The Smerconish Podcast

Michael speaks with The Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich about his revealing profile of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly—combat veteran, astronaut, devoted husband to Gabby Giffords, and possible 2028 presidential contender. They examine why Kamala Harris passed him over for vice president, whether his extraordinary résumé can overcome his limitations as a campaign performer, and what the remarkable Kelly-Giffords partnership reveals about the man behind the political ambition. Then, listeners weigh in on whether Kelly could unite the country—and whether Harris made a major mistake. Original air date 28 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How much longer will war with Iran last? Michael examines whether the U.S.-Iran conflict is approaching an end or settling into a prolonged confrontation. With attacks paused and mediators reporting progress toward renewed negotiations, President Trump says talks are going well—but warns military action could resume. New CBS polling reveals widespread uncertainty, frustration and a belief that the conflict has been harder than expected. Michael breaks down how Democrats, Republicans and independents differ on whether America should end the fighting now or continue until Iran makes further concessions. Plus, Joe Manchin’s effort to recruit a new generation of independent political leaders. Thank you for rating, reviewing and sharing this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Michael recounts his eventful West Virginia weekend—from a thrilling flight aboard a small Cirrus aircraft to a visit to the historic Greenbrier—before revealing the real reason for his trip. He went to join Joe and Heather Manchin as they launch their new Independent Leadership Council, an effort to help elect genuinely independent candidates who could hold the balance of power in Congress. Also, hear listeners debate whether the strategy can actually work. Original air date 27 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Why is President Trump so much less risk averse in his second term compared to his first?
After reading Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s Regime Change, Michael examines what may explain the more brazen, high-risk style of Trump’s second term. Is it the freedom of being term-limited, Supreme Court-recognized immunity for official acts, greater confidence in the presidency, a sense of political vindication—or the belief that consequences never stick? Michael breaks down all five poll choices, revisits recent voting results, and asks listeners to decide which factor matters most. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

New Jersey says a software error mistakenly added approximately 6,600 noncitizens to its voter rolls—and fewer than 400 ultimately cast ballots. Does the incident undermine claims that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare, or show that isolated errors can be detected and corrected? Michael speaks with David Becker, executive director and founder of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research and a former senior trial attorney in the Justice Department’s Voting Section, about voter fraud, possible prosecutions, voter ID, DMV records, and the SAVE Act. Then Michael opens the phones to listeners divided over accountability, election security, and public trust in America’s voting systems. Original air date 23 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.