The Smerconish Podcast

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who wins the House in November - Democrats or Republicans? With the 2026 midterms approaching, Michael Smerconish examines whether Democrats are headed for a comfortable House victory—or whether Republicans can hold on. History strongly favors the opposition party in midterm elections, Trump’s approval rating stands at 36%, and Democrats lead the generic ballot. But newly redrawn congressional maps could give Republicans a crucial cushion, while uncertainty surrounding mail-in voting adds another variable. Michael breaks down the numbers, the historical precedents, and the possible paths to 218 seats before asking you to make the call at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Why did the Lindsay Clancy case end in a mistrial—and what happens next? Michael speaks with Yale Law professor Jed Rubenfeld about the unusual Massachusetts insanity law that shaped the trial, why the jury never had voluntary manslaughter as an option, and why he believes the case may ultimately end in a plea deal. Michael then hears from listeners about the difficult legal and human questions surrounding the case. Original air date 8 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Would America be better off as two countries?" Could America’s political divisions eventually become national borders? Michael examines the provocative idea of an American “disunion” through two very different lenses: Kurt Andersen’s new novel 'The Break-Up', which imagines a divided United States after civil conflict, and Syracuse professor Ryan Griffiths’ research into real-world secession movements and why they so rarely succeed. From red and blue states to national security, polarization, democracy, and the practical nightmare of drawing new borders, Michael explores whether breaking America apart could ever solve its problems—or whether the better answer is finding a way to live together. Listen here, then vote - 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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Can your college major predict your politics—or even how religious you are? Michael talks with Ryan Burge, a professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis’ John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, about fascinating new data showing sharp differences among finance, nursing, English, theater and other majors when it comes to ideology and religiosity. Then listeners call in to see whether they fit the stereotype—or completely break the mold. Original air date 17 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A six-pack of beer could help redefine the Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. Michael breaks down the extraordinary Supreme Court case of an Alaska bush pilot whose $95,000 airplane was seized after alcohol was found aboard a flight to a dry village—and explains why the story is far more complicated than the headline suggests. Then, listeners weigh in on how much punishment is simply too much. Original air date 21 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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