Veteran crisis-manager and former White House Special Counsel Lanny Davis joins Michael to break down how President Trump handled the Epstein files — and what he should have done instead. Davis explains the “tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself” rules Trump ignored, why resistance fuels speculation, and how the story could have been neutralized from the start. Plus: his upcoming book Finding the Third Way and a great story involving his son, a college basketball game, and a surprise call from George W. Bush.

Michael Smerconish invites listeners to consider this question: Will The Majority Of House Republicans Vote To Release The Epstein Files? Listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share this podcast.

Michael unpacks Marjorie Taylor Greene’s surprising shift toward political “kindness,” comparing it to his own evolution as a Republican-turned-independent. Is MTG experiencing genuine growth—or just chasing relevance? Michael invites listeners to weigh in on political about-faces and what sparks them.

With Marjorie Taylor Greene making headlines for her newfound politics in addition to comments on Donald Trump and the Epstein Files, Michael Smerconish raises this question; Marjorie Taylor Greene: Evolution or Opportunism? Listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share this podcast.

Michael dives into the growing political storm around the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s secret files and emails. In this episode, Michael workshops his commentary on the air, asking the question: Why are Trump and his allies acting like there’s something to hide? He breaks down the House vote to release the Epstein records, the White House’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and what newly released Epstein emails reveal about Trump’s connection to the disgraced financier. Then, Michael welcomes Barry Levine, author of "The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell." Levine shares new insights into Epstein’s relationship with Donald Trump — from their Palm Beach days to the mysterious “dog that didn’t bark” email that may suggest Trump’s role in Epstein’s downfall. Original air date 14 November 2025.

Michael breaks down a new data point from the National Association of Realtors: the median age of U.S. home buyers has climbed to 59. He explores what’s driving the shift—from affordability crises to shifting priorities—and examines new proposals like 50-year mortgages and portable home loans. Plus, how America’s housing shortage ties into mental health, generational trends, and global comparisons. It's all the basis for today's Smerconish.com Poll Question, which asks "Why has the median age for U.S. homebuyers risen to 59 - Affordability, or Shifting Priorities?" Listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share this podcast.

In this episode, Michael unpacks the stunning release of thousands of Jeffrey Epstein emails that have Washington on edge. What began as a selective Democratic leak of three explosive emails suggesting Donald Trump knew more about Epstein’s abuse than he admitted soon became a political firestorm — with Republicans countering by releasing over 20,000 documents. Michael walks listeners through what the emails actually say — and what’s pure speculation. Epstein’s cryptic phrase “the dog that didn’t bark,” his mention of Trump spending hours with Virginia Giuffre, and references to Trump “knowing about the girls” are now public. But the real question, Michael argues, is why the White House is scrambling — with reports of Lauren Boebert being summoned to the Situation Room and Trump playing phone tag with Nancy Mace. Is there more we haven’t seen? Or is this another example of political theater in overdrive? Original air date 13 November 2025.

Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Did the ends of the Democrat-supported government shutdown justify the means?" After weeks of stalemate, Democrats ended the fight without key concessions—but may have reframed the national debate on health care. Was the pain worth the politics? Plus, insights on yesterday's poll results - listen here, and then vote! And, please rate, review, and share this podcast.

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack breaking revelations from Jeffrey Epstein’s newly surfaced emails — including what they suggest Donald Trump may have known about Epstein’s conduct. Then, shifting gears to dissect the GOP’s healthcare dilemma, rising insurance premiums, and what both parties risk in the next budget showdown. Finally, they look ahead to 2028, where Halperin just changed his mind about Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions. Original air date 12 November 2025.

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll, asking: Should the Supreme Court allow states to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving afterward? He breaks down the upcoming Supreme Court case, explores how 30 states already handle this issue, and weighs both sides of the debate — from election integrity to voter access. Plus, reflections on yesterday’s conversation about whether betting markets can out-predict polls. Listen here, then vote, and please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app!

