The Smerconish Podcast

A political earthquake in Nevada—and a preview of the battle for the White House in 2028. Michael broadcasts from Las Vegas and sits down with Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, to dissect the Democrats' stunning midterm sweep, including the shocking flip of a congressional district Donald Trump carried by 14 points.
Was this a lasting shift among working-class voters or simply a repudiation of Trump? And what does it mean for the next presidential election?
With Nevada poised to play a pivotal early role in the 2028 Democratic primaries, Ralston assesses potential contenders including Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, Ro Khanna, and Rahm Emanuel, along with the emerging Republican rivalry between JD Vance and Marco Rubio. Plus, the power of Nevada's Culinary Union, the state's changing demographics, and why Democrats shouldn't get too comfortable after their big victory. Original air date 9 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After losing Congress, why did Trump make Stephen Miller chief of staff? Was it to reward loyalty or to fight?
Following a bruising election defeat, President Donald Trump has replaced Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, one of his administration's most combative and fiercely loyal figures. Michael examines what the shake-up reveals about Trump's strategy for the next two years. Is Miller's elevation simply a reward for unwavering loyalty, or a deliberate signal that Trump intends to double down rather than compromise? From Miller's fiery speech at Charlie Kirk's memorial to warnings from The Wall Street Journal, Michael makes the case that this appointment is about one thing above all: the fight. 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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Democrats swept the 2026 midterms, but are they drawing the wrong conclusions from their victory? Michael examines two overlooked forces behind the historic blue wave: independent voters and moderate Democrats.
First, Jeremy Gruber, Senior Vice President of Open Primaries, explains why he calls the election an "independent voter tsunami." From Texas to Iowa and beyond, independents helped deliver Democratic victories. But was their vote an endorsement of Democratic policies—or a rejection of Donald Trump and partisan politics?
Then, Oliver Libby, founder of Strong Floor, No Ceiling, joins Michael to discuss his Washington Post analysis arguing that centrist Democrats, not progressives, delivered many of the most consequential victories. What can the party learn from candidates who emphasized affordability, patriotism, economic opportunity, and a positive vision for America?
Two perspectives, one unmistakable warning: Democrats shouldn't mistake an anti-Trump wave for a lasting mandate. And with 2028 approaching, the battle for independent voters may determine who wins the White House. Original air dates 4 and 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: Was the Tuesday rebuke of President Trump based more on his policies or personality?
Democrats won on Tuesday, but what exactly were voters rejecting? After nearly 40,000 participants in yesterday’s Smerconish.com poll overwhelmingly characterized the results as a rebuke of President Trump rather than an endorsement of Democratic policies, a caller raises a sharper question: Was it Trump's agenda or his personality? Michael examines how tariffs, immigration enforcement, the Iran war, rising gas prices, and Trump's governing style blur the line between policy and temperament. And he considers what the answer could mean for Republicans who share Trump's political agenda but not necessarily his approach. Listen here, then vote - and thanks for rating, reviewing, and sharing this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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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