The Smerconish Podcast

Democrats have delivered a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump, capturing both the House and Senate in a sweeping 2026 midterm election victory. But was it a resurgence of independent voters, a revival of ticket-splitting, or a nationwide rejection of Trump's leadership? Michael breaks down the Democratic tsunami, the surprising victories in traditionally Republican states, and what the results reveal about America's increasingly nationalized politics. Then, veteran political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to explain why he saw the landslide coming, how independent voters swung the election, and why the fallout could dramatically reshape the 2028 presidential race. Plus, a potentially explosive disagreement between JD Vance and Donald Trump over the Iran war, the battle between Democratic moderates and progressives, and whether a Democratic Congress can find common ground with Trump—or spend the next two years fighting him. The election is over - listen here to find out that the political consequences are just beginning. Original air date 4 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did you split your ticket?
Democrats have captured the House and Senate, President Trump says he accepts defeat, and the 2026 midterm results raise a fascinating question: Are Americans finally willing to cross party lines again? Michael examines the dramatic decline of split-ticket voting, from an era when nearly half of congressional districts voted for different parties to today's rigid partisan divide. Drawing on insights from Washington Post journalist Dan Balz, Michael explores how nationalized politics, disappearing local news, and partisan loyalty have transformed American elections. Could independent voters and the 2026 midterms signal a reversal? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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This is the audio version of "Can We Agree?" Episode #6. "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. The U.S. national debt is now larger than the economies of China, Germany, Japan, Britain, and India combined. That’s $297,000 for every household in America, and $117,000 for every U.S. citizen. How do we lessen this burden on future generations?
Facing off in this special live edition of “Can We Agree?“: Stephen Moore, who advised Donald Trump on the economy, says the cure is growth. Maya MacGuineas, who has led the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget since 2003, says the fix requires both spending cuts and more tax revenue. Two serious people. One $40 trillion question. Can they agree? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Democrats win big today, who becomes better positioned for 2028? An AOC-style progressive or a Shapiro-style moderate?
Election Day 2026 could deliver a Democratic wave, but what would that victory mean for the party's future? Michael examines the battle between the progressive wing, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and the moderate lane championed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With polls pointing toward major Democratic gains, both factions could claim a mandate heading into the 2028 presidential race. Will voters reward bold progressive politics or pragmatic centrism? Listen here, and cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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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