The Smerconish Podcast

With Election Day just days away, could an October Surprise change everything? Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for a final look at the 2026 midterms, weighing the possibility of a Democratic tsunami against a Republican upset. Which Senate races could determine control of Congress, and will President Trump accept the results?
Halperin also explores the last-minute wild cards that could upend the election, from AI-generated voter misinformation and an infusion of Elon Musk's money to a potential military confrontation with Iran. Plus, a surprising prediction about JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Trump's endorsement in the 2028 presidential race. Michael then opens the phones to listeners who offer their own election-changing scenarios. Could the biggest political shock still be ahead? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will AI do more good or harm in your lifetime?
Artificial intelligence could cure cancer, fight Alzheimer's, and revolutionize government services. It could also pose an existential threat to humanity. Michael examines the extraordinary promises and alarming risks outlined in Anthropic's IPO prospectus, including tens of thousands of words devoted to potential dangers. With concerns mounting about AI's rapid advancement and lack of regulation, Michael considers Admiral James Stavridis's call for sensible government oversight. Are we approaching an era of unprecedented human progress, or unleashing technology we may not be able to control? Cast your 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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Can President Donald Trump really strip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of her U.S. citizenship—and potentially have her deported? As the Trump administration investigates the Minnesota Democrat, Michael speaks with Minneapolis immigration attorney David L. Wilson of the Wilson Law Group to explain denaturalization, the legal process for revoking citizenship. What constitutes immigration fraud? Why are search warrants and grand jury proceedings so unusual in these cases? And does losing citizenship automatically mean deportation? Then, listeners weigh in on whether the investigation represents political retribution, legitimate legal scrutiny, or potentially both. It's a provocative discussion about immigration law, the power of the Justice Department, and the unanswered questions surrounding Ilhan Omar. Original air date 27 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which drives voters more, their demographics or their values?
We like to believe our votes reflect our values. But what if race, gender, age, and education are far more predictive of our political choices? Michael examines new voter data from The New York Times showing dramatic demographic shifts between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, alongside Gallup research revealing surprising agreement on core American values. If Americans share so much common ground, why do we vote so differently? Michael makes the case that our increasingly disconnected lives—and the people we surround ourselves with—may explain America's political divide. Listen here, then share, rate, and review this episode - AND....Cast your vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Should taxpayer dollars fund schools—or follow students? Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is a Democrat who's breaking with his party on school choice, arguing that America's public education system is failing too many children. He joins Michael to discuss school vouchers, charter schools, teachers unions, and the Trump administration's new federal scholarship tax credit. Plus, callers challenge Williams on whether school choice helps disadvantaged students or simply takes money away from public schools. Original air date 22 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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