Lt. Gen. Deptula on the Stealth Bombing Iran Never Saw Coming
Lt. General David Deptula joins Michael to unpack the jaw-dropping U.S. air mission that stunned Iran—and the world. From deception tactics to 37-hour bomber flights, Deptula reveals why this flawless operation is a “holy cow” moment for American military capability. Michael also gets audience reaction to the mission, and its implications for global adversaries and future force readiness. David A. Deptula is the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies, and a senior scholar at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Institute for Future Conflict. He transitioned from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 at the rank of Lieutenant General after more than 34 years of service. Original air date 23 June 2025 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23 Juni 24min
Trump, B-2s, and Iran: Mission Accomplished or Mistake?
After a dramatic U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Michael Smerconish poses a sobering question: Did this move make it more or less likely that Iran will ultimately develop nuclear weapons? In this episode, Smerconish unpacks the political stakes, intelligence gaps, and diplomatic fallout—raising concerns about whether the U.S. may have pushed Iran further underground and out of global oversight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23 Juni 15min
Military Action Against Iran: Who Decides?
Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Michael answers Yes. In this episode Michael shares his perspective on the Israel-Iran conflict and weighs in on why he believes Congress needs to have a say in whether or not the U.S. formally enters this conflict. Original air date 20 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
20 Juni 40min
War with Iran: Will Congress Truly Be Left Out?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
20 Juni 16min
Should States Ban Trans Care for Minors? SCOTUS Just Weighed In
On this Juneteenth, Michael Smerconish explores a provocative mix of headlines: the deeper meaning of the holiday, the Supreme Court's major decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and what it says about equal protection under the law. Plus, he dives into public opinion on U.S. action in Iran and shares listener voting patterns on the Smerconish.com daily poll question. Be sure to vote today on what he's asking: "Should states be able to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors seeking to transition to match their gender identity?" And, listen to this timely, thoughtful conversation on law, identity, and American values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
19 Juni 19min
Polarization and Easy Access to Personal Information: Politically Motivated Violence Is Rising
Michael speaks with retired Secret Service agent and ABC News contributor Don Mihalek about the alarming rise in politically motivated violence following the targeted killings of Minnesota lawmakers. Mihalek explains how grievances, political polarization, and easy access to personal information—fueled by the internet and dark web—are creating unprecedented threats to public officials. He warns that local leaders, once considered safe from such dangers, are increasingly vulnerable "soft targets." The conversation explores the shifting threat landscape, the burden on law enforcement, and the troubling implications for civic participation and democracy. Original Air Date June 16, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
19 Juni 29min
Is Trump About to Bomb Iran? Mark Halperin Says 75% Likelihood Yes
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down an explosive New York Times piece on Trump, Netanyahu, and a possible U.S. airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. With Halperin putting the odds of military action at 75%, the conversation turns to what’s motivating Trump, how Israel’s intelligence influence is shaping American policy, and whether the U.S. is inching toward another Middle East conflict. Plus, listener reactions from across the political spectrum. Is America on the brink of war—or just posturing? Original air date 18 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
18 Juni 29min
Should We Bomb Iran? Smerconish Digs In
Michael Smerconish tackles today's high-stakes poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. use a B-2 bomber to drop a bunker buster bomb on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility? With historical context, recent intel contradictions, and looking at reactions from leaders like JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard, Michael examines the risks, politics, and precedent behind a potential strike — and what might come the day after. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
18 Juni 13min
