Smerconish on CNN

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Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.

  1. 23 AUG

    Some Choices, Once made, Can't easily be undone: Gerrymandering, California Politics, and Social Trends

    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 to abandon its independent commission succeeds. The show shifts to a discussion on social trends, including Americans' declining party culture, reduced alcohol consumption, and the impact of isolating behaviors. Randy Carter shares his experience from the 1965 A-TEAM program, highlighting the tough realities of manual labor and its modern implications. The episode wraps up with a contentious debate over Jeffrey Epstein's death and a call for more social mingling to address increasing societal polarization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  2. 16 AUG

    No Questions Were Taken …But So Many Remain

    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  3. 9 AUG

    Civility in Crisis: Running for Office Shouldn’t Require a Flak Jacket

    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 Elections Analyst for the Cook Political Report.  And Operation Trojan Horse and Trump urging SCOTUS to allow ICE Patrols in California with Gregory Bovino Chief Border Patrol Agent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  4. 2 AUG

    Smerconish: Criticism Against Trump Can't Be Blind

    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 coverage for weight loss drugs. And, Free Press Reporter Maya Sulkin shares new reporting about hateful comments the late Blackstone director is receiving online.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  5. 26 JUL

    Trump: "Never Briefed" on Name Being in Epstein Files

    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 matter. And, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig answers the poll question and dives into what a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell may look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  6. 19 JUL

    Smerconish: Art of the Denial

    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 of open primaries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also, California Democratic Congressman Lou Correa weighs in on the latest debate of ICE agents wearing masks during arrests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  7. 12 JUL

    Smerconish: Should Racial and Ethnic Identity Categories Be Eliminated?

    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 unpacks the one-year anniversary of the first assassination attempt against President Trump in her new book called "Butler: The Untold Story of the near assassination of Donald Trump and the fight for America's heartland." Also, Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter for The Guardian,  joins Michael Smerconish to discuss her new book "The Second Coming: Sex and the next generation's fight over its future." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  8. 5 JUL

    Smerconish: America Faces a Crisis of Nostalgia

    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 in the U.S. with $1,000 to get ahead in life. But many critics argue this program does not properly resolve generational child poverty for working families. Then, Independent Sports Journalist Joon Lee breaks down the price to access live sports today compared to a decade ago.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min
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About

Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.

Information

  • Channel
    CNN
  • Creator
    CNN Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    63
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2025 CNN
  • Show Website
    Smerconish on CNN

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