The Smerconish Podcast

This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #4. '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. Subscribe to the Smerconish YouTube channel to never miss an episode!
"Socialism" is a word Republicans have used against Democrats as a slur for decades. Now some Democrats use it to describe themselves. The Democratic Socialists of America are not a wing of the Democratic Party, but a separate organization that runs on the Democratic line. A party inside a party. Is it the Democrats' Tea Party—which lost Republican seats but eventually led to the rise of Donald Trump—or is it something the party needs to regain power?
Debating this topic on this episode of "Can We Agree?":
• Tom Suozzi, a fourth-term Democratic U.S. Representative for New York's third Congressional District. He's the loudest voice in his party against the rise of DSA. He's even authored a pledge called the Promise to America, which stated in its first line: We are capitalist, not socialist.
• Nina Turner, a progressive Democrats and former Ohio state senator, and prominent national surrogate for Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020. She also served as president of Our Revolution, the political organization that grew out of Sanders' first presidential campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the midterm election results cause the president to make significant changes to his cabinet and/or policies?
With Democrats favored to retake the House, and the Senate hanging in the balance, Michael looks beyond Election Day to a more consequential question: What will President Trump do if Republicans suffer a major defeat? Will he shake up his cabinet, reverse course on key policies, do both, or change nothing? From declining approval ratings and Republican divisions to the challenges of confirming new cabinet members under a potentially Democratic-controlled Senate, Michael examines the political pressures ahead. History shows that presidents often recalibrate after midterm losses. But Trump's instinct has typically been to double down. Will this time be different? Listen here, then 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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What would George H.W. Bush think of today's deeply divided America? Michael sits down with the former president's son, Neil Bush, to reflect on his father's extraordinary legacy, the famous "Thousand Points of Light" speech, and why volunteerism may be the key to bringing Americans together again. As chairman of Points of Light, Bush shares personal memories of his parents, the values that shaped the Bush family, and an ambitious effort to double volunteerism nationwide. A heartfelt conversation about leadership, service, and what America may have lost along the way. Original air date 13 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Elon Musk's $276 million in donations keep the Senate in Republican hands?
With Republicans facing a difficult Senate map and Democrats increasingly optimistic about flipping control, Elon Musk is pouring hundreds of millions into the fight. Michael examines whether the world's richest man's massive political spending can overcome troubling poll numbers, energized Democratic voters, and competitive races from Alaska to Texas. Is Musk's money the Republican Party's electoral lifeline, or are voters already making up their minds? 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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Deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have put President Trump at a dangerous crossroads in the war with Iran. Retired four-star Admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis joins Michael to explain who the Houthis are, why they're so difficult to defeat, and the three military options facing Trump. Should the U.S. launch more strikes, tighten the economic pressure, or avoid further escalation? Stavridis reveals what he would recommend to the president and why walking away from the Middle East isn't as simple as it sounds. Plus, Michael takes listener calls on America's role in the conflict. Original air date 12 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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