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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in Milan-Cortina, several Team USA athletes are speaking out about U.S. politics—from immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights—prompting a sharp response from former President Trump. Michael examines whether Olympic competition should remain a politics-free zone or whether athletes have every right to use their global platform. With reactions from Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim, Mikaela Shiffrin and others, plus a look back at historic Olympic protests, this episode asks whether national unity is still possible in an age of constant partisanship—or if even the Games are now part of America’s culture wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Like him or not, is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last hundred years?" On Presidents Day, Michael steps back from partisanship to examine “consequential” in its purest sense—having great meaning or lasting effect. From FDR’s New Deal and Reagan’s Cold War legacy to Obama’s Affordable Care Act and Biden’s Ukraine coalition, how does Trump compare? With three Supreme Court appointments, two impeachments, sweeping tax cuts, trade shifts, border crackdowns, NATO tensions, and the ongoing impact of Trump 2.0, has any modern president left a deeper imprint on American politics and institutions? Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review 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.

The House has passed the SAVE Act — a sweeping election reform bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. But what does that really mean? Michael Smerconish speaks with Nicole Hansen of the Campaign Legal Center to break down what the legislation would require — including whether a Real ID is enough, why a passport or certified birth certificate may be necessary, and how the bill could impact mail registration and voter rolls nationwide. Then, listeners weigh in on this civil, fact-based conversation on one of the most contentious voting debates in America. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Gallup continue to track presidential approval ratings? Gallup is ending a 90-year tradition of measuring presidential approval, stepping away from the very metric that has defined modern political accountability—from FDR to Trump and Biden. Michael explores why the polling giant is exiting both horse-race election surveys and now approval ratings, whether political pressure or business strategy is driving the shift, and what it means in an era of historic polarization. Do approval ratings still serve a vital civic purpose, or have they become little more than partisan ammunition? Your vote at Smerconish.com frames the debate. Cast your ballot, 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.

Michael confronts a rare polling flop after a question about the Savannah Guthrie story draws the lowest turnout in months at Smerconish.com. Was it poorly worded? Too speculative? Or is the media overestimating public interest? TC and Dan offer their blunt opinions, and listeners weigh in on empathy, news fatigue, and whether some stories simply don’t resonate. Plus, Michael previews a new poll on Gallup’s decision to discontinue presidential approval ratings — and what that means for democracy and the media. A candid, behind-the-scenes look at polling, public opinion, and what really drives engagement. Original air date 12 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should proof of citizenship be required when registering to vote?" The House has passed the SAVE Act, legislation that would require Americans to provide physical proof of citizenship—such as a passport or certified birth certificate—when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue it’s a necessary safeguard for election integrity. Critics warn it could disenfranchise millions who lack ready access to qualifying documents, including low-income, rural, and elderly voters. Michael breaks down what the bill would actually require, why a Real ID may not be enough, and the bigger question at the heart of the debate: Is the risk of fraud greater than the risk of blocking eligible voters? Listen, vote at the website, 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.

Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony fallout, and fresh scrutiny surrounding President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Did Trump alert authorities about Epstein years ago? Why won’t the story fade—and who could still be exposed? Plus, Halperin breaks down the early 2026 midterm outlook, why Democrats may be favored to retake the House, and whether Jon Ossoff’s viral “Epstein class” speech offers a roadmap for the party. They also examine whether today’s media is missing bigger global stories in favor of political spectacle. Original air date 11 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What’s it really like to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show? Michael talks with Chloe' Scretchings, formerly a producer on his CNN program, about how her love of Bad Bunny — and a late-night casting call — landed her on the field at Super Bowl LX as part of the halftime spectacle. From grueling rehearsals and NDAs to performing inches away from music’s biggest stars, Chloe shares a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most watched performances in the world — dressed as a sugar cane, no less. Original air date 9 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Associated Press investigative reporter Michael Sisak joins Michael to unpack newly released FBI and Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. After years of investigation, the FBI concluded there was no evidence that Epstein ran a coordinated sex trafficking ring for powerful men—despite extensive proof of his abuse of underage girls. Sisak explains what investigators found, what they couldn’t corroborate, why so many files remain heavily redacted, and how these conclusions span multiple administrations—Trump, Biden, and Trump again. A deep dive into evidence, nuance, and the unanswered questions still haunting one of the most disturbing cases in modern history. Original air date 10 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe that Jeffrey Epstein was running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men? Michael Smerconish urges listeners not to rush to judgment before voting on this question, unpacking a recent Associated Press investigation based on internal Justice Department and FBI records. While the evidence of Epstein’s repeated sexual abuse of underage girls is overwhelming and disturbing, the AP reports that investigators found scant proof he operated a trafficking ring on behalf of powerful men. Michael walks through the findings, the graphic nature of the memo, and the frustration surrounding heavily redacted sections dealing with possible co-conspirators. It’s a careful, unsettling discussion about evidence, assumptions, and what the public still doesn’t know. Listen to this episode, then cast your vote at Smerconish. 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.

Michael breaks down a Super Bowl that was more cultural flashpoint than classic game. From a lackluster matchup and standout commercials to Bad Bunny’s polarizing halftime show, Michael explores why the Super Bowl remains one of America’s last shared experiences. Drawing on a powerful Wall Street Journal essay by Ben Sasse, he asks whether the event still unites us — or reflects a nation increasingly divided by politics, culture, and language. Original air date 9 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How many stars for Bad Bunny's half time show?" Michael reflects on the Super Bowl as one of the last shared cultural experiences in America, which is the basis for his thinking behind today's poll question. He explains why Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was less about politics and more about global market forces, the NFL’s international ambitions, and shifting cultural norms. Listen as Michael explores the idea of monoculture, unity, and whether it’s fair to want the Super Bowl to remain linguistically and culturally familiar. He also shares his own rating of the show—and why he landed where he did. Listen, and then 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.

What happens when you buy a home—and uncover a shocking symbol hidden beneath the floor? Michael and TC unpack a viral legal case out of western Pennsylvania where new homeowners discovered a swastika and German eagle concealed in their basement. The sellers didn’t disclose it—and the court ruled they didn’t have to. Michael reflects on his own experience encountering historic swastika tiles, explores the ethics of real estate disclosure, and asks a bigger question: what else could be hidden in a home that buyers think they should’ve been told? A fascinating intersection of history, law, real estate, and cultural meaning—this is one discovery you won’t forget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Television has shaped American culture for more than 70 years—but which shows truly defined each decade? Michael is joined by legendary TV critic Alan Sepinwall (The Wall Street Journal; "The Sopranos Sessions" author) to break down the most influential TV series from the 1950s to today, from I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone to Seinfeld, The Sopranos, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Stranger Things. Then, TC joins Michael to preview this week’s episode of The TC After Dark Podcast—covering Dry (or Damp) January, the Costco rotisserie chicken controversy, viral headlines, and whether “Josh” is the new “Karen.” Smart, funny, and culture-packed—this is TV history, media insight, and modern life all in one episode. Original air date 6 Febuary 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.