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Smerconish on CNN

CNN

Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.

Location:

United States

Networks:

CNN

Description:

Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Trump's Executive Order and the Strait of Hormuz Tensions

4/18/2026
President Trump signs an executive order on groundbreaking treatments for mental health. Join us as we delve into how this could revolutionize care for PTSD and depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:29

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The Madman Method: Understanding Trump's Decision-Making

4/11/2026
In our latest show, I dive into the depths of President Trump's decision-making process. Is it all madness, or is there method to the madness? Hear insights from leadership expert Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and much more. Tune in now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:09

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Conflicted Paths: Navigating Global Politics and Local Faith

4/4/2026
Caught in the chaos of global politics? Tune in for a gripping analysis of US-Iran tensions and the unclear path forward. Unpack the complexities with Michael Smerconish in the latest broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:29

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Strategic Ambiguity or Bluff: The Geopolitical Chess Game

3/28/2026
As the Iran conflict enters week 4, global tensions rise with new fronts and troop movements. Is the unpredictability of tactics strategic ambiguity or chaos? Join the discussion with experts on foreign policy and the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:44

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Balancing Global Power: Military Moves and Political Fallout

3/21/2026
Mixed messages in the war with Iran and a clash between US responses and potential outcomes. Deep dive with Admiral James Stavridis and Smerconish as we unravel the complexities behind military maneuvers and global politics. Tune in for insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:41

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The Iran Conflict: Partisanship vs. National Interest

3/14/2026
How does the US strategy in Iran impact global security? Explore the ongoing conflict's challenges and the debate on partisanship in times of war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:33

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Operation Epic Fury: The US-Iran Conflict Unfolds

3/7/2026
From U.S. military operations in the Middle East to the politics steering these actions, our latest episode dives deep into the intricate web of international diplomacy and conflict. Don't miss expert insights and exclusive analysis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:11

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At the Crossroads: Trump's Strategic Decisions on Iran

2/21/2026
What's President Trump's next move at the crossroads? Tune in to my latest analysis on his high-stakes decision between negotiation and conflict with Iran. Plus, a deep dive into the US military buildup and global reactions. Don't miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:40

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The Guthrie Kidnapping: Breaking News and Privacy Concerns

2/14/2026
Breaking down the role of technology in criminal investigations: Can it help solve the Nancy Guthrie case? Join us as we explore privacy concerns in today's tech-savvy world. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Tell us what you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:47:45

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Unraveling the Abduction: The Search for Nancy Guthrie

2/7/2026
The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, intensifies with mysterious notes, expert insights, and new leads. Dive into the latest developments and join the discussion on this gripping investigation. The Super Bowl isn't just about touchdowns this year. Will Bad Bunny make a political statement during the halftime show? Vote on my poll and share your thoughts on this hot debate. Let's keep the game day spirit alive! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:45

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Legal Standards and Public Perception: A Double-Edged Sword

1/31/2026
How do we determine what's 'reasonable' in deadly force cases involving law enforcement? Dive into Michael Smerconish's in-depth discussion on current events and legal standards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:54

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Predictive Markets and Political Shifts: The Rise of Independents

1/17/2026
Michael discusses the potential future of predictive markets in political forecasting and their comparison to traditional polling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:46

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Reasonable Force or Reckless Action? The Debate on Police Standards

1/10/2026
Michael discusses the recent viral video concerning a Minnesota ICE agent's use of lethal force against a fleeing vehicle, questioning the lack of critical thinking and bipartisan analysis. He emphasizes the need for a transparent, independent investigation and details relevant guidelines and policies from various government publications on the use of deadly force. Additionally, the episode examines widespread fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the massive scale of government assistance fraud across all states, not just Minnesota. Expert insights from Kevin Davis, a former police officer, and Haywood Tal Cove from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, enrich the discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:46

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Operation Venezuela: A Day with Global Ramifications

1/3/2026
CNN Breaking News: US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolas MaduroIn this CNN breaking news segment, it is reported that the United States, under President Trump's orders, conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela that led to the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as grave military aggression, and explosions were reported in multiple regions. Expert commentary includes a military analysis by Admiral James Stavridis, discussions on the potential legal outcomes for Maduro in US courts, and insights into the geopolitical and regional reactions. The segment also explores the potential aftermath for Venezuela and the broader implications of the operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:59

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The Unraveling of the Epstein Files

12/20/2025
Former federal prosecutor Anush Kori joins to discuss five rules for reading the Epstein files and the challenges faced in the redaction process. The episode further explores the divisive nature of the topic, the social media reactions, and the broader implications on public trust and accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:39

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The Great Wealth Transfer: A Tide of Change

12/13/2025
This episode delves into the socio-economic and political implications of the upcoming Great Wealth Transfer, which predicts that up to $124 trillion will be handed down from Baby Boomers and older generations to Gen X and Millennials. Additionally, the episode discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets and the importance of federal regulations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:37

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Justice and Inequality: The Impact of Fame on Drug Prosecution

12/6/2025
Michael Smerconish discusses the disparity in how drug-related deaths are treated depending on the fame of the victim, highlighting cases like Matthew Perry and Michael K. Williams, where the suppliers were severely punished. He contrasts this with the relative lack of action for the vast majority of Americans who die from drug overdoses each year. The segment also covers the legal and moral implications of using military force against drug traffickers, referencing a controversial September 2nd attack on a drug trafficking vessel. Smerconish advocates for transparency and full investigation of the incident. Admiral James Stavridis joins to discuss the potential misuse of lethal force and the importance of adhering to legal and moral standards. The latter part of the show shifts to the concept of wealth and poverty in America, questioning what constitutes wealth in today's economy, especially as inflation and living costs rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:24

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There’s Nothing Artificial About Job Loss

11/29/2025
Michael Smerconish talks about AI and job loss with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Roman Yampolskiy, Assoc. Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Louisville. Then, Smerconish has a conversation with former Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel on crime and policing cities, especially in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard troops, this past week in Washington, DC. Finally, Dave Lawler, the National Security Editor for Axios on whether Andrii Yermak's resignation make Zelensky stronger or weaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:30

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Thanksgiving Unity: Bridging Political Divides at the Table

11/22/2025
Michael Smerconish explores the idea of finding common ground during Thanksgiving amid political polarization. He rejects the conventional advice to avoid sensitive topics, suggesting instead that Americans are united by core democratic values. Citing a Kettering Foundation and Gallup survey, he emphasizes areas of overwhelming consensus among U.S. adults, such as the importance of compromise and political leaders acting against violence and money influence in politics. Additionally, NYU's Susie Welch discusses a Wall Street Journal analysis showing that only 11% of Americans prioritize family as their top value, with personal well-being and self-expression ranking higher. Later, Smerconish touches on Democratic Socialism in the context of New York City’s newly elected mayor Zoran Momani and the broader implications of AI on employment and society. The episode ends with social media interactions and further discussions about the future under advanced AI technologies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:37

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Unveiling the Epstein Saga: Speculation and Resistance

11/15/2025
Ongoing investigations and controversies related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associations, particularly with Donald Trump. The DOJ has agreed to Trump's demand to investigate powerful men mentioned in Epstein's emails, though Trump's name is absent from those to be investigated. A House vote to release government records on Epstein is imminent, supported by several key Republican figures. Trump has distanced himself from Marjorie Taylor Greene over her advocacy for releasing Epstein materials, calling her 'wacky' and supporting her primary opponent. The script explores the implications of released emails, Trump's past relationship with Epstein, and speculations about Trump's knowledge of Epstein's activities. Additionally, the script includes an interview with Barry Levine, author of 'The Spider Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell,' discussing various emails and their potential meanings. The latter part of the script shifts to housing market issues, discussing the rising median age of home buyers, economic implications, and potential solutions. Cody Sanchez, author of 'Main Street Millionaire,' provides insights on the affordability crisis. The script concludes with a discussion on retail giant Target facing backlash for rolling back DEI initiatives, and an interview with Reverend Jamal Bryant advocating for a boycott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:27