The Smerconish Podcast

Is the war in Iran nearing its conclusion — or is it only just beginning? Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about conflicting signals from Washington. President Trump says the war is “very complete.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggests major phases of the campaign haven’t even begun. Admiral Stavridis weighs in: Has Iran’s military been effectively destroyed? Could Tehran retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting 20% of the world’s oil supply? And if America “broke” Iran’s capabilities, does it now “own” what comes next? The conversation also explores the rapidly evolving r...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "War in Iran: Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?" President Trump says the conflict is “very complete, pretty much,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists the campaign is “only just beginning.” So which is it? In this episode, Smerconish breaks down the striking contrast in messaging, the military realities on the ground, and what it all means for U.S. strategy and stability in the region. Cast your vote and join the debate, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See http...

Are America and Israel heading toward a strategic collision over Iran? Michael Smerconish speaks with Dr. Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution about growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem as the war with Iran escalates. Is Prime Minister Netanyahu seeking regime change while President Trump looks for a quick “mission accomplished” exit? And what happens if oil prices spike, regional instability spreads, or Iran simply waits out U.S. patience? They discuss whether regime change is even possible from the air, how economic fallout could shape Trump’s decision-making, and whether the National Security Council has planned for “day two.” Listen to...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How long will Khamenei’s son last as Iran’s supreme leader? Less than a week, less than a month, less than a year, or longer?" In the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assassination during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new supreme leader—plunging the region deeper into crisis. Oil prices have surged, markets have tumbled, and questions swirl about whether this is true regime change or simply a continuation of hardline rule. Michael Smerconish examines the fragile U.S.-Israel al...

Are these markets more accurate than traditional polling?

Do they invite insider trading and corruption?

Should Congress ban wagering tied to government decisions?

And is betting on regime change ethically different from betting on the Super Bowl?

From Iran to Texas Senate races to the Oscars, this conversation explores the explosive rise of prediction markets — and whether they’re a powerful forecasting tool or a dystopian step too far.

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: On balance, is it good or bad news that the Pentagon is using artificial intelligence? As the U.S. military deploys advanced AI tools like Palantir’s Maven Smart System to process battlefield intelligence and assist in real-time targeting, a political and ethical firestorm is brewing. After a reported fallout between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic, questions swirl about mass surveillance, autonomous weapons, and who controls the future of warfare—the military or Silicon Valley. Michael is clear about where he stands, but what do you think? Is AI a necessary strategic edge in a...

Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey joins Michael for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. Kerrey addresses his past meeting with Jeffrey Epstein and the fallout that led him to resign from a corporate board, weighs in on cancel culture and free speech on campus, and shares blunt thoughts on Iran, war powers, and whether Congress should vote before military action. The Medal of Honor recipient also opens up about his recent medical struggles, recovery, and why he credits “socialized medicine” at the VA for saving him from financial ruin. At 82, Kerrey is as sharp — and unfiltered — as ever. Original...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who should determine media access to the dignified transfer of remains at Dover? Families of the fallen or the press?" As six U.S. service members are returned home, Michael revisits the long-running debate over the “Dover Test” — who gets to witness the consequences of war and who gets to document it. A tense exchange between the White House's Karoline Leavitt and CNN's Kaitlan Collins reignites questions about press freedom, privacy, and accountability. Plus, a startling real-world example of how AI-generated misinformation nearly made it into the broadcast underscores the stakes of accuracy in wartim...

Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which statement do you agree with most? A) Israel compelled the US to act against Iran. B) The US compelled Israel to act against Iran. C) Iran's actions triggered US and Israeli responses." After nearly 40,000 votes yesterday on whether force against Iran should end, a new question emerges: who actually drove the decision to strike? Secretary Rubio suggested Israel was poised to act. Speaker Johnson echoed that framing. Prime Minister Netanyahu cited an urgent, existential threat. Then President Trump said he may have forced Israel’s hand. With fresh Axios reporting adding new timeline de...

The conversation also explores the Clintons’ depositions, the timeline of what people knew (and when), and whether the public release of millions of documents is serving justice or fueling indiscriminate shaming.