Political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of American politics — from the 2026 midterms to the 2028 presidential race and beyond. Sosnik explains why traditional election models no longer apply, how “all politics is now national,” and what demographic and structural forces could shape the next decade of elections. Together, Smerconish and Sosnik explore: -Why Democrats face structural limits, even in a favorable environment -How the “Age of Trump” still dominates both parties -Why 2028 could mark a turning point — or a deeper political divide -How education, geography, and population shifts are redrawing America’s political map A must-listen episode for anyone trying to understand the forces reshaping U.S. politics — and what comes after Trump. Original air date 10 November 2025.

In this Veterans Day conversation, Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael Smerconish to reflect on service, sacrifice, and leadership — from surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to commanding U.S. forces around the world. The Admiral shares personal memories, lessons from his father’s military legacy, and a reminder that true service takes many forms — military and beyond. Original air date 11 November 2025.

On Veterans Day, Michael asks: Which is a more reliable predictor of elections — traditional polls or betting markets? With new data from Vanderbilt showing gamblers outperformed pollsters in 2024, he wonders if polling as we know it is on the way out. Listen in and see if you agree, and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, comment, and review this podcast!

Billionaire trader and philanthropist Jeff Yass joins Michael to discuss his $100 million donation to the University of Austin, a new institution co-founded by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss that promises “the fearless pursuit of truth.” Yass explains why he believes higher education is broken, how government involvement has inflated costs, and why this new school refuses federal funding altogether. He outlines a radical model — no tuition, no federal money, and full accountability to students’ success — arguing that universities should be judged not by prestige, but by the impact of their graduates. An eye-opening conversation about money, ideology, and the future of learning. Original air date 10 November 2025.

41 days later...Eight Democrats broke ranks to help end the government shutdown — but was it the right call? Michael weighs in on today’s hot-button Smerconish.com poll question and explains why compromise might still be possible in Washington. Listen here, then vote! And, please rate, review, and share this podcast.

The #1 movie on Netflix, 'A House of Dynamite', imagines the unthinkable: a ballistic missile headed straight for Chicago. Michael Smerconish sits down with screenwriter Noah Oppenheim and former White House national security advisor Richard Clarke to separate cinematic fiction from terrifying fact. Oppenheim, who co-wrote 'Zero Day' and once led NBC News, reveals how his collaboration with director Kathryn Bigelow turned a 20-minute nuclear countdown into the most intense film of the year—and why the Pentagon actually responded to it. Then Clarke, who served under Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Bush, explains how much of the movie mirrors his real-life experience in the Situation Room on 9/11, and why America’s nuclear defenses may not be as foolproof as we’d like to think. Can the U.S. really stop an incoming missile? Would the President have only minutes to decide the fate of the world? And how close are we, right now, to midnight on the doomsday clock? Listen here, and please rate, review and share this podcast.

'Sandwichgate' has concluded. Did the jury get it right in acquitting the man who threw a sandwich at a federal officer? While the internet laughs and trades condiment puns, Michael isn’t amused — he sees a dangerous precedent in the verdict. In this fiery episode, he breaks down the “sandwich trial,” explores the fine line between protest and assault, and pushes back against what he calls a clear case of jury nullification. Plus, a quick look back at yesterday’s fascinating discussion on democratic socialism - Listen in, and then please rate and review this podcast!

Michael challenges Dr. Frank Luntz—legendary GOP messaging guru—to do the unthinkable: craft a winning pitch for democratic socialism. Luntz lays out a step-by-step playbook built on fairness, freedom, and an “imagine better” future, explains why Republicans are a write-off, how to persuade the center, and why naming and framing beat labels. A masterclass in language, persuasion, and the politics of possibility. Original air date 6 November 2025.

Michael dives into a thought-provoking question: Could America embrace democratic socialism if its principles were better understood? With a focus on Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory, the rising interest in socialism (and many learning how it actually works), and shifting public opinions, Michael explores whether democratic socialism can be sold to a wider audience. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com.

Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin the morning after a pivotal Election Day. They unpack the surprising demographic shifts in Virginia and New Jersey, the widening gender gap among young voters, and what the results mean for both parties heading into 2025 and beyond. From Trump’s influence to Gavin Newsom’s rising profile, this episode dives deep into how the political landscape is reshaping in real time. Original air date 5 November 2025.