversation and vote now on 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.

Mark Halperin dives deep into the ongoing debate surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and why Donald Trump's decision to withhold them is raising more questions than answers. In this thought-provoking discussion, Halperin explains the political strategy, potential risks, and the broader implications of releasing sensitive files—while also shedding light on the complexities of Trump's relationship with Epstein. Should the public know everything? Or are there valid reasons to keep some documents hidden? Tune in for an insightful analysis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael analyzes whether the GOP’s swift vote to release the Epstein files signals a meaningful shift in Trump’s influence over his party. With new data, expert perspectives, and a look at the growing media angles, he explores whether this moment is a blip—or the beginning of a broader rupture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Veteran crisis-manager and former White House Special Counsel Lanny Davis joins Michael to break down how President Trump handled the Epstein files — and what he should have done instead. Davis explains the “tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself” rules Trump ignored, why resistance fuels speculation, and how the story could have been neutralized from the start. Plus: his upcoming book Finding the Third Way and a great story involving his son, a college basketball game, and a surprise call from George W. Bush. 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 invites listeners to consider this question: Will The Majority Of House Republicans Vote To Release The Epstein Files? Listen here, and 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.