The Smerconish Podcast

How biased is Michael? The latest Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart is out, and Michael is more than happy to share his report card: A Blutarsky. He breaks down where his CNN program and SiriusXM podcast land on the left-right media bias spectrum, compares his scores with some of the biggest names in news and commentary, and offers a theory for why his radio show lands slightly to the left of his TV program: the callers. Plus, listeners weigh in on whether Michael — and the media they consume — are really as politically balanced as they think. Original air date 30 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the government tax the wealth of billionaires, or stick to taxing income?
Michael examines the growing debate over whether enormous fortunes should be taxed based on wealth rather than income. Drawing on his conversation from yesterday with economist Gabriel Zucman, Michael explores proposals aimed at billionaires, including the argument that vast stock holdings can appreciate for years without generating taxable personal income. But a wealth tax raises difficult questions of its own: How do you value private companies, real estate, art, and other illiquid assets—and could founders be forced to sell shares just to pay the bill? 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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A newly filed civil lawsuit has put an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University back in the spotlight—and prompted the local district attorney to reopen the investigation. Michael examines the graphic allegations, the accuser’s earlier sworn statement described by the DA, and the major discrepancies now at the center of the case. NBC senior legal analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael to discuss why, despite deeply troubling alleged conduct, securing a criminal conviction could prove extraordinarily difficult. Then listeners weigh in on consent, prosecution, campus culture, and the burden of proof. Original air date 29 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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John Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.
William (Bill) Galston holds the Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies and is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Watch the latest episode of CAN WE AGREE? here.

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Early voting begins in just a few days in many states, so the midterm elections are underway. Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the forces shaping the battle for Congress. They examine shifting voter enthusiasm, Trump’s approval, the war in Iran, inflation and gas prices, and why historical midterm trends may only tell part of the story. Then, Michael opens the phones to listeners for their take on what could drive voters this November. Original air date 28 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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