The Smerconish Podcast

With the 2026 midterms just weeks away, Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down the battle for control of the House and Senate—and why races in places like Kansas and Iowa deserve attention. They also revisit the Bernie Sanders–AOC 2028 idea, discuss Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s presidential potential, and examine Donald Trump’s stakes in the midterms. Could the political map be shifting faster than Republicans expected? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the renewed investigation at Cornell result in any criminal convictions?

Michael revisits the Cornell sexual assault case with new information now in the public record, including reporting on Jane Doe’s statements, text messages, the university’s Title IX process, and the district attorney’s decision not to initially bring charges. While acknowledging the disturbing conduct described in the case, Michael explains why he still believes the contradictions and the high burden of proof could make criminal convictions difficult to obtain. Listen, then cast your vote at Smerconish.com - and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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New details have emerged in the Cornell rape case, including reporting about Jane Doe’s statements to police, text messages after the alleged incident, and Cornell’s Title IX investigation. Michael is joined again by NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos to examine what the new information means for the renewed criminal investigation — and why, in Danny’s view, prosecutors may not be able to “unring the bell” when it comes to statements already in the record. Original air date 1 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should AI designers consider religious doctrine when programming morality?

As artificial intelligence becomes a source of advice on everything from family conflicts to medical decisions, whose values should guide its answers? Michael examines reports that Anthropic has consulted religious scholars as it wrestles with the “moral formation” of AI—and considers the larger question of whether centuries of religious thought should have a role in shaping the technology’s ethical framework. If every AI system inevitably reflects somebody’s values, should religious doctrine be one of the influences its designers consider? Listen here, and please rate, review AND share this podcast with a friend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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How biased is Michael? The latest Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart is out, and Michael is more than happy to share his report card: A Blutarsky. He breaks down where his CNN program and SiriusXM podcast land on the left-right media bias spectrum, compares his scores with some of the biggest names in news and commentary, and offers a theory for why his radio show lands slightly to the left of his TV program: the callers. Plus, listeners weigh in on whether Michael — and the media they consume — are really as politically balanced as they think. Original air date 30 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the government tax the wealth of billionaires, or stick to taxing income?

Michael examines the growing debate over whether enormous fortunes should be taxed based on wealth rather than income. Drawing on his conversation from yesterday with economist Gabriel Zucman, Michael explores proposals aimed at billionaires, including the argument that vast stock holdings can appreciate for years without generating taxable personal income. But a wealth tax raises difficult questions of its own: How do you value private companies, real estate, art, and other illiquid assets—and could founders be forced to sell shares just to pay the bill? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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A newly filed civil lawsuit has put an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University back in the spotlight—and prompted the local district attorney to reopen the investigation. Michael examines the graphic allegations, the accuser’s earlier sworn statement described by the DA, and the major discrepancies now at the center of the case. NBC senior legal analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael to discuss why, despite deeply troubling alleged conduct, securing a criminal conviction could prove extraordinarily difficult. Then listeners weigh in on consent, prosecution, campus culture, and the burden of proof. Original air date 29 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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John Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.

William (Bill) Galston holds the Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies and is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Watch the latest episode of CAN WE AGREE? here.

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Early voting begins in just a few days in many states, so the midterm elections are underway. Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to break down the forces shaping the battle for Congress. They examine shifting voter enthusiasm, Trump’s approval, the war in Iran, inflation and gas prices, and why historical midterm trends may only tell part of the story. Then, Michael opens the phones to listeners for their take on what could drive voters this November. Original air date 28 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should stay-at-home parents get the same federal child care aid as parents who use daycare?

Michael examines a proposal that could expand federal child care assistance to families in which one parent works while the other stays home with the kids. He traces the idea to a 2021 Wall Street Journal essay co-authored by J.D. Vance and explores the arguments over daycare, parental choice, child development, and whether public policy should financially support at-home caregiving. With the proposal now drawing attention—and disagreement—among CONSERVATIVES, Michael asks whether federal child care dollars should follow families regardless of how they choose to care for their children. Listen here, then rate and review and share this podcast, and be sure to vote at smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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