The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish welcomes former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the fragile ceasefire, President Trump's Middle East strategy, and America's standing in the world ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Then, Michael turns to listeners with a provocative question: if preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon costs the average American household $1,000, would it be worth paying? The responses reveal just how divided Americans remain on war, diplomacy, and national security. Original air date 30 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with the Supreme Court that ballots postmarked by Election Day should count, even if they arrive later? In the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Michael Smerconish examines what the decision means for future elections, state authority, and public confidence in the voting process. While he disagrees with the policy outcome, he argues the Court reached the correct constitutional result by allowing states to determine how they administer mail ballots. Michael also breaks down the Court's other major decisions affecting executive power, looks ahead to the next wave of election cases—including proof-of-citizenship requirements—and explains why these rulings could shape both the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: What one word would you use to describe the United States? Michael examines a striking Associated Press/NORC survey that asked Americans to describe the United States in just one word—and the answers reveal deep partisan and cultural divides. From “powerful” and “free” to “struggling,” “corrupt,” and “divided,” Michael explores how Republicans, Democrats, and independents see the nation differently, while also discussing what Americans believe unites and divides us most. Listen to his take, and then vote for yourself! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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CNN's Dana Bash joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation on the political crossroads facing Democrats after Zohran Mamdani's New York victory, the growing influence of the party's progressive wing, and the road to 2028. She also offers a candid, behind-the-scenes account of moderating the Biden-Trump debate, revealing the moment she realized something was wrong and how she and Jake Tapper navigated one of the most consequential nights in recent political history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is Donald Trump the cause of America's anger—or its most visible symptom? Michael examines today's Smerconish.com poll question using insights from veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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