The Smerconish Podcast

Democrats won control of Congress, President Trump accepted defeat, and America experienced something increasingly rare: an election without widespread chaos or controversy. But Michael argues the biggest victory of the 2026 midterms wasn't political—it was a victory for democracy itself.
Drawing on commentary from The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal, Michael explores why the peaceful execution of Election Day deserves celebration, regardless of which party won. He also questions whether the convenience of early voting and mail-in ballots has cost Americans something valuable: the shared civic experience of standing alongside neighbors, even those with whom they passionately disagree.
Plus, callers weigh in on election integrity, Trump's defeat, the future of congressional investigations, and the surprising challenges of voting in states with extraordinarily long ballots. Is Election Day becoming a lost American tradition?
It's a conversation about democracy, community, and what it really means to participate in the American experiment. Original air date 5 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: How should the winning Democratic candidates interpret their victories in Tuesday's elections?
Did Democrats win because voters embraced their policies, or because Americans wanted to send Donald Trump a message?
Michael examines the meaning behind the Democratic Party's sweeping midterm victories and what the results reveal about voter priorities. With Trump's approval ratings struggling, affordability dominating voters' concerns, and Democrats facing a choice between confrontation and compromise, the stakes extend far beyond Election Day. Should Democratic leaders see their victories as a mandate to advance their agenda or a referendum on the president? Michael breaks down the evidence, the political implications, and why the answer could shape the next two years in Washington. 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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Democrats have delivered a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump, capturing both the House and Senate in a sweeping 2026 midterm election victory. But was it a resurgence of independent voters, a revival of ticket-splitting, or a nationwide rejection of Trump's leadership? Michael breaks down the Democratic tsunami, the surprising victories in traditionally Republican states, and what the results reveal about America's increasingly nationalized politics. Then, veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why he saw the landslide coming, how independent voters swung the election, and why the fallout could dramatically reshape the 2028 presidential race. Plus, a potentially explosive disagreement between JD Vance and Donald Trump over the Iran war, the battle between Democratic moderates and progressives, and whether a Democratic Congress can find common ground with Trump—or spend the next two years fighting him. The election is over - listen here to find out that the political consequences are just beginning. Original air date 4 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did you split your ticket?
Democrats have captured the House and Senate, President Trump says he accepts defeat, and the 2026 midterm results raise a fascinating question: Are Americans finally willing to cross party lines again? Michael examines the dramatic decline of split-ticket voting, from an era when nearly half of congressional districts voted for different parties to today's rigid partisan divide. Drawing on insights from Washington Post journalist Dan Balz, Michael explores how nationalized politics, disappearing local news, and partisan loyalty have transformed American elections. Could independent voters and the 2026 midterms signal a reversal? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #6. "Can We Agree?" is the program that asks whether two brilliant minds from opposite corners of an argument can find any common ground on the questions that matter most to Americans today. The U.S. national debt is now larger than the economies of China, Germany, Japan, Britain, and India combined. That’s $297,000 for every household in America, and $117,000 for every U.S. citizen. How do we lessen this burden on future generations?
Facing off in this special live edition of “Can We Agree?“: Stephen Moore, who advised Donald Trump on the economy, says the cure is growth. Maya MacGuineas, who has led the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget since 2003, says the fix requires both spending cuts and more tax revenue. Two serious people. One $40 trillion question. Can they agree? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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