The Smerconish Podcast

The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But what does that really mean? Michael Smerconish speaks with Nicole Hansen of the Campaign Legal Center to break down what the legislation would require — including whether a Real ID is enough, why a passport or certified birth certificate may be necessary, and how the bill could impact mail registration and voter rolls nationwide. Then, listeners weigh in on this civil, fact-based conversation on one of the most contentious voting debates in America. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring presidential approval, stepping away from the very metric that has defined modern political accountability—from FDR to Trump and Biden. Michael explores why the polling giant is exiting both horse-race election surveys and now approval ratings, whether political pressure or business strategy is driving the shift, and what it means in an era of historic polarization. Do approval ratings still serve a vital civic purpose, or have they become little more than partisan ammunition? Your vote at Smerconish.com frames the debate. Cast your ballot, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly worded? Too speculative? Or is the media overestimating public interest? TC and Dan offer their blunt opinions, and listeners weigh in on empathy, news fatigue, and whether some stories simply don’t resonate. Plus, Michael previews a new poll on Gallup’s decision to discontinue presidential approval ratings — and what that means for democracy and the media. A candid, behind-the-scenes look at polling, public opinion, and what really drives engagement. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should proof of citizenship be required when registering to vote?"
The House has passed the SAVE Act, legislation that would require Americans to provide physical proof of citizenship—such as a passport or certified birth certificate—when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue it’s a necessary safeguard for election integrity. Critics warn it could disenfranchise millions who lack ready access to qualifying documents, including low-income, rural, and elderly voters. Michael breaks down what the bill would actually require, why a Real ID may not be enough, and the bigger question at the heart of the debate: Is the risk of fraud greater than the risk of blocking eligible voters? Listen, vote at the website, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony fallout, and fresh scrutiny surrounding President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Did Trump alert authorities about Epstein years ago? Why won’t the story fade—and who could still be exposed?
Plus, Halperin breaks down the early 2026 midterm outlook, why Democrats may be favored to retake the House, and whether Jon Ossoff’s viral “Epstein class” speech offers a roadmap for the party. They also examine whether today’s media is missing bigger global stories in favor of political spectacle. Original air date 11 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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