Sorry, Senator Padilla, You Crossed The Line
Michael and TC talk about California Senator Alex Padilla's (D) appearance at a press conference that HHS Secretary Kristi Noem was holding, where he was forcibly removed and detained for a short time. Michael takes note of the partisan silos everyone is falling in to when analyzing this incident - but his take is more nuanced, and he makes it clear that Secretary Noem is not to blame in this situation. Original air date 13 June 2025.
13 Juni 15min
Michael’s Take: Why I Oppose Israel's Strike on Iran (With a Caveat)
Michael offers a nuanced take on Israel attacking Iran last night. He unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question, which asks "Do you favor or oppose Israel’s attack against Iran?" Listen to him talk about what it means for U.S.-Israel relations, and the looming risk of a wider war. Plus, thoughts on immigration protests, political optics, and why this moment may change everything.
13 Juni 20min
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
10 Juni 37min
