Michael talks to BallotPA Chair David Thornburgh about the problem with primaries in Pennsylvania and other states: they are closed, and independents like Michael can not vote in them! Find out more about the Committee of Seventy's BallotPA project at ballotpa.org. Original air date 25 April 2024

Independents who can't vote in closed party primaries: It makes you question democracy

Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.

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Richard Alan Clarke is an American national security expert, novelist, and former government official who joins the Michael to look at our national security, the safety of our grids, and the future of unity in the United States. Original air date 17 June 2024.

Richard Clarke on Unity and National Security

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you: is there any correlation between a candidate's debate skills and ability to effectively govern? Listen here, vote there!

Daily Poll: Debate vs. Governance Skills

Lanny Davis is an American political operative, lawyer, consultant, lobbyist, author, and television commentator and has argued that Hunter Biden and Donald Trump should be pardoned and have their sentences commuted. He joins Michael to delve into why pardoning is the right step to work towards partisanship and against our country's division. Original air date 20 June 2024.

Lanny Davis Says Hunter Biden and Trump Should Be Pardoned

Every day, we post a thought-provoking poll question for you to vote on at Smerconish.com. Michael explains it here to give you some insight behind the question, and then asks you to cast your ballot. Today Michael asks you if you agree or disagree with Lanny Davis that both Hunter Biden and Donald Trump should be pardoned and sentences commuted. Listen here, vote there!

Daily Poll: Should Hunter Biden and Donald Trump Get a Pardon?

Michael opens with a commemoration of today's Juneteenth holiday, before jumping in to a deep look at the first 2024 cycle debate, happening on CNN one week from tomorrow between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Noticeably missing: RFK Jr. From muted mics to short responses, Michael offers thoughts on how things could be different, including an idea that Former PA Governor Ed Rendell pitched him a few years ago. Original air date 19 June 2024.

Independents who can't vote in closed party primaries: It makes you question democracy

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