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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: If You Build It, Will They Come? Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish argues the biggest problem in the labor market is not a shortage of manufacturing jobs, but the unwillingness for young men to fill them. NYU Professor Scott Galloway & Anthony Scaramucci, a former White House Communications Director, discuss their new podcast called "Lost Boys." The limited series dives into the mental health struggles and social disconnect young men are facing. Salena Zito, a national political reporter for the Washington Examiner, reports on the impact ...Show moretariffs on U.S. Steel mills near Pittsburgh and what union workers expect from Trump's administration. Scientists have successfully engineered dire wolves, the world's first de-extincted animal, through gene-editing and cloning. Dr. Robert Klitzman, a psychiatry professor and director of the bioethics master's program at Columbia University, warns about the alarming consequences this could have.
Apr 13, 2025
Smerconish: Lawyers Are the Backbone of a Stable Society Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on how the Trump administration is going over law firms that filed lawsuits against him. Then, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, weighs in on why law firms and universities targeted by the Trump administration aren't speaking up.  After that Peter Navarro, Trump's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, vows for a market boom from Trump's tariff war. Finally, lawmakers on Capitol hill are expected to introduce two bills aimed ...Show moreat restoring congressional power over Trump's tariffs. But are Republicans willing to back it? Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, the co-authors of "Fight: Inside the wildest battle for the White House" weigh in on the political repercussions.
Apr 6, 2025
Will Trump's Administration Survive "Signalgate?" Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish addresses previous White House scandals and questions whether the recent signal group chat controversy will impact Trump's administration in the long run. Then Richard Clarke, the nation's first cyber czar and former White House Counterterrorism Coordinator, warns how foreign adversaries are easily capable of hacking the Signal app. After that, Laura Delano, author of "Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance" raises her personal concerns with psychiatric drug...Show mores and how her life has changed without them. Finally, legendary democratic strategist James Carville discusses his bold prediction on the "massive collapse" unfolding inside the Trump administration and how Democrats should respond.
Mar 29, 2025
Smerconish: Should Attacks Against Tesla Be Prosecuted as a Hate Crime? Smerconish on CNN
The latest attacks against Tesla appear to be targeted towards CEO Elon Musk and his alignment with President Trump. While the Department of Justice is investigating these attacks as domestic terrorism, CNN Michael Smerconish argues this type of vandalism should be investigated as a hate crime. Then, Elie Honig, a former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York explains why politically motivated crimes are not considered hate crimes. After that, Senator Chris Coons weighs in...Show more on the Democratic Party's platform as a recent CNN poll shows the party's favorability rating dropping to a record low 29%. Finally, Christine Emba, author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation" and a New York Times contributing writer, explains why pornography is dangerously reshaping the minds of young men and setting unrealistic expectations when it comes to dating women.
Mar 23, 2025
Smerconish: Will More Republicans Buy Tesla? Smerconish on CNN
Republicans are rallying behind Tesla as the electric car company faces consumer backlash geared towards CEO Elon Musk. Can President Trump encourage more of his supporters to buy EVs after slamming Biden's clean energy proposals? Next, Wall Street Tech analyst Dan Ives raises concerns from Tesla investors and why Elon Musk's venture into politics may damage the company's brand. After that, free speech expert Greg Lukianoff weighs in on the arrest of green card holder Mahmoud Khalil and why his ...Show morepotential deportation may lead to unfavorable U.S. foreign policy consequences. Finally, Democratic influencer "Jojofromjerz" joins Michael Smerconish to discuss if Gov. Gavin Newsom's new podcast will help or hurt him politically.
Mar 15, 2025
Smerconish: I've Got a Prescription for Progressives Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish gives his take on the signs and attention-grabbing stunts pulled by Democratic members of Congress during Trump's speech. Then, New York Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen joins Michael Smerconish to explain why she chose to censure her Democratic colleague and why she stood up for a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor. After that, Admiral James Stavridis details the fallout from Trump and Zelensky's meeting and the future of NATO if the United States pulls out. Finally, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey warns about the alarming trend of "sextortion" cases targeting young boys and how it led his 17-year-old son Gavin to take his own life.
Mar 8, 2025
Smerconish: Zelensky