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Smerconish on CNN

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

Smerconish: Trump is on a Roll Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish weighs in on the recent victories for the Trump administration this week. Then, David Urban, a former Trump Campaign adviser, and Xochitl Hinojosa, a former DNC communications director,  join Smerconish to discuss how the American public is reacting to Trump's latest wins. Plus, Andrew Daniller, a Pew Research Associate, shares his latest research on how non-voters would have influenced the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. And, the U.S. Supreme Court handed a blockbuster decision to limit judges' from issuing nationwide injunctions against the Trump administration.  Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkely Law School, weighs in on the court's decision.
Jun 29, 2025
 Smerconish: Where's the Evidence on Iran's Nuclear Weapons? Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish dives into the conflicting messages from the Trump administration about Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities. Then, Retired Admiral James Stavridis and New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger join Smerconish to weigh on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.  After that, Retired Lt. General David Deptula discusses U.S. military capabilities in case tensions between Israel and Iran becomes a wider regional conflict.  Finally, the L.A. Dodgers are...Show more taking a stand against the Trump administration's ICE raids.  Los Angeles Times Writer Jack Harris sets the record straight about conflicting reports about a stand off between the L.A. Dodgers stadium and DHS officials.
Jun 21, 2025
 Israel, Iran Trade Attacks After Israel Targets Nuclear Sites Smerconish on CNN
Retired Adm. James Stavridis and New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger join CNN Michael Smerconish to weigh in on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.  Then, Smerconish argues why it's impractical and morally wrong to deport the roughly 10 million undocumented immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, committed no violent crimes, and became productive members of society. Later, Rep. Byron Donalds debates Smerconish on Trump's ICE raids. Finally, Ben Sherwood, author ...Show moreof "Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that could save your life" explains why sitting within five rows of an emergency exit on a plane may have helped the passenger in seat 11A survive the deadly Air India plane crash.
Jun 14, 2025
 Democrats Set Out to Study Male Voters With "Sam Project” Smerconish on CNN
Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of Speaking with American Men Project, argues that men support progressive policies but feel abandoned by the Democratic Party. And, CNN Michael Smerconish breaks down the battle royale between two of the most powerful men on the planet. Plus, Jeffrey Sonnefeld, founder of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, predicts the recent clash between Trump and Musk will hurt Musk more.
Jun 7, 2025
 Smerconish Commentary: I'm Not Thrilled That Elon Musk is Out Smerconish on CNN
Michael Smerconish delves into why he's willing to give Musk and President Trump some credit for sparking a conversation about waste, fraud and abuse. Plus, Michael Smerconish speaks with entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary about Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. industry and politics, the future of Tesla, and DOGE.
May 31, 2025
 Smerconish: The Secret Path to Wealth No One Talks About Smerconish on CNN
It's commencement season. This year's speakers include military leaders, politicians, sports stars, celebrities, even a famous frog. They'll all be addressing many young graduates saddled with college debt and aspirations of making money.  Smerconish talks with Owen Zidar, professor of economics at Princeton regarding the secret path to wealth that no one talks about.   And, President Biden's debate performance was a turning point, but what came after? The silence, the deflections all may matter more. Which 2028 likely candidates saw the decline and said nothing, or still propped him up?
May 24, 2025
 Politico Reporter on Backlash Writing About Biden's Decline Smerconish on CNN
Holly Otterbein, Politico's National Political reporter who covered President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, discusses her latest article, "The Biden Question Hanging Over The 2028 Field." She explains the potential impact to Democratic lawmakers based on how they dealt with Biden's fitness in 2024, and how it could affect them moving forward in their own elections. Plus, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig tells CNN's Michael Smerconish how he thinks the racketeering conspiracy charge will...Show more play out in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.  He explains that, traditionally, the charge is used for mob families, for drug trafficking organizations, and that the prosecution will need to show that Sean Combs was at the head of an organized group that committed multiple interconnected crimes for a common purpose. Honig said that he doesn't think Comb's former girlfriend Cassie Ventura's testimony on its own will get prosecutors there, but that he says to look out for in the coming weeks.
May 17, 2025
 Global Push for Peace: 30-day Ceasefire Urged in Ukraine Smerconish on CNN
India and Pakistan agree to an immediate ceasefire, as European leaders join Ukraine in calling for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Michael Smerconish speaks with Ret. Admiral James Stavridis, author of “The Admiral's Bookshelf,” on the growing international pressure for Putin to stand down. Plus, as artificial intelligence reshapes how students learn and perform, Smerconish explores whether traditional college degrees still hold value, or if trade schools are the smarter move in today’s economy.
May 10, 2025
 Belichick's 'Creative Muse' Makes Waves at UNC Smerconish on CNN
Commentary about Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson and how she has been injecting herself in his UNC coaching job. Is our obsession with this story a matter of public concern? Sports journalists Charlotte Wilder and Madeline Hill weigh in. Plus, The Supreme Court on religious charter schools with Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom and conversation with small business owner, Alexandra Fine about tariff surcharges.
May 3, 2025
 Smerconish: Are Hitler Comparisons to Modern Politicians Ever Appropriate? Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the public dispute between comedian Bill Maher and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David. Then, would society start crumbling once our global population reaches a sharp decline? Darrell Bricker, CEO of IPSOS Public Affairs and co-author of "Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline," warns about the ramifications of an aging and shrinking population. After that,  Admiral William McRaven details his process in managing a crisis through his...Show more new book "Conquering Crisis: Ten Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them."  Finally,  the passing of Pope Francis means that cardinals will elect a new leader for the Catholic Church. Robert Harris, the author of "Conclave" which inspired the Oscar-award winning film, sheds light on how that process will unfold.
Apr 26, 2025
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