Where’s the line between legitimate accountability and reputational destruction? And what lessons — if any — have we learned from past eras of public overreach?

Find Joe Nocera at The Free Press.

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "When should the use of force against Iran end? a) Now; b) When Iran’s military and nukes are neutralized; c)When Iran’s regime changes; or d) Both B and C." As new polling shows most Americans oppose military action against Iran, the White House and its allies argue the strike was preemptive and defensive—designed to prevent greater casualties if Israel were attacked. Michael breaks down fresh data, examines the administration’s justification, and questions whether the U.S. faced a direct imminent threat or acted to shield Israel from one. Listen here and...

The US attacked Iran - now on Day 3 of the deadly conflict, Michael turns to one of the nation’s most experienced military leaders for clarity. Retired 4-star Admiral James Stavridis — former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO — breaks down why the strike happened now, what the true objective may be (regime change? nuclear deterrence? weakening Iran’s proxies?), and whether Iran is stronger than we’ve been led to believe. They discuss the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the role of Russia and China, how NATO allies are reacting, and whether the Iranian people could ultimately determine the outcome. T...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Agree or disagree: The Epstein fallout is now more about guilt by association than guilt by deeds." As millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein become public, prominent figures are resigning, apologizing, and facing reputational ruin — often without charges or proven wrongdoing. Michael examines whether the national reaction has crossed from accountability into indiscriminate shaming. Are we abandoning the presumption of innocence in favor of public cancellation? With references to past DOJ norms, media scrutiny, and historical lessons from the McCarthy era, this episode asks whether knowing Epstein is being treated as equivalent to cr...

Hear Ben and Michael break down: 

Is this race headed for a runoff? Can moderation survive the primaries? And in 2026, does infidelity even matter to voters anymore?

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Does the value of transparency from release of the Epstein files outweigh the risks of spreading unverified accusations?" As new revelations surface — including missing FBI interview summaries tied to allegations involving President Trump — the debate intensifies over what the public deserves to see. With Bill and Hillary Clinton testifying, selective document releases raising eyebrows, and legal scholars warning about the dangers of dumping raw investigative material, Michael examines the tension between transparency and reputational harm. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll...

Did you see the "Trump Train" coming? Michael didn’t — and neither did Barack Obama’s inner circle. Drawing from newly released oral history interviews on the Obama presidency, Michael explores how top advisers like David Axelrod, Jen Psaki, and Jon Favreau underestimated Donald Trump’s political rise. From the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner roast to the escalator announcement in 2015, this episode revisits the moments many dismissed — and asks why so many got it wrong. Plus, SiriusXM’s Steve Scully joins the conversation with a behind-the-scenes account of that infamous Correspondents’ Dinner — including what was happening off-camera as Trump reacted in real time. Coul...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Democrats have stood in agreement at the State of the Union when President Trump said the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens?" Michael revisits the most buzzed-about moment of the State of the Union — when President Trump challenged lawmakers to stand if they agreed with that principle, and Democrats largely remained seated. Was it smart politics, calculated stagecraft, or an obvious trap? Michael examines whether Democrats made a political misstep — and whether the exchange will matter with independents heading into the midterms. Cast your vote at S...

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to break down President Trump’s State of the Union address — from the viral “stand up” immigration moment to the pivot on affordability, the Supreme Court swipe, and a late warning shot toward Iran. Was it a unifying speech, a midterm campaign kickoff, or pure political theater? Michael and Mark analyze Trump’s disciplined delivery, his strategic framing of immigration and the economy, and the maneuver that put Democrats in a made-for-TV bind. Plus: what the Iran comments could signal ahead of high-stakes negotiations. Listen in, and please rate, review and share this podca...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should an individual's Google searches be private?" A Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling says you may not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in your general Google searches—especially if you haven’t taken steps like using a VPN. Michael breaks down the controversial “reverse keyword warrant” that allows police to ask Google who searched for specific terms tied to a crime. Is typing into a search bar the same as voluntarily sharing information with a third party? Or does this decision erode a fundamental privacy right in the digital age? Listen in, then vote at Smerc...

