The Smerconish Podcast

Democrats swept the 2026 midterms, but are they drawing the wrong conclusions from their victory? Michael examines two overlooked forces behind the historic blue wave: independent voters and moderate Democrats.
First, Jeremy Gruber, Senior Vice President of Open Primaries, explains why he calls the election an "independent voter tsunami." From Texas to Iowa and beyond, independents helped deliver Democratic victories. But was their vote an endorsement of Democratic policies—or a rejection of Donald Trump and partisan politics?
Then, Oliver Libby, founder of Strong Floor, No Ceiling, joins Michael to discuss his Washington Post analysis arguing that centrist Democrats, not progressives, delivered many of the most consequential victories. What can the party learn from candidates who emphasized affordability, patriotism, economic opportunity, and a positive vision for America?
Two perspectives, one unmistakable warning: Democrats shouldn't mistake an anti-Trump wave for a lasting mandate. And with 2028 approaching, the battle for independent voters may determine who wins the White House. Original air dates 4 and 5 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was the Tuesday rebuke of President Trump based more on his policies or personality?
Democrats won on Tuesday, but what exactly were voters rejecting? After nearly 40,000 participants in yesterday’s Smerconish.com poll overwhelmingly characterized the results as a rebuke of President Trump rather than an endorsement of Democratic policies, a caller raises a sharper question: Was it Trump's agenda or his personality? Michael examines how tariffs, immigration enforcement, the Iran war, rising gas prices, and Trump's governing style blur the line between policy and temperament. And he considers what the answer could mean for Republicans who share Trump's political agenda but not necessarily his approach. Listen here, then vote - and thanks for rating, reviewing, and sharing this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Democrats won control of Congress, President Trump accepted defeat, and America experienced something increasingly rare: an election without widespread chaos or controversy. But Michael argues the biggest victory of the 2026 midterms wasn't political—it was a victory for democracy itself.
Drawing on commentary from The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal, Michael explores why the peaceful execution of Election Day deserves celebration, regardless of which party won. He also questions whether the convenience of early voting and mail-in ballots has cost Americans something valuable: the shared civic experience of standing alongside neighbors, even those with whom they passionately disagree.
Plus, callers weigh in on election integrity, Trump's defeat, the future of congressional investigations, and the surprising challenges of voting in states with extraordinarily long ballots. Is Election Day becoming a lost American tradition?
It's a conversation about democracy, community, and what it really means to participate in the American experiment. Original air date 5 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How should the winning Democratic candidates interpret their victories in Tuesday's elections?
Did Democrats win because voters embraced their policies, or because Americans wanted to send Donald Trump a message?
Michael examines the meaning behind the Democratic Party's sweeping midterm victories and what the results reveal about voter priorities. With Trump's approval ratings struggling, affordability dominating voters' concerns, and Democrats facing a choice between confrontation and compromise, the stakes extend far beyond Election Day. Should Democratic leaders see their victories as a mandate to advance their agenda or a referendum on the president? Michael breaks down the evidence, the political implications, and why the answer could shape the next two years in Washington. Vote at Smerconish.com 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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Democrats have delivered a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump, capturing both the House and Senate in a sweeping 2026 midterm election victory. But was it a resurgence of independent voters, a revival of ticket-splitting, or a nationwide rejection of Trump's leadership? Michael breaks down the Democratic tsunami, the surprising victories in traditionally Republican states, and what the results reveal about America's increasingly nationalized politics. Then, veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why he saw the landslide coming, how independent voters swung the election, and why the fallout could dramatically reshape the 2028 presidential race. Plus, a potentially explosive disagreement between JD Vance and Donald Trump over the Iran war, the battle between Democratic moderates and progressives, and whether a Democratic Congress can find common ground with Trump—or spend the next two years fighting him. The election is over - listen here to find out that the political consequences are just beginning. Original air date 4 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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