The Smerconish Podcast

The race for the White House in 2028 is taking an unexpected turn. Mark Halperin joins Michael with surprising insights into J.D. Vance's weakening political standing, Josh Shapiro's rise, and why Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris may face an uphill battle. Could a political outsider shake up both parties, or will two Pennsylvania power players emerge as presidential rivals? The fallout from the 2026 midterms could change everything. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Did moderate Democrats hold the key to the 2026 midterm elections? A new analysis from Third Way suggests that centrist candidates outperformed their progressive counterparts, raising big questions about the Democratic Party’s path to victory in 2028. Michael breaks down the numbers, the power of independent voters, and what the results could mean for the next presidential election. Is the future of the Democratic Party in the political center, or is a progressive approach still the answer? Vote now at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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"We thought we were going to die." Navy SEAL Rob O'Neill takes Michael inside the secret mission to kill Osama bin Laden, revealing the terrifying moments inside the compound and the desperate race to escape Pakistan alive. Michael also shares the heartbreaking stories of two 9/11 widows who finally met the man credited with killing the terrorist responsible for their husbands' deaths. It's an unforgettable Veterans Day tribute filled with courage, sacrifice, and powerful reminders of September 11, 2001. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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What if the Donald Trump you see on TV isn't the real Donald Trump? A newly discussed private letter to Joe Biden paints a dramatically different picture of the president than his public attacks and fiery rhetoric suggest. Michael explores whether Trump's combative personality is authentic or simply political theater, drawing on Bill Maher's observations and his own personal encounters. Is Trump playing a character to win politically? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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ndependent voters helped deliver a Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms, but why couldn't independent candidates win? Michael sits down with Heather Manchin, daughter of former Senator Joe Manchin and co-founder of the Independent Leadership Council, to examine the power of independent voters and the obstacles keeping them out of office. From open primaries and election reform to the future of third-party candidates, could independents finally break America's two-party stranglehold before 2028? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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