The Smerconish Podcast

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How long will the Iran ceasefire hold: Less than six months, six months to a year, or more than a year? Michael examines the newly signed U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement and asks the question at the center of today’s poll: how durable is this peace? He reviews key provisions of the memorandum of understanding, highlights concerns raised by critics, and explains why he believes the ceasefire is likely to last more than a year. The conversation explores unresolved issues involving Israel, Hezbollah, frozen Iranian assets, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Plus, Michael reflects on the political fallout surrounding the agreement and what it could mean heading into the midterm elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for their weekly conversation, covering the biggest stories shaping politics and public debate. This week: the New York Times’ deep investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s death, whether unanswered questions still linger, Doug Sosnik’s argument that Democrats lost the 2024 election before President Biden exited the race, Josh Shapiro’s presidential prospects, Gavin Newsom’s emerging challenges, and why Donald Trump may be looking for an exit ramp from the conflict with Iran. A wide-ranging discussion on power, politics, and the stories driving Washington. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was 2024 already lost for Democrats before Biden dropped out? Michael examines a provocative argument from veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik: that the 2024 election was effectively decided long before President Biden exited the race. Drawing on Sosnik’s Washington Post analysis, Michael explores three key factors—the decision to seek a second term, public dissatisfaction with immigration policy, and Democratic overconfidence following the 2022 midterms. Was Biden’s late withdrawal merely the final chapter of a campaign already headed for defeat, or could a different nominee and a longer runway have changed the outcome? Cast your vote and join the debate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Jocelyn Kiley to discuss the organization's newly released political typology, which divides Americans into nine distinct political groups. With nearly half of Americans now identifying as independents, what does the data reveal about the country's evolving political identity? Kiley explains how Pew's research goes beyond traditional Democrat-versus-Republican labels, why polarization continues to grow, and what these new political tribes tell us about the future of American politics. Plus, Michael shares his own surprising results from Pew's political quiz. Original air date 16 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran? President Trump announces a new agreement with Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, oil prices are falling, and Tehran has agreed not to pursue a nuclear weapon. But major questions remain: What happens to Iran’s nuclear program? Will sanctions be lifted before meaningful concessions are secured? And after months of military escalation and economic disruption, what has actually been achieved? Michael explores the uncertainties surrounding the deal, the arguments for staying the course versus declaring victory, and why today’s poll has voters almost perfectly divided. A timely conversation about diplomacy, deterrence, and America’s role in the Middle East. Listen here, then vote! 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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