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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.

At the Crossroads: Trump's Strategic Decisions on Iran Smerconish on CNN
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!
Feb 21, 2026
 The Guthrie Kidnapping: Breaking News and Privacy Concerns Smerconish on CNN
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!
Feb 14, 2026
 Unraveling the Abduction: The Search for Nancy Guthrie Smerconish on CNN
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!
Feb 7, 2026
 Legal Standards and Public Perception: A Double-Edged Sword Smerconish on CNN
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.
Jan 31, 2026
 Predictive Markets and Political Shifts: The Rise of Independents Smerconish on CNN
Michael discusses the potential future of predictive markets in political forecasting and their comparison to traditional polling.
Jan 17, 2026
 Reasonable Force or Reckless Action? The Debate on Police Standards Smerconish on CNN
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.
Jan 10, 2026
 Operation Venezuela: A Day with Global Ramifications Smerconish on CNN
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 Jame...Show mores 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.
Jan 3, 2026
 The Unraveling of the Epstein Files Smerconish on CNN
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.
Dec 20, 2025
 The Great Wealth Transfer: A Tide of Change Smerconish on CNN
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.
Dec 13, 2025
 Justice and Inequality: The Impact of Fame on Drug Prosecution Smerconish on CNN
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 ...Show moreattack 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.
Dec 6, 2025
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