Episodes

  • Who’s Watching the School Board? Inside America’s Local News Collapse

    Who’s Watching the School Board? Inside America’s Local News Collapse
    Oct 27 2025

    Check out the Medill Local News Initiative here.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Harris or Newsom: Who Has A Better Chance To Be Elected President?

    Harris or Newsom: Who Has A Better Chance To Be Elected President?
    Oct 27 2025
    Michael dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll: Who has a better chance of being elected president — Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom? With both Democrats making headlines and Trump already teasing a 2028 run, Michael explores what it means to be a “moderate” in today’s polarized politics. He draws on a major New York Times analysis and his own recent commentary to ask: which tone, message, and approach can actually win in America right now? Listen here, then vote on the poll question. Please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • The Real Art of the Heist: FBI Expert on the Daring Louvre Robbery

    The Real Art of the Heist: FBI Expert on the Daring Louvre Robbery
    Oct 24 2025

    Robert Wittman's book, published in 2010, is "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures."


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Graham Platner's Tattoo Trouble

    Graham Platner's Tattoo Trouble
    Oct 24 2025
    Michael dives into today’s poll question: Should Maine voters reject Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem? After Platner claimed he got it “while drunk in the Marines” and only recently covered it, Smerconish asks — is redemption possible, or does this defy logic? Plus, a call for consistency from both parties when confronting extremists in their ranks. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and thank you for rating and reviewing this podcast on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Inside Trump’s White House Makeover: The Ballroom Controversy Explained

    Inside Trump’s White House Makeover: The Ballroom Controversy Explained
    Oct 23 2025
    Michael goes in-depth on President Trump’s surprise demolition and reconstruction project on the White House grounds — a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom reportedly funded by private donors including major tech firms. Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond joins Michael to unpack the story, from historic preservation loopholes to questions about donor influence and design excess. Then, the conversation turns to the audience,m with reactions ranging from outrage to apathy. One former White House butler calls in with a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to host a presidential-level event at America's most famous address. Is this project an act of presidential hubris or a long-overdue modernization? Listen here, then decide. And, please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Michael Sees The East Wing Demolition For Himself

    Michael Sees The East Wing Demolition For Himself
    Oct 23 2025
    Michael takes listeners on a spontaneous walking tour outside the White House, where demolition of the East Wing is making way for what’s being called the “Trump Ballroom.” From firsthand observations to reflections on history, tradition, and presidential legacy, Michael asks today’s poll question: Decades from now, will presidents be hosting parties there—or pretending it never happened? Place your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Mark Halperin on Trump’s White House Makeover and the Democratic Party Identity Crisis

    Mark Halperin on Trump’s White House Makeover and the Democratic Party Identity Crisis
    Oct 22 2025

    Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Is a Zohran Mamdani Win Good or Bad for National Democrats?

    Is a Zohran Mamdani Win Good or Bad for National Democrats?
    Oct 22 2025
    Michael tackles a provocative poll question at Smerconish.com today: "Is it better for the national Democratic Party if Zohran Mamdani wins or loses in NYC?" Michael explores how the Mamdani campaign embodies the tug-of-war between progressives and centrists, and what that tension means for Democrats trying to win across swing districts. He adds commentary from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal about the party’s ideological crossroads, from Joe Manchin’s centrism to AOC-style activism. It’s a smart, spirited look at what is really at stake in one city’s election. Listen here and please rate and review this podcast! Then, vote on the question at smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins