Episodios

  • DOJ Won’t Prosecute Anyone Else in the Epstein Case — Here’s Why
    Mar 12 2026
    The Justice Department released millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein — but weeks later, no new charges have followed. Why? Michael Smerconish sits down with former federal prosecutor and Politico senior writer Ankush Khardori to unpack what the Epstein files actually reveal — and what they don’t. Was there evidence of a broader international child sex trafficking ring? Did the DOJ cover anything up? And why haven’t powerful associates been charged? Khardori breaks down a pivotal 86-page memo written after Epstein’s death, addresses the credibility questions surrounding key allegations, and explains why prosecutors may have concluded there simply wasn’t a viable criminal case against others. Plus, Michael takes calls from listeners who aren’t convinced — raising questions about power, accountability, and whether justice was truly served. Listen, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Original Air Date 12 March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    28 m
  • Today's Poll Question: Trump Derangement vs. Trump Devotion...Which Is More Irrational?
    Mar 12 2026
    Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is more irrational: Trump Derangement Syndrome or Trump Devotion Syndrome?" Michael Smerconish explores whether intense opposition to Donald Trump is more irrational than reflexive support for him. Prompted by a caller’s phrase “Trump Devotion Syndrome,” Michael uncovers a peer-reviewed academic study examining whether political bias toward Trump is symmetrical—or not. The findings suggest supporters may be more likely to shift policy views when Trump’s name is attached, while detractors judge issues more on substance. Is that conclusion convincing? And what does it say about today’s political climate? Cast your vote and hear the evidence behind one of the most provocative poll questions yet - and be sure to rate, review and share 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.
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    12 m
  • Oil, Iran & 2028: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Biggest Gamble
    Mar 11 2026

    Find Mark Halperin at 2WAY, The Next Up Podcast, and on SiriusXM's Megyn Kelly Channel.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    29 m
  • Today's Poll Question: If the War in Iran Ended Today, Did America Win?
    Mar 11 2026
    Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If the war in Iran were to end today, would the US have been victorious? Michael breaks down the case for calling it a win: a decapitation strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, significant damage to its nuclear and military infrastructure, and a show of force that may have restored U.S. deterrence—without boots on the ground. But Iran hasn’t surrendered, energy prices are rising, and the regime remains intact. Is this strategic success or just the end of the beginning? With insights from Admiral Stavridis and fresh reporting on Iran’s response, Michael asks the question that defines the moment: how do you measure victory? Listen here, then vote, and rate, review and share 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.
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    16 m
  • Drone Warfare, Oil Shock & Regime Change: Admiral Stavridis On The Real Stakes in Iran
    Mar 10 2026
    Is the war in Iran nearing its conclusion — or is it only just beginning? Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about conflicting signals from Washington. President Trump says the war is “very complete.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggests major phases of the campaign haven’t even begun. Admiral Stavridis weighs in: Has Iran’s military been effectively destroyed? Could Tehran retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting 20% of the world’s oil supply? And if America “broke” Iran’s capabilities, does it now “own” what comes next? The conversation also explores the rapidly evolving role of drone warfare, the risk of global economic shock, and whether regime change is realistic — or dangerously naïve. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    26 m
  • Today's Poll Question: Is the War in Iran at the 'end of the beginning', or at the 'beginning of the end'?
    Mar 10 2026
    Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "War in Iran: Is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?" President Trump says the conflict is “very complete, pretty much,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists the campaign is “only just beginning.” So which is it? In this episode, Smerconish breaks down the striking contrast in messaging, the military realities on the ground, and what it all means for U.S. strategy and stability in the region. Cast your vote and join the debate, and please rate, review, and share 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.
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    13 m
  • America and Israel at Odds? The Iran War Rift Explained
    Mar 9 2026
    Are America and Israel heading toward a strategic collision over Iran? Michael Smerconish speaks with Dr. Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution about growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem as the war with Iran escalates. Is Prime Minister Netanyahu seeking regime change while President Trump looks for a quick “mission accomplished” exit? And what happens if oil prices spike, regional instability spreads, or Iran simply waits out U.S. patience? They discuss whether regime change is even possible from the air, how economic fallout could shape Trump’s decision-making, and whether the National Security Council has planned for “day two.” Listen to this provocative, nonpartisan look at America’s next foreign policy crossroads, and then rate, review and share this podcast! Original air date 9 March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • Today's Poll Question: How long will Khamenei's son last as Iran’s supreme leader?
    Mar 9 2026
    Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How long will Khamenei’s son last as Iran’s supreme leader? Less than a week, less than a month, less than a year, or longer?" In the wake of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assassination during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new supreme leader—plunging the region deeper into crisis. Oil prices have surged, markets have tumbled, and questions swirl about whether this is true regime change or simply a continuation of hardline rule. Michael Smerconish examines the fragile U.S.-Israel alignment, President Trump’s endgame, and whether Iran’s new leader can hold power amid war, economic shockwaves, and mounting global stakes. Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    12 m