The Case for a Palestinian State — and Why Israel Needs It
Michael reacts to France's decision to recognize Palestine as a state — and asks whether the U.S. should follow suit. Against the backdrop of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Netanyahu’s policies, and shifting American public opinion (especially among young voters), Michael shares raw, personal thoughts on Israel, Hamas, and the future of U.S. foreign policy. A provocative, emotional, and deeply reflective episode you won’t want to miss. Original air date 25 July 2025.
25 Juli 29min
Should America Follow France and Recognize Palestine As A State?
France just became the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine as a state. Should the U.S. follow suit? Michael Smerconish breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question, discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reflects on the potential global consequences of inaction. Plus, a follow-up to yesterday's poll question on President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
25 Juli 16min
What Trump Should Have Said: Lanny Davis on The Art Of Damage Control
Michael is joined by attorney and crisis manager Lanny Davis to discuss how President Trump should have addressed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Davis shares his timeless communication strategy—“Tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself”—and how Trump’s handling of the situation may be doing more political damage than the facts themselves. A compelling look at legal denial, political fallout, and crisis management in the spotlight. Original air date 24 July 2025.
24 Juli 26min
Trump, Epstein, and the Denials: Is the Cover-Up Worse Than the File?
Michael Smerconish breaks down the latest reporting on the Epstein Files, including denials from Trump, pressure on Pam Bondi, and why this story won’t go away. Is this a classic case of “the cover-up vs. the crime”—minus the crime? Vote now at smerconish.com and hear why Michael says Trump's response is making things worse.
24 Juli 16min
Trump, Epstein & the Birthday Book Bombshell: Mark Halperin Breaks It Down
Listen to the Next Up Podcast with Mark Halperin
23 Juli 28min
What Hunter Biden Really Said — And Why Smerconish Says 'I Mostly Agree'
Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden’s explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully crafted PR move? Michael dives deep into Hunter’s comments on his father, addiction, politics, and the controversies surrounding the Biden family. That is the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks you "Based on whatever you've read or watched of Hunter Biden's interviews this week, do you mostly agree with him?" Listen here, then vote!
23 Juli 17min
'Almost None Of It Is New, But...': Pulitzer-Winner David Garrow on the MLK Files Release
The National Archives has released hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI documents about Martin Luther King Jr. by order of President Trump - what's in them? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. David Garrow joins Michael to break down the truth behind the infamous FBI letter urging King to take his own life, the disturbing audio recordings, and the real reason behind the Bureau’s campaign to discredit him. Was anything truly new in this week's document drop—or is it all old news being misunderstood? Dr. Garrow, who has studied the FBI’s surveillance of MLK for nearly 50 years, explains why these files matter and what they don’t show. A must-listen for anyone interested in history, civil rights, and the intersection of power and privacy in America. Original air date 22 July 2025.
22 Juli 22min
Redskins In, Colbert Out: A Wild Week in Media and Sports
Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington’s football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down yesterday’s viral poll on Stephen Colbert’s cancellation — was it politics or just poor ratings? Tune in for sharp insight, history, humor, and the politics of distraction.
22 Juli 15min
