Smerconish on CNN
Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.
Episodes
July 5, 2025 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 45 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 49 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 44 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 • 44 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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April 5, 2025 • 44 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on how the Trump administration is going over law firms that filed lawsuits against him. Then, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, weighs in on why law firms and universities targeted by the Trump administration aren't speaking up.
After that Peter Navarro, Trump's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, vows for a market boom from Trump's tariff war. Finally, law...
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March 29, 2025 • 44 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish addresses previous White House scandals and questions whether the recent signal group chat controversy will impact Trump's administration in the long run. Then Richard Clarke, the nation's first cyber czar and former White House Counterterrorism Coordinator, warns how foreign adversaries are easily capable of hacking the Signal app. After that, Laura Delano, author of "Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatme...
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March 22, 2025 • 44 mins
The latest attacks against Tesla appear to be targeted towards CEO Elon Musk and his alignment with President Trump. While the Department of Justice is investigating these attacks as domestic terrorism, CNN Michael Smerconish argues this type of vandalism should be investigated as a hate crime. Then, Elie Honig, a former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York explains why politically motivated crimes are not ...
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March 15, 2025 • 44 mins
Republicans are rallying behind Tesla as the electric car company faces consumer backlash geared towards CEO Elon Musk. Can President Trump encourage more of his supporters to buy EVs after slamming Biden's clean energy proposals? Next, Wall Street Tech analyst Dan Ives raises concerns from Tesla investors and why Elon Musk's venture into politics may damage the company's brand. After that, free speech expert Greg Lukianoff weighs ...
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March 8, 2025 • 44 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish gives his take on the signs and attention-grabbing stunts pulled by Democratic members of Congress during Trump's speech. Then, New York Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen joins Michael Smerconish to explain why she chose to censure her Democratic colleague and why she stood up for a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor. After that, Admiral James Stavridis details the fallout from Trump and Zelensky's meeting...
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March 1, 2025 • 44 mins
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the contentions Oval Office showdown between President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Then, Admiral James Stavridis joins Smerconish to explain how Ukraine can move forward without U.S. support. Later, a former Zelensky Cabinet Member says he believes the shouting match inside the Oval Office was triggered by a moment lost in translation that cou...
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February 22, 2025 • 44 mins
The Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk claims it saved American taxpayers about $55 billion through cost-cutting measures. But where will those extra savings go to? James Fishbank, a CEO, investor, and creator of the DOGE dividend joins CNN Michael Smerconish to explain how Americans could get a $5,000 tax refund check based off the money Elon Musk claims he saved. Then, Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former Member of Presi...
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