The Smerconish Podcast

Listen to the Next Up Podcast with Mark Halperin

Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden’s explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully crafted PR move? Michael dives deep into Hunter’s comments on his father, addiction, politics, and the controversies surrounding the Biden family. That is the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks you "Based on whatever you've read or watched of Hunter Biden's interviews this week, do you mostly agree with him?" Listen here, then vote!

The National Archives has released hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI documents about Martin Luther King Jr. by order of President Trump - what's in them? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. David Garrow joins Michael to break down the truth behind the infamous FBI letter urging King to take his own life, the disturbing audio recordings, and the real reason behind the Bureau’s campaign to discredit him. Was anything truly new in this week's document drop—or is it all old news being misunderstood? Dr. Garrow, who has studied the FBI’s surveillance of MLK for nearly 50 years, explains why these files matter and what they don’t show. A must-listen for anyone interested in history, civil rights, and the intersection of power and privacy in America. Original air date 22 July 2025.

Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington’s football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down yesterday’s viral poll on Stephen Colbert’s cancellation — was it politics or just poor ratings? Tune in for sharp insight, history, humor, and the politics of distraction.

Michael unpacks the explosive Wall Street Journal report alleging Donald Trump contributed a bizarre birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. From Trump’s denial and $10 billion lawsuit, to the possibility of a discovery phase revealing the truth, Michael analyzes the legal, political, and cultural implications. Could Ghislaine Maxwell hold the key to all of it? A CNN Segment that went viral, nuanced perspectives, and a deep dive into what this means for the President — and his base. Original air date 21 July 2025.

Michael tackles today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled: Ratings/Revenue, or Politics?" Was it a strategic move to cut financial losses—or a political play tied to Trump and the Paramount-Skydance merger? Michael shares his take, backed by reporting from The Atlantic, Nielsen, and more. Plus, a recap of recent poll results on Ukraine missile support, masked ICE agents, and whether the public will ever see the alleged Trump birthday letter to Epstein. Listen for insight and nuance here - then vote! And please rate, review, and share this podcast.

Michael Smerconish has skin in the game — literally. In this episode, he breaks down his role as lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's closed primary system. Joined by trial attorney Shanin Specter, Ballot PA Action’s David Thornburgh, and PA State Rep. Jared Solomon, they explore the constitutional argument, the stakes for over a million independent voters, and why this could reshape electoral politics in swing states and beyond. A must-listen for anyone who cares about voting rights and the future of democracy. Original air date 16 July 2025.

Michael tackles two major stories this Friday: a Wall Street Journal bombshell on Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday album allegedly featuring Donald Trump, and a heated debate over whether federal immigration agents should be allowed to wear masks that conceal their identities. Are we trading transparency for safety? That's the basis for today's poll question at Semrconish.com - listen in, then vote. And please rate, review, and share this podcast.

It's the Old Guard vs. the New Left. Veteran political strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins Michael to unpack the shifting demographics and political power dynamics in New York City's mayoral race. With decades of campaign experience, Sheinkopf doesn't hold back in his critique of the emerging progressive coalition — particularly the influence of younger voters. But what Michael didn’t expect was the strong, passionate pushback from his audience. Hear surprising, emotional reactions from callers who challenge Sheinkopf's views and offer their own powerful stories about generational divides, economic realities, and the future of the Democratic Party.

Should Ukraine be given missiles that can reach Moscow? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com - Michael dives in and breaks down the geopolitical stakes, shares insights from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis (who says yes, BUT...), and reflects on public opinion around U.S. support for Ukraine. Plus, a check in on what we talked about in yesterday's podcast - the big action to help independent voters in Pennsylvania.