The Smerconish Podcast

What really went wrong at Cornell? Michael speaks with Hanna Stotland, an educational crisis consultant who has handled 363 campus sexual misconduct cases, about the controversial rape allegations, the role of drugs and alcohol, and what the public may be overlooking. Stotland argues that substance abuse is a common denominator in these cases—but is that victim-blaming or an uncomfortable truth? Plus, Michael takes listener calls on consent, accountability, and campus culture. Original air date 8 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person convicted of murder?
As executions make headlines in Texas and Florida, California Governor Gavin Newsom considers commuting hundreds of death sentences, and the Trump administration revisits the use of firing squads, Michael examines America's complicated relationship with capital punishment. Gallup polling reveals a dramatic shift: support for the death penalty peaked at 80% in 1994 but stands at just 52% today. What explains the dramatic swings in public opinion over nearly 90 years? From the civil rights era to the crime wave of the 1990s, Michael explores the history, politics, and changing attitudes behind one of America's most enduring debates. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A botched execution in Tennessee, a firing squad in Texas, record-setting executions in Florida, and a possible mass commutation of death sentences in California. America's death penalty debate is back in the spotlight. Michael is a longtime supporter of capital punishment, but admits he's questioning his position more than ever. Is the death penalty justice or revenge? Does it deter crime? And what happens when the justice system gets it wrong? Michael examines the latest developments and takes calls from listeners on both sides of this deeply divisive issue. Original air date 8 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Mark Halperin that as the media has gotten more diverse, the bias of the dominant media against Trump has worsened?

More media choices than ever—but is mainstream news coverage becoming less fair? Michael Smerconish examines journalist Mark Halperin's provocative argument that legacy media outlets have grown increasingly biased against Donald Trump, even as podcasts, cable news, and independent platforms reshape the information landscape. Halperin contends that anti-Trump sentiment has become embedded in newsroom culture, making it harder for Republicans to receive balanced coverage. But Michael questions whether a truly "dominant media" still exists when Americans can choose news that reinforces their beliefs. Is this systemic bias, justified scrutiny, or something more complicated? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is the press giving Donald Trump and Republicans a fair shake? 2WAY Political Analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish to argue that America’s “dominant media” applies a different standard to Democrats and Republicans—and that the problem has only intensified in the Trump era. They discuss coverage of Trump’s record and Democratic flip-flops, plus the extraordinary success of Fox News as it marks 30 years on the air today. Then, listeners weigh in, challenging—and defending—Halperin’s case. Original air date 7 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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