The Smerconish Podcast

We JUST turned our clocks back. Could President Trump make us spring forward AGAIN before the year is over? Michael Smerconish talks with Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond about Trump's renewed push for permanent daylight saving time, the Sunshine Protection Act, and the Republican senator standing in its way. Then, listeners across the country weigh in on dark winter evenings, kids waiting for school buses, health concerns, and the never-ending debate over changing our clocks. Is it finally time to pick a time and stick with it? Listen here, then share, rate, and review this podcast! Original air date 2 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: To what does Haley Stevens owe more of a duty, her conscience or her party?
Just 48 hours before the midterm elections, Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens stunned the political world by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Donald Trump celebrated the surprise endorsement, but could the move actually hurt Rogers more than help him? Michael examines Stevens' objections to El-Sayed, the backlash from fellow Democrats, and whether her last-minute break with party loyalty will sway Michigan voters. With Election Day looming and new polling pointing toward a potentially strong Democratic showing nationwide, Michael asks whether political conscience should ever outweigh allegiance to one's party. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com - but before you to, please leave a rating and a review on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A Florida mom was arrested for leaving her four children, ages 9 to 14, home alone while she traveled for work—even though she'd arranged for a babysitter to check on them. Was this child neglect, or have we taken helicopter parenting too far? Michael revisits his own free-range childhood in the 1970s, when kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised and independence was part of growing up. He questions whether today's parents are protecting their children or robbing them of essential life experiences. Callers share astonishing stories from their own childhoods, debate the Florida mother's arrest, and confront a provocative question: Would the parenting practices of yesterday get you thrown in jail today? Original air date 29 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 the midterms mark the end of the Trump era?
Michael examines political strategist Doug Sosnik's provocative analysis of the coming election. Could the 2026 midterm elections signal the beginning of the end of Donald Trump's political dominance? With Trump's approval rating at 33%, history suggests Democrats could be headed for a massive victory. But Sosnik argues that gerrymandering, the education divide, and fundamental shifts in the electorate make a traditional blue wave far less certain. Even without a Democratic landslide, could the midterms usher in a new, post-Trump political era? Michael breaks down the historical comparisons, the changing electoral landscape, and what's really at stake. Vote now 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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Is the Trump era nearing its end? veteran Democratic strategist and former Clinton White House adviser Doug Sosnik joins Michael for a revealing, data-driven look at what could be a political earthquake on Tuesday, November 3. With President Trump's approval rating at historic lows, Americans struggling with the cost of living, and the war with Iran weighing heavily on voters, Sosnik explains why Democrats are positioned to retake the House—and possibly the Senate. But he also warns that today's political realignment could prevent the kind of historic landslide the numbers might otherwise suggest. Plus, why Sosnik believes Election Day could mark the beginning of the end of the Trump era, ushering in a volatile new chapter in American politics. What happens when the votes are counted—and is the country prepared for what comes next? Listen here, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 29 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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