The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish talks with Mark Halperin about the controversy surrounding Scott Pelley's exit from CBS News, questions of media bias at 60 Minutes, and President Trump's evolving strategy toward Iran. A timely discussion on journalism, politics, and international tensions. Original air date 10 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which would you rather watch: baseball or soccer? As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Michael explores how dramatically soccer’s standing has changed in America. Once dismissed as a niche sport, soccer has climbed to become one of the nation’s most popular spectator sports—according to recent data, even edging past baseball. Michael shares fascinating World Cup logistics, from team base camps and travel challenges to Philadelphia’s role as a host city, while revisiting a memorable 1986 speech from Jack Kemp that captured America’s former skepticism toward the game. Has soccer truly surpassed the national pastime? Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to break down the increasingly complicated dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and the Trump administration. Are President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu pursuing different goals? Can a U.S.-Iran deal still happen? And what role does Hezbollah play in the growing tensions across the region?
Then, Michael talks with listeners on whether the U.S. and Israel are drifting apart, the challenges of Middle East diplomacy, and a provocative question from listeners: who’s the tougher partner—Trump or Netanyahu? Original air date 9 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are America's best days ahead or behind us? Michael examines a deceptively simple question that cuts to the heart of America’s national mood. Drawing on new Quinnipiac and AP-NORC polling, he explores a striking contradiction: most Americans believe the country is falling short of its founding ideals, yet more say America’s best days are still ahead than behind. Why do so many remain proud to be American while expressing deep concerns about the nation’s direction? Michael breaks down the numbers, the partisan divide, and what these results reveal about optimism, patriotism, and the future of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary. Listen here, then vote - and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Can sharing a meal bring people together in an increasingly divided America? Michael sits down with Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of Philadelphia's Welcoming Center, to discuss "Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers," an innovative initiative that uses food and conversation to build community across cultural, political, and social divides. After the interview, Michael and TC explore the lessons behind the project before listeners weigh in on what makes a good neighbor, a strong community, and meaningful citizenship. From shared meals to simple greetings, this episode examines whether small acts of connection can help bridge our growing social disconnect. Original air date 8 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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