Smerconish on CNN
Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.
Episodes
In this episode, Michael Smerconish discusses the implications of California possibly following Texas in mid-decade redistricting, challenging the state's independent redistricting commission. He examines the polarization driven by gerrymandering and self-sorting, and the potential consequences for the 2026 midterms. Smerconish also hosts election analyst David Wasserman to analyze the political landscape if California's initiative...
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August 16, 2025 • 42 mins
Continuing coverage of Trump and Putin's summit in Alaska. What did President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's body language tell us during their high-stakes summit? Behavioral Analyst and Body Language Expert Chris Ulrich, weighs in.
Plus, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on why Trump doesn't talk about Detroit they way he talks about other big cities and crime.
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August 9, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN’s Michael Smerconish says, Democracy should not be a contact sport and public service shouldn’t require kevlar. If we want good people to step forward, we have to make sure they can serve without fearing for their lives.
Plus, the rise in Political Violence with Robert Pape Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago, Trump ups redistricting war with call for new census with David Wasserman, Senior Editor and Elec...
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August 2, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish gives Democrats some advice on how to respond to Trump's recent accomplishments. Then, Rahm Emanuel, the former Ambassador to Japan and Chicago Mayor, weighs in on how Democrats should attack President Trump's policies.
Also on the show, Washington Post National Health Reporter Paige Winfield Cunningham joins Michael Smerconish to discuss how the Trump administration is considering expanding healthcare c...
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July 26, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish gives President Trump some free advice on how to address the Epstein files. Plus, Lanny Davis joins Michael Smerconish to discuss how the Trump administration is mishandling the Epstein files.
Also on the show, Michael Smerconish delivers his commentary on Hunter Biden and his criticism towards Democrats. Tara Setmayer, a resident scholar at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, weighs in on the...
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July 19, 2025 • 43 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish unpacks the bombshell Wall Street Journal reporting on the alleged birthday letter President Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein. And, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig weighs in on President Trump's latest legal battle with The Wall Street Journal. Then, Political Science Professor Seth Masket and Senior Vice-President of Open Primaries Jeremy Gruber join Michael Smerconish to debate the benefits and drawbacks o...
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July 12, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish examines the latest revelation from Zohran Mamdani's Columbia University admissions application and argues that it's time to end classification by race and ethnicity. Then, Atlantic staff writer Thomas Chatterton Williams joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his latest piece called "Zohran Mamdani reveals the absurdity of affirmative action." And, Washington Examiner National Political reporter Salena Zito unp...
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July 5, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish describes the best decade in America from his childhood and explains why nostalgia plays a critical role in American politics. And, a breakthrough in genetic editing allows IVF parents to select traits for their embryo. But some experts are warning this new approach may lead to irreversible consequences. Also, a part of Trump's mega bill includes a national "baby bonds" program that will provide every newborn...
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June 28, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish weighs in on the recent victories for the Trump administration this week. Then, David Urban, a former Trump Campaign adviser, and Xochitl Hinojosa, a former DNC communications director, join Smerconish to discuss how the American public is reacting to Trump's latest wins. Plus, Andrew Daniller, a Pew Research Associate, shares his latest research on how non-voters would have influenced the outcome of the 20...
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June 21, 2025 • 43 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish dives into the conflicting messages from the Trump administration about Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities. Then, Retired Admiral James Stavridis and New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger join Smerconish to weigh on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. After that, Retired Lt. General David Deptula discusses U.S. military capabilities in case tensions between Israel and Iran ...
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June 14, 2025 • 42 mins
Retired Adm. James Stavridis and New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger join CNN Michael Smerconish to weigh in on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Then, Smerconish argues why it's impractical and morally wrong to deport the roughly 10 million undocumented immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, committed no violent crimes, and became productive members of society. Later, Rep. Byron Donalds debate...
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June 7, 2025 • 42 mins
Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of Speaking with American Men Project, argues that men support progressive policies but feel abandoned by the Democratic Party.
And, CNN Michael Smerconish breaks down the battle royale between two of the most powerful men on the planet. Plus, Jeffrey Sonnefeld, founder of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, predicts the recent clash between Trump and Musk will hurt Musk more.
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May 31, 2025 • 42 mins
Michael Smerconish delves into why he's willing to give Musk and President Trump some credit for sparking a conversation about waste, fraud and abuse.
Plus, Michael Smerconish speaks with entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary about Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. industry and politics, the future of Tesla, and DOGE.
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May 24, 2025 • 42 mins
It's commencement season. This year's speakers include military leaders, politicians, sports stars, celebrities, even a famous frog. They'll all be addressing many young graduates saddled with college debt and aspirations of making money. Smerconish talks with Owen Zidar, professor of economics at Princeton regarding the secret path to wealth that no one talks about.
And, President Biden's debate performance was a turning p...
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May 17, 2025 • 42 mins
Holly Otterbein, Politico's National Political reporter who covered President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, discusses her latest article, "The Biden Question Hanging Over The 2028 Field." She explains the potential impact to Democratic lawmakers based on how they dealt with Biden's fitness in 2024, and how it could affect them moving forward in their own elections.
Plus, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig tells CNN's Michael...
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May 10, 2025 • 47 mins
India and Pakistan agree to an immediate ceasefire, as European leaders join Ukraine in calling for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Michael Smerconish speaks with Ret. Admiral James Stavridis, author of “The Admiral's Bookshelf,” on the growing international pressure for Putin to stand down.
Plus, as artificial intelligence reshapes how students learn and perform, Smerconish explores whether traditional college degrees still hold ...
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May 3, 2025 • 42 mins
Commentary about Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson and how she has been injecting herself in his UNC coaching job. Is our obsession with this story a matter of public concern? Sports journalists Charlotte Wilder and Madeline Hill weigh in.
Plus, The Supreme Court on religious charter schools with Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom and conversation with small business owner, Alexandra Fine about tariff surcha...
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April 26, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the public dispute between comedian Bill Maher and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David. Then, would society start crumbling once our global population reaches a sharp decline? Darrell Bricker, CEO of IPSOS Public Affairs and co-author of "Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline," warns about the ramifications of an aging and shrinking population. After that, Admiral Wil...
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April 19, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish delivers his commentary on three key issues the Trump administration wants to take on: Harvard University, Abrego Garcia, and scaling back the IRS. CNN Senior Analyst Elie Honig weighs in on the Supreme Court temporarily pausing deportations under Alien Enemies Act. Then Texas Tech University law professor Bryan Camp addresses how audit rates and tax revenues will drop if the Trump administration makes the la...
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April 12, 2025 • 42 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish argues the biggest problem in the labor market is not a shortage of manufacturing jobs, but the unwillingness for young men to fill them. NYU Professor Scott Galloway & Anthony Scaramucci, a former White House Communications Director, discuss their new podcast called "Lost Boys." The limited series dives into the mental health struggles and social disconnect young men are facing. Salena Zito, a national polit...
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