On the eve of the State of the Union, Michael sits down with Yahoo News national politics reporter Andrew Romano to preview what President Trump may say in what could be one of his longest addresses yet. With approval ratings hovering in the high 30s, independents slipping away, and major issues looming — Iran, tariffs, immigration, inflation, and a Supreme Court setback — can Trump use the moment to reset the narrative? After the interview, Michael breaks down the latest polling from Yahoo, CNN, ABC, and NPR and takes calls from listeners reacting to the state of the country — and the state of the...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Where would you like to see the USA gold medal winning men's and women's hockey teams present at tonight's State of the Union?" Fresh off Olympic gold in Milan, Team USA hockey is riding a rare wave of national unity—but should that moment take center stage at a deeply partisan State of the Union? Michael explores whether inviting the men’s and women’s teams honors a shared American triumph or risks turning sports into political theater. With protests already planned and memories of past SOTU disruptions still fresh, this episode examines decorum, tradit...

Is the United States on the brink of striking Iran? Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to break down President Trump’s options—from diplomacy and cyber operations to limited precision strikes and the possibility of “shock and awe.” With massive U.S. forces already deployed, has America ever prepared this much firepower without pulling the trigger? Then, listeners weigh in—including sailors and submariners who describe the real-life toll of extended deployments: missed funerals, months without sunlight, and the strain on military families. A powerful conversation about war planning, presidential decision-making, and the human...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should licensed broadcast radio and television stations have to give equal time to competing political candidates?" A Stephen Colbert interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has reignited debate over the FCC’s nearly century-old equal time rule. After CBS lawyers raised concerns about triggering the regulation, Colbert cried foul — and the controversy exploded online. Michael breaks down what the rule actually says, how it differs from the Fairness Doctrine, and whether “spectrum scarcity” still justifies government oversight in today’s media landscape. Is this selective enforcement, political pressure, or simply the law being applied? A...

Former Prince Andrew has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office — a stunning development tied to newly surfaced Epstein-related revelations. Michael is joined by Patrick Jephson, Princess Diana’s former private secretary and chief of staff, for an insider’s perspective on what this means for the Royal Family, King Charles, and the future of the monarchy. Plus, Jephson reflects on his own long-awaited vindication in the Martin Bashir scandal and the lasting fallout from Diana’s Panorama interview. Is this just the beginning of a much larger reckoning? Original air date 19 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the use of profanity in politics refreshing or overdone?" From a new Illinois Senate ad repeating “F Trump” to a long list of Democrats and Republicans casually dropping f-bombs, political language has undeniably shifted. Michael examines whether this trend reflects authenticity in an unfiltered era—or a calculated attempt to seem relatable. 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.

Stephen Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico over concerns about the FCC’s “Equal Time Rule.” So what exactly is that rule — and why is it suddenly back in the headlines? Michael speaks with Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard to break down the difference between the Equal Time Rule and the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine — and why the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr appears to be taking a fresh look at enforcement. Does the Equal Time Rule apply to late-night comedy shows? Why could Colbert air the interview on YouTube but not on broadca...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "The U.S. should strike Iran: a) To eliminate its nuclear capability, b) To change its leadership, c) Both, d) Neither." With U.S. aircraft carriers deployed and reports of escalating military positioning in the Middle East, Michael asks whether America is closer to striking Iran than most realize. If Iranian nuclear facilities were previously described as “obliterated,” why is new action on the table? And what would regime change actually look like — especially given lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan? Featuring insights from Admiral James Stavridis and a look at Iranian public sentiment, Michael questi...

Mark Halperin joins Michael to rank the top Democratic contenders for 2028 — and the results may surprise you. Why is Gavin Newsom leading the field? Is Josh Shapiro the real threat? Where do Kamala Harris, J.B. Pritzker, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanuel, and Mark Kelly stand? Halperin explains his latest Democratic power rankings — focused not on who would win the presidency, but who is most likely to win the nomination. The conversation also explores whether Democrats will prioritize electability over identity in 2028, and whether the party shifts back toward the center. Plus: Trump’s posture toward Iran, the continuing Epstein fallou...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with President Obama who says "The odds are good that there's life out there...but... the chances we've been visited by aliens is low"? After former President Obama reignites curiosity about extraterrestrial life in a recent podcast interview, Michael revisits the alien question through the lens of skepticism, science, and personal experience. Featuring insights from skeptic Michael Shermer and a personal, memorable Oval Office moment involving the “Book of Secrets,” this episode separates the probability of life elsewhere in the universe from claims of UFO visits and government cover-ups. Is believing in a...

