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Smerconish on CNN

Smerconish on CNN

By: CNN Podcasts
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 Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.2024-2025 CNN Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Justice and Inequality: The Impact of Fame on Drug Prosecution

    Justice and Inequality: The Impact of Fame on Drug Prosecution
    Dec 6 2025
    Michael Smerconish discusses the disparity in how drug-related deaths are treated depending on the fame of the victim, highlighting cases like Matthew Perry and Michael K. Williams, where the suppliers were severely punished. He contrasts this with the relative lack of action for the vast majority of Americans who die from drug overdoses each year. The segment also covers the legal and moral implications of using military force against drug traffickers, referencing a controversial September 2nd attack on a drug trafficking vessel. Smerconish advocates for transparency and full investigation of the incident. Admiral James Stavridis joins to discuss the potential misuse of lethal force and the importance of adhering to legal and moral standards. The latter part of the show shifts to the concept of wealth and poverty in America, questioning what constitutes wealth in today's economy, especially as inflation and living costs rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • There’s Nothing Artificial About Job Loss

    There’s Nothing Artificial About Job Loss
    Nov 29 2025
    Michael Smerconish talks about AI and job loss with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Roman Yampolskiy, Assoc. Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Louisville. Then, Smerconish has a conversation with former Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel on crime and policing cities, especially in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard troops, this past week in Washington, DC. Finally, Dave Lawler, the National Security Editor for Axios on whether Andrii Yermak's resignation make Zelensky stronger or weaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Thanksgiving Unity: Bridging Political Divides at the Table

    Thanksgiving Unity: Bridging Political Divides at the Table
    Nov 22 2025
    Michael Smerconish explores the idea of finding common ground during Thanksgiving amid political polarization. He rejects the conventional advice to avoid sensitive topics, suggesting instead that Americans are united by core democratic values. Citing a Kettering Foundation and Gallup survey, he emphasizes areas of overwhelming consensus among U.S. adults, such as the importance of compromise and political leaders acting against violence and money influence in politics. Additionally, NYU's Susie Welch discusses a Wall Street Journal analysis showing that only 11% of Americans prioritize family as their top value, with personal well-being and self-expression ranking higher. Later, Smerconish touches on Democratic Socialism in the context of New York City’s newly elected mayor Zoran Momani and the broader implications of AI on employment and society. The episode ends with social media interactions and further discussions about the future under advanced AI technologies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
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