Episodios

  • Democratic Socialism Takes NYC—Can the Left Really Run the City?
    Jun 26 2025
    Michael Smerconish sits down with veteran NYC political strategist Jordan Barowitz to unpack one of the most shocking political upsets in recent memory. How did Zohran Mamdani, a little-known democratic socialist, surge past establishment figures like Andrew Cuomo to become the likely next mayor of New York City? What does this mean for moderates, for the Democratic Party nationwide, and for the future governance of the most complex city in America? From social media wizardry to anti-Trump backlash, Barowitz breaks it all down—with sharp insights on ranked-choice voting, Eric Adams’ prospects, and whether NYC is ready to be run by a movement, not a machine.
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    31 m
  • Meet the Man Who Beat Cuomo: Is Mamdani the Dems’ Future...or Fatal Flaw?
    Jun 26 2025
    Michael dives into today's provocative Smerconish.com poll question: "Is the nomination of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of NYC a winning model for Democrats nationwide?" In this episode, he dissects the stunning upset in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary and explores what it reveals about the Democratic Party’s internal tensions, the power of progressive messaging, and the establishment’s growing disconnect. Is Mamdani's victory a blueprint—or a liability—for Democrats on the national stage? Tune in for insight, analysis, and a few surprising historical parallels.
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    26 m
  • NYC Shocker: Mark Halperin on Zohran Mamdani's Wild Win
    Jun 25 2025
    Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack the political earthquake in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani— a self-described Democratic socialist — defeated Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party? Will centrists like Clinton and Bloomberg lose their grip? Plus, analysis on U.S. airstrikes in Iran and their global implications. Real talk, smart insights, no spin. Original air date 25 June 2025.
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    31 m
  • Will We EVER Know the Truth About the Iran Nuclear Strikes?
    Jun 25 2025
    Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will we ever know the true impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites? With conflicting reports from Trump, the Pentagon, Israeli intel, and intercepted Iranian communications, the picture remains murky. Was it a crushing blow or just a temporary setback? Listen here, then vote! And please leave a rating and review of this podcast.
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    13 m
  • Ceasefire or Circus? Trump Declares Peace, Admiral Stavridis Dissects the Fallout
    Jun 24 2025
    Michael Smerconish opens with Donald Trump’s surprise claim that Iran and Israel have agreed to a total ceasefire—declaring the war over on Truth Social - Was he right? Add to that and the President's comment that neither country "knows what the f**k they are doing" and there's a lot to dissect. Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a CNN military analyst, joins to unpack the reality behind the airstrikes, the politics, and the long-term risks. A timely, no-BS conversation on diplomacy, deception, and presidential unpredictability. Original air date 24 June 2025.
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    31 m
  • Dropping an F-Bomb: Was Trump Right About Iran?
    Jun 24 2025
    After brokering a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Donald Trump lashed out with a headline-grabbing f-bomb: “Neither side knows what the fuck they’re doing.” In his episode, Michael Smerconish reacts to the chaos, examines whether Trump’s Iran strategy was actually right, and breaks down the evolving conflict. Cast your vote at smerconish.com on poll question after listening: "Agree/Disagree: Trump was right about Iran."
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    17 m
  • Lt. Gen. Deptula on the Stealth Bombing Iran Never Saw Coming
    Jun 23 2025
    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
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    25 m
  • Trump, B-2s, and Iran: Mission Accomplished or Mistake?
    Jun 23 2025
    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.
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    15 m