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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.

Trump: "Never Briefed" on Name Being in Epstein Files Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish gives President Trump some free advice on how to address the Epstein files. Plus, Lanny Davis joins Michael Smerconish to discuss how the Trump administration is mishandling the Epstein files.  Also on the show, Michael Smerconish delivers his commentary on Hunter Biden and his criticism towards Democrats. Tara Setmayer, a resident scholar at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, weighs in on the matter. And, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig answers the poll question and dives into what a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell may look like.
Jul 26, 2025
 Smerconish: Art of the Denial Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish unpacks the bombshell Wall Street Journal reporting on the alleged birthday letter President Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein. And, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig weighs in on President Trump's latest legal battle with The Wall Street Journal. Then, Political Science Professor Seth Masket and Senior Vice-President of Open Primaries Jeremy Gruber join Michael Smerconish to debate the benefits and drawbacks of open primaries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also, California Democratic Congressman Lou Correa weighs in on the latest debate of ICE agents wearing masks during arrests.
Jul 19, 2025
 Smerconish: Should Racial and Ethnic Identity Categories Be Eliminated? Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish examines the latest revelation from Zohran Mamdani's Columbia University admissions application and argues that it's time to end classification by race and ethnicity. Then, Atlantic staff writer Thomas Chatterton Williams joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his latest piece called "Zohran Mamdani reveals the absurdity of affirmative action." And, Washington Examiner National Political reporter Salena Zito unpacks the one-year anniversary of the first assassination attempt ...Show moreagainst President Trump in her new book called "Butler: The Untold Story of the near assassination of Donald Trump and the fight for America's heartland." Also, Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter for The Guardian,  joins Michael Smerconish to discuss her new book "The Second Coming: Sex and the next generation's fight over its future."
Jul 12, 2025
 Smerconish: America Faces a Crisis of Nostalgia Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish describes the best decade in America from his childhood and explains why nostalgia plays a critical role in American politics. And, a breakthrough in genetic editing allows IVF parents to select traits for their embryo. But some experts are warning this new approach may lead to irreversible consequences. Also, a part of Trump's mega bill includes a national "baby bonds" program that will provide every newborn in the U.S. with $1,000 to get ahead in life. But many critics a...Show morergue this program does not properly resolve generational child poverty for working families. Then, Independent Sports Journalist Joon Lee breaks down the price to access live sports today compared to a decade ago.
Jul 5, 2025
 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
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