Five states have begun banning soda and candy purchases through SNAP — with 18 states seeking similar waivers. Is this smart public health policy or government overreach? Michael speaks with Dr. Julia Wolfson of Johns Hopkins to break down how SNAP works, why 42 million Americans rely on it, and whether restricting “junk food” will improve health — or deepen stigma. From slippery slope concerns to the politics behind the policy, this is a thoughtful look at one of the most debated changes to food assistance in decades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in Milan-Cortina, several Team USA athletes are speaking out about U.S. politics—from immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights—prompting a sharp response from former President Trump. Michael examines whether Olympic competition should remain a politics-free zone or whether athletes have every right to use their global platform. With reactions from Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim, Mikaela Shiffrin and others, plus a look back at historic Olympic protests, this episode asks whether national unity is still possible in an age of c...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Like him or not, is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last hundred years?" On Presidents Day, Michael steps back from partisanship to examine “consequential” in its purest sense—having great meaning or lasting effect. From FDR’s New Deal and Reagan’s Cold War legacy to Obama’s Affordable Care Act and Biden’s Ukraine coalition, how does Trump compare? With three Supreme Court appointments, two impeachments, sweeping tax cuts, trade shifts, border crackdowns, NATO tensions, and the ongoing impact of Trump 2.0, has any modern president left a deeper imprint on American polit...

The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But what does that really mean? Michael Smerconish speaks with Nicole Hansen of the Campaign Legal Center to break down what the legislation would require — including whether a Real ID is enough, why a passport or certified birth certificate may be necessary, and how the bill could impact mail registration and voter rolls nationwide. Then, listeners weigh in on this civil, fact-based conversation on one of the most contentious voting debates in America. Orig...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring presidential approval, stepping away from the very metric that has defined modern political accountability—from FDR to Trump and Biden. Michael explores why the polling giant is exiting both horse-race election surveys and now approval ratings, whether political pressure or business strategy is driving the shift, and what it means in an era of historic polarization. Do approval ratings still serve a vital civic purpose, or have they become little more than partisan ammunition? Your vote at Smerconish.co...

Michael confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly worded? Too speculative? Or is the media overestimating public interest? TC and Dan offer their blunt opinions, and listeners weigh in on empathy, news fatigue, and whether some stories simply don’t resonate. Plus, Michael previews a new poll on Gallup’s decision to discontinue presidential approval ratings — and what that means for democracy and the media. A candid, behind-the-scenes look at polling, public opinion, and what really drives engagement. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted...

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should proof of citizenship be required when registering to vote?" The House has passed the SAVE Act, legislation that would require Americans to provide physical proof of citizenship—such as a passport or certified birth certificate—when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue it’s a necessary safeguard for election integrity. Critics warn it could disenfranchise millions who lack ready access to qualifying documents, including low-income, rural, and elderly voters. Michael breaks down what the bill would actually require, why a Real ID may not be enough, and the bigger question at the he...

Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony fallout, and fresh scrutiny surrounding President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Did Trump alert authorities about Epstein years ago? Why won’t the story fade—and who could still be exposed? Plus, Halperin breaks down the early 2026 midterm outlook, why Democrats may be favored to retake the House, and whether Jon Ossoff’s viral “Epstein class” speech offers a roadmap for the party. They also examine whether today’s media is missing bigger global stories in fav...

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What’s it really like to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show? Michael talks with Chloe' Scretchings, formerly a producer on his CNN program, about how her love of Bad Bunny — and a late-night casting call — landed her on the field at Super Bowl LX as part of the halftime spectacle. From grueling rehearsals and NDAs to performing inches away from music’s biggest stars, Chloe shares a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most watched performances in the world — dressed as a sugar cane, no less. Original air date 9 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https...