The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack Ken Paxton’s decisive Texas primary victory, what it means for the 2026 Senate landscape, and whether Democrats truly have a shot at a statewide breakthrough. They also discuss President Trump’s calculus in backing Paxton, the challenges facing Democrat James Talarico, and the growing uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran relations. Original air date 29 May 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo disqualifying?
As Democrats search for four Senate seats to reclaim the majority, Maine has emerged as one of the most important battlegrounds in the country. Michael examines the high-stakes race between longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Graham Platner, a Marine Corps veteran whose campaign has been rocked by revelations about controversial Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi-era symbol. Platner says he was unaware of its meaning when he got it and has since covered it up, but critics argue that explanation strains credibility. Does the controversy end the conversation—or should voters weigh the full context before deciding? Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael explores how America’s political polarization is spilling into the jury room. Expert jury consultant Dr. Laurie Kuslansky joins the program to discuss rising mistrials, partisan bias among jurors, the impact of Trump-era politics on the justice system, and whether fair and impartial juries are becoming harder to find. Plus, listeners share their own surprising jury duty experiences. Original air date 28 May 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe Jill Biden was blindsided by Joe's debate performance? Michael revisits Joe Biden’s disastrous 2024 debate performance in light of Jill Biden’s new comments that she was “frightened” and had never seen him that way before OR since. He walks through the warning signs that came before the debate—from the Robert Hur report to the Hollywood fundraiser with Barack Obama and George Clooney—and asks whether the former first lady’s claim is credible. Michael also addresses concerns about Donald Trump’s health, drawing a contrast between fair scrutiny and political weaponization. Listen here, then cast your vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael speaks with University of Chicago political scientist Dr. Robert Pape about the growing conflict with Iran, rising oil prices, and the strategic dangers of what Pape calls the “Escalation Trap.” From the Strait of Hormuz to the risks of ground operations and global economic fallout, Pape argues the U.S. may have underestimated both Iran’s capabilities and the long-term consequences of military escalation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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