Fox News or Bust? The Alarming Shrinking Media Trust on the Right
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Elisa Shearer to unpack new data on media trust in America. Why do Republicans overwhelmingly trust only Fox News and Joe Rogan, while Democrats rely on a much broader mix of outlets? What does this growing media divide mean for political discourse—and democracy itself? A revealing conversation on the trust crisis shaping the nation's news diet. It is summarized in the piece she co-authored, "The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources." Original air date 12 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.
12 Juni 25min
Protesters, the President, or the Press: Who’s Escalating Immigration Unrest?
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “What is most to blame for the escalation of immigration related protests — the protesters, the president, or the media?” Michael breaks down the timing, media dynamics, political implications, and public perception of recent protests. Plus, he shares his own vote — and why he thinks the media plays a bigger role than many believe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
12 Juni 14min
The Media’s Trump-Obsessed Blindspot: Mark Halperin On What's Being Overlooked
Michael Smerconish and 2WAY's Mark Halperin break down how the media’s obsession with Trump vs. CA Gov. Newsom is drowning out critical issues—from military use on U.S. streets and immigration realities to rare earth dependencies on China. Plus, a fiery look back at Senator Tom Cotton’s controversial NYT op-ed on sending troops, and why Democrats keep losing the immigration narrative. Hard truths, sharp insight, and no spin: Rate, Review and Share this podcast! Original air date 11 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.
11 Juni 27min
Salute or Skip: The Media is Divided on Covering The Army Parade
What level of coverage should the media afford the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade? That's the poll question at Smerconish.com today. Michael dives into the controversy over a massive military celebration in D.C., complete with tanks, fighter jets, and 7,000 personnel. With Trump’s birthday falling on the same day, some say it’s more about politics than patriotism. Should major networks broadcast it—or sit it out? Michael explores media responsibility, national pride, and viewer bias in this revealing episode. Listen, then cast your vote, and please rate and review 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.
11 Juni 15min
Parade or Power Play? The Army Turns 250
This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, optics, and political symbolism. Is this a patriotic celebration or a campaign-styled spectacle? You decide. Original air date 10 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.
10 Juni 35min
Life, Death, and Suffering: Who Gets to Choose? Bioethicist Dr. Art Caplan On The Right To Die Without A Terminal Illness
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolute expert on this subject. A deeply thought-provoking episode on autonomy, suffering, and the boundaries of compassion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 Juni 37min
Democrats Are Trying To Speak To Young Men To Win Them Back
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters who are no longer aligning themselves with the party, many even becoming more conservative. These are younger men who feel ignored, ridiculed, left behind in education, the labor force, the dating pool, and other areas. Listen to find out what this project entails, and what she is finding out. Original air date 9 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.
9 Juni 29min
Should You Check Papers Before Hiring Help?
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it’s about who we hire, why we hire, and what it says about us. Listen, then cast your own vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review 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.
9 Juni 17min
