The Smerconish Podcast

With less than three weeks until the 2026 midterm elections, are Republicans facing a much bigger defeat than anyone expects? Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why President Trump is campaigning in deep-red states, what internal GOP polling may be revealing, and how MAGA infighting could make a bad election night even worse. They also discuss growing questions surrounding Trump's new White House press secretary, JD Vance's political future, and the Texas Senate race. Then, Michael takes listener calls on the midterms, White House credibility, and the controversy over a proposed livestreamed military execution. Original air date 15 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who cut Ukraine's Starlink service this week? Was it Trump? Was it Musk? Was it both or was it a glitch?
As Ukrainian forces face a massive Russian missile barrage, reports of sudden Starlink restrictions are raising urgent questions about who controls battlefield communications. Michael examines the escalating tensions between Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Volodymyr Zelensky, including a controversial deal involving Russian diesel, Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries, and unexplained speed restrictions affecting drone operations. Did the White House intervene, did SpaceX make the call, or is there another explanation? With Ukraine's defense capabilities and American political accountability at stake, Michael breaks down the evidence and asks listeners to decide. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the midterm election results cause the president to make significant changes to his cabinet and/or policies?
With Democrats favored to retake the House, and the Senate hanging in the balance, Michael looks beyond Election Day to a more consequential question: What will President Trump do if Republicans suffer a major defeat? Will he shake up his cabinet, reverse course on key policies, do both, or change nothing? From declining approval ratings and Republican divisions to the challenges of confirming new cabinet members under a potentially Democratic-controlled Senate, Michael examines the political pressures ahead. History shows that presidents often recalibrate after midterm losses. But Trump's instinct has typically been to double down. Will this time be different? Listen here, then 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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What would George H.W. Bush think of today's deeply divided America? Michael sits down with the former president's son, Neil Bush, to reflect on his father's extraordinary legacy, the famous "Thousand Points of Light" speech, and why volunteerism may be the key to bringing Americans together again. As chairman of Points of Light, Bush shares personal memories of his parents, the values that shaped the Bush family, and an ambitious effort to double volunteerism nationwide. A heartfelt conversation about leadership, service, and what America may have lost along the way. Original air date 13 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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