The Smerconish Podcast

Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest headlines shaping American politics. They break down Donald Trump’s controversial clash with the Pope, the strategy behind his “counterpunching” style, and whether any political move can truly hurt him. The discussion turns to rising tensions with Iran and what a potential deal—or escalation—could mean for U.S. politics and global stability. Halperin also weighs in on the 2028 presidential field, the risks candidates face under intense scrutiny, and why midterm results may not predict the next White House race. Listen here, then rate, review and share this podcast! Original air date 15 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is America's record low fertility rate a problem?" America’s birth rate has fallen to historic lows, well below the level needed to sustain the population—but does it actually matter? Michael explores the economic, social, and political implications of a shrinking younger generation, including pressure on Social Security, a tightening labor force, and shifting demographics. Listen here for some great insights and data, 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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Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales stepping down from Congress has reignited a major question in Washington: when should lawmakers be forced out—and what does due process really look like on Capitol Hill? To unpack it, Michael Smerconish turns to a unique voice: George Santos, one of the only members ever expelled from the House of Representatives. In a candid and often controversial conversation, Santos weighs in on the resignations, the culture inside Congress, and whether accusations alone are now enough to end a political career. He also reflects on his own expulsion, his time in prison—including weeks in solitary confinement—and the moment he learned his sentence had been commuted by former President Donald Trump. Plus, listeners join the conversation, debating whether members of Congress are held to a different standard—and what accountability in Washington should really look like. Original air date 14 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is a greater existential threat, runaway AI or nuclear weapons?" Michael Smerconish explores a rapidly shifting global risk landscape, drawing on insights from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and former White House counterterrorism and cyber threat advisor Richard Clarke. With breakthroughs in AI capable of exposing critical software vulnerabilities—and quantum computing threatening to crack modern encryption—the conversation moves beyond theory into urgent reality. Could emerging technologies destabilize global systems faster than traditional military threats? Or do nuclear weapons remain the ultimate danger? This episode examines the stakes, the science, and why some experts believe humanity is unprepared for what’s coming next. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com - and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael welcomes political strategist Doug Sosnik for a wide-ranging conversation on the 2026 midterms, Trump’s standing, and the structural forces reshaping American politics. Sosnik explains why Republican prospects have weakened, why Democrats still face major limits, and how wealth inequality, education, geography, and voter frustration are driving a deeper political realignment. Original air date 13 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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