The Smerconish Podcast

This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #6. "Can We Agree?" is the program that asks whether two brilliant minds from opposite corners of an argument can find any common ground on the questions that matter most to Americans today. The U.S. national debt is now larger than the economies of China, Germany, Japan, Britain, and India combined. That’s $297,000 for every household in America, and $117,000 for every U.S. citizen. How do we lessen this burden on future generations?
Facing off in this special live edition of “Can We Agree?“: Stephen Moore, who advised Donald Trump on the economy, says the cure is growth. Maya MacGuineas, who has led the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget since 2003, says the fix requires both spending cuts and more tax revenue. Two serious people. One $40 trillion question. Can they agree? 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 Democrats win big today, who becomes better positioned for 2028? An AOC-style progressive or a Shapiro-style moderate?
Election Day 2026 could deliver a Democratic wave, but what would that victory mean for the party's future? Michael examines the battle between the progressive wing, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the moderate lane championed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With polls pointing toward major Democratic gains, both factions could claim a mandate heading into the 2028 presidential race. Will voters reward bold progressive politics or pragmatic centrism? Listen here, and cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

We JUST turned our clocks back. Could President Trump make us spring forward AGAIN before the year is over? Michael Smerconish talks with Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond about Trump's renewed push for permanent daylight saving time, the Sunshine Protection Act, and the Republican senator standing in its way. Then, listeners across the country weigh in on dark winter evenings, kids waiting for school buses, health concerns, and the never-ending debate over changing our clocks. Is it finally time to pick a time and stick with it? Listen here, then share, rate, and review this podcast! Original air date 2 November 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: To what does Haley Stevens owe more of a duty, her conscience or her party?
Just 48 hours before the midterm elections, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens stunned the political world by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Donald Trump celebrated the surprise endorsement, but could the move actually hurt Rogers more than help him? Michael examines Stevens' objections to El-Sayed, the backlash from fellow Democrats, and whether her last-minute break with party loyalty will sway Michigan voters. With Election Day looming and new polling pointing toward a potentially strong Democratic showing nationwide, Michael asks whether political conscience should ever outweigh allegiance to one's party. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com - but before you to, please leave a rating and a review on 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.

A Florida mom was arrested for leaving her four children, ages 9 to 14, home alone while she traveled for work—even though she'd arranged for a babysitter to check on them. Was this child neglect, or have we taken helicopter parenting too far? Michael revisits his own free-range childhood in the 1970s, when kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised and independence was part of growing up. He questions whether today's parents are protecting their children or robbing them of essential life experiences. Callers share astonishing stories from their own childhoods, debate the Florida mother's arrest, and confront a provocative question: Would the parenting practices of yesterday get you thrown in jail today? Original air date 29 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.