From Tragedy to Escapism: Politics, Cartoons, and Movies

From Tragedy to Escapism: Politics, Cartoons, and Movies

Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter) — a piece that captures the intensity of America’s overheated political climate. After wrestling with the heaviness of the moment, he shifts gears to lighten things up with a conversation on film. Joined by Daniel Fienberg, chief TV critic of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael dives into their list of the 25 greatest sports movies of all time. From Rocky to Slapshot, Hoosiers to Caddyshack, they debate the classics, defend the surprises, and argue over what really belongs in the top tier. It’s an episode that moves from sobering reflection to cinematic joy — capturing both the weight of our times and the relief of a good escape. Original air date 12 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(1776)

Trump Wants On Mount Rushmore

Trump Wants On Mount Rushmore

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why adding a fifth face—like Donald Trump’s—is ...

15 Aug 202535min

We're Not Mingling. So We're Not Drinking.

We're Not Mingling. So We're Not Drinking.

Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were ...

15 Aug 202521min

Can Trump Broker Peace with Putin? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Stakes

Can Trump Broker Peace with Putin? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Stakes

In this episode, Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to dissect the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage. With Zelensky absent from the table,...

14 Aug 202528min

An End To The Russia-Ukraine War: "My Head Says No, My Heart Says Yes"

An End To The Russia-Ukraine War: "My Head Says No, My Heart Says Yes"

Will the war between Russia and Ukraine end within the next six months? Michael shares his surprising take on today's Smerconsih.com Poll Question—and why he’s leading with his heart, not his head. P...

14 Aug 202513min

Republicans Are Drinking Way Less

Republicans Are Drinking Way Less

New Gallup data shows U.S. alcohol consumption has hit a record low—and Republicans are leading the trend. Michael digs into the numbers, which reveal a surprising 20-point drop in drinking among GOP'...

13 Aug 202525min

Underpoliced, Over Incarcerated? The Data May Surprise You

Underpoliced, Over Incarcerated? The Data May Surprise You

Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From Trump’s National Guard plan in DC to a gro...

13 Aug 202514min

Public Safety or Political Optics: The National Guard in Washington, DC

Public Safety or Political Optics: The National Guard in Washington, DC

Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to our nation's capital — despite ...

12 Aug 202528min

From Lock 'Em Up to Light 'Em Up? Trump’s Marijuana Shift

From Lock 'Em Up to Light 'Em Up? Trump’s Marijuana Shift

Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind the shift, and how cannabis is becoming an...

12 Aug 202515min

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