The Smerconish Podcast

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Michael dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll: Who has a better chance of being elected president — Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom? With both Democrats making headlines and Trump already teasing a 2028 run, Michael explores what it means to be a “moderate” in today’s polarized politics. He draws on a major New York Times analysis and his own recent commentary to ask: which tone, message, and approach can actually win in America right now? Listen here, then vote on the poll question. Please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robert Wittman's book, published in 2010, is "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael dives into today’s poll question: Should Maine voters reject Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem? After Platner claimed he got it “while drunk in the Marines” and only recently covered it, Smerconish asks — is redemption possible, or does this defy logic? Plus, a call for consistency from both parties when confronting extremists in their ranks. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and thank you for rating and reviewing this podcast on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael goes in-depth on President Trump’s surprise demolition and reconstruction project on the White House grounds — a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom reportedly funded by private donors including major tech firms. Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond joins Michael to unpack the story, from historic preservation loopholes to questions about donor influence and design excess. Then, the conversation turns to the audience,m with reactions ranging from outrage to apathy. One former White House butler calls in with a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to host a presidential-level event at America's most famous address. Is this project an act of presidential hubris or a long-overdue modernization? Listen here, then decide. And, please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael takes listeners on a spontaneous walking tour outside the White House, where demolition of the East Wing is making way for what’s being called the “Trump Ballroom.” From firsthand observations to reflections on history, tradition, and presidential legacy, Michael asks today’s poll question: Decades from now, will presidents be hosting parties there—or pretending it never happened? Place your 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.

Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael tackles a provocative poll question at Smerconish.com today: "Is it better for the national Democratic Party if Zohran Mamdani wins or loses in NYC?" Michael explores how the Mamdani campaign embodies the tug-of-war between progressives and centrists, and what that tension means for Democrats trying to win across swing districts. He adds commentary from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal about the party’s ideological crossroads, from Joe Manchin’s centrism to AOC-style activism. It’s a smart, spirited look at what is really at stake in one city’s election. Listen here and please rate and review this podcast! Then, vote on the question 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 Smerconish sits down with Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, one of the organizers behind the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that drew millions around the globe. They discuss how humor and ridicule have become tools of resistance, the logistics of coordinating thousands of peaceful protests, and whether demonstrations can truly lead to political change. Then, Michael gets reaction from the audience, sparking a lively debate over protest effectiveness. Listen to this conversation that blends politics, strategy, and satire — and asks: Can laughter really challenge power? Original air date 21 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.

A brutal poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should the Russia–Ukraine conflict be settled by accepting the current front lines as permanent? Michael breaks down why this option—awful for Ukraine—might still be the only “practical” endgame if the alternatives are endless attrition or dangerous escalation. Listen in for the case for a territorial “freeze” vs. the risks of arming Ukraine with long-range missiles and more. Please rate and review this podcast, thanks for listening! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.