The Smerconish Podcast

Michael takes a deep dive into the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) with peace and conflict expert Dr. David Cortright of Cornell and Notre Dame Universities, breaking down how the agreement came together, what it accomplished, and why it ultimately unraveled. They explore the role of the Obama administration, the arguments from critics, and the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal under President Trump. Then, listeners weigh in with passionate and wide-ranging perspectives—from military strategy and oil politics to trust, diplomacy, and the risk of nuclear escalation. Original air date 9 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Today’s Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is President Trump a rational actor? Michael Smerconish unpacks a provocative debate sparked by Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld’s analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership style, on yesterday's radio program. Rather than dismissing Trump as chaotic or impulsive, Sonnenfeld argues there’s a deliberate strategy at work—one rooted in leverage, distraction, and constant motion. Smerconish explores whether Trump’s actions reflect calculated decision-making or pure instinct, and why the framing of the question matters. Is this a case of misunderstood strategy, or something else entirely? Cast your vote and consider what “rational” really means in today’s political landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

What happens when you go back and check your predictions against reality? In this episode, after touching on the latest on what's happening in Iran, Michael revisits years of Smerconish.com daily poll questions—from elections and political figures to global conflicts—and asks a simple question: Did we get it right? The results are surprising. Some predictions feel spot-on, others… not so much. From early takes on Biden and Trump to reactions after major global events, this episode is a fascinating look at collective wisdom, hindsight, and how public opinion evolves over time. Plus: one poll result that was wildly off the mark. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If necessary to open the Strait of Hormuz, should the U.S. use military force? Michael unpacks a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis as a fragile ceasefire appears to unravel and tensions spike across the Middle East. With Iran, Israel, and the U.S. trading accusations—and the critical Strait of Hormuz potentially closed—what’s at stake for global oil supply and international law? Featuring insights from Admiral James Stavridis, this episode breaks down why the strait matters, what “freedom of navigation” really means, and whether military action could be justified—or disastrous. Plus, a look back at past poll predictions and how often they’ve gotten it right. Listen, 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.

Michael tackles the rapidly evolving Iran crisis with two expert voices offering sharply different lenses. First, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis explains why Iran’s push to control the Strait of Hormuz is a “fantasy,” what real risks exist for global shipping, and why the war’s biggest issues—like enriched uranium—remain unresolved. Then, political analyst Mark Halperin breaks down the media narrative surrounding Trump’s ceasefire decision, the confusion over Iran’s nuclear program, and what the conflict signals to global powers like China and Russia. Is this a path to peace—or just a pause before the next escalation? And did the U.S. gain leverage, or lose ground? A fast-moving, fact-driven conversation on war, diplomacy, and what comes next. Original air date 8 April 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.