The Smerconish Podcast

In the aftermath of a shocking incident at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner where a shooter - potentially trying to assassinate the President - was apprehended at a security checkpoint, conspiracy theories spread at lightning speed online—raising questions about security, misinformation, and public trust. Michael examines what actually happened, looks at the psychology behind viral conspiracies, and opens the phones to listeners divided on what to believe. From the WHCD scare to broader debates about “false flag” thinking and the role of social media, this episode explores why so many Americans are questioning reality—and what that means for the future of political discourse. Original air date 28 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are geofence warrants - which sweep up the location data of everybody in an area - worth the risk to our privacy? Michael unpacks a pivotal Supreme Court case testing the limits of law enforcement in the digital age. After a Virginia bank robbery was solved using geofence data, the Court must now weigh public safety against constitutional protections. With unusual alliances emerging among the justices, the debate highlights broader concerns about surveillance, personal data, and the future of policing. Is this a necessary tool to catch criminals—or a dangerous precedent for privacy? Listen here, then vote, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A shocking security scare rocked the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, raising urgent questions about how a gunman got so close—and whether disaster was narrowly avoided. Michael breaks down the incident, asking: was it a security success or a failure? With firsthand insight from SiriusXM colleague, veteran journalist and former WHCA president Steve Scully, this episode takes you inside the room—from the early warning signs to the chaotic moments when shots were reported and guests were told to take cover. Plus, new details about vulnerabilities at the venue, the role of pre-event access, and what this means for the future of one of Washington’s most high-profile gatherings. Original air date 27 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was Saturday's assassination attempt a security success or security failure? Michael examines the alarming incident at the Washington Hilton, where a gunman was stopped before reaching his target—but not before raising serious concerns. Was this a case of security doing exactly what it was designed to do, or did systemic vulnerabilities allow a dangerous situation to unfold in the first place? Listen in, then vote. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should SNAP recipients be able to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken? Michael revisits the debate over food assistance rules as a bipartisan group of senators pushes to carve out a narrow exception to the long-standing ban on hot foods. The issue highlights a quirky regulatory gap—where a cold rotisserie chicken is allowed, but a hot one is not—raising questions about practicality, dignity, and intent. Supporters argue it’s a common-sense fix for families, seniors, and those without cooking access, while critics warn it could open the door to broader changes. Is this smart reform or the start of a slippery slope? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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