The Smerconish Podcast

The race for the White House in 2028 is taking an unexpected turn. Mark Halperin joins Michael with surprising insights into J.D. Vance's weakening political standing, Josh Shapiro's rise, and why Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris may face an uphill battle. Could a political outsider shake up both parties, or will two Pennsylvania power players emerge as presidential rivals? The fallout from the 2026 midterms could change everything. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Did moderate Democrats hold the key to the 2026 midterm elections? A new analysis from Third Way suggests that centrist candidates outperformed their progressive counterparts, raising big questions about the Democratic Party’s path to victory in 2028. Michael breaks down the numbers, the power of independent voters, and what the results could mean for the next presidential election. Is the future of the Democratic Party in the political center, or is a progressive approach still the answer? Vote now 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.

"We thought we were going to die." Navy SEAL Rob O'Neill takes Michael inside the secret mission to kill Osama bin Laden, revealing the terrifying moments inside the compound and the desperate race to escape Pakistan alive. Michael also shares the heartbreaking stories of two 9/11 widows who finally met the man credited with killing the terrorist responsible for their husbands' deaths. It's an unforgettable Veterans Day tribute filled with courage, sacrifice, and powerful reminders of September 11, 2001. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

What if the Donald Trump you see on TV isn't the real Donald Trump? A newly discussed private letter to Joe Biden paints a dramatically different picture of the president than his public attacks and fiery rhetoric suggest. Michael explores whether Trump's combative personality is authentic or simply political theater, drawing on Bill Maher's observations and his own personal encounters. Is Trump playing a character to win politically? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

ndependent voters helped deliver a Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms, but why couldn't independent candidates win? Michael sits down with Heather Manchin, daughter of former Senator Joe Manchin and co-founder of the Independent Leadership Council, to examine the power of independent voters and the obstacles keeping them out of office. From open primaries and election reform to the future of third-party candidates, could independents finally break America's two-party stranglehold before 2028? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Is the push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about actual wrongdoing—or just political disagreements? After a narrow House vote stalls the impeachment effort, Michael examines the eight articles against Hegseth, including the controversial Iran war and alleged extrajudicial drug boat killings. Are Democrats pursuing legitimate high crimes and misdemeanors, or weaponizing impeachment over policy differences? Michael breaks down the controversy and asks listeners to weigh in 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.

Watch all episodes of CAN WE AGREE on our YouTube Channel.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should states join a compact to give their electoral votes to the national popular vote winner, even when their own voters didn't?

Michael explains the "National Popular Vote Interstate Compact", which would direct participating states' electoral votes to the nationwide popular vote winner—even if that candidate loses the state. With renewed momentum after the midterms, supporters see a path to making the popular vote decisive, while critics see an end run around the Constitution. Michael examines the compact's 270-vote threshold, unresolved legal questions, and a shifting electoral map that could reshape the debate. Should your state sign on? Listen here, 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

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

A political earthquake in Nevada—and a preview of the battle for the White House in 2028. Michael broadcasts from Las Vegas and sits down with Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, to dissect the Democrats' stunning midterm sweep, including the shocking flip of a congressional district Donald Trump carried by 14 points.

Was this a lasting shift among working-class voters or simply a repudiation of Trump? And what does it mean for the next presidential election?

With Nevada poised to play a pivotal early role in the 2028 Democratic primaries, Ralston assesses potential contenders including Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, Ro Khanna, and Rahm Emanuel, along with the emerging Republican rivalry between JD Vance and Marco Rubio. Plus, the power of Nevada's Culinary Union, the state's changing demographics, and why Democrats shouldn't get too comfortable after their big victory. Original air date 9 November 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After losing Congress, why did Trump make Stephen Miller chief of staff? Was it to reward loyalty or to fight?

Following a bruising election defeat, President Donald Trump has replaced Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, one of his administration's most combative and fiercely loyal figures. Michael examines what the shake-up reveals about Trump's strategy for the next two years. Is Miller's elevation simply a reward for unwavering loyalty, or a deliberate signal that Trump intends to double down rather than compromise? From Miller's fiery speech at Charlie Kirk's memorial to warnings from The Wall Street Journal, Michael makes the case that this appointment is about one thing above all: the fight. 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

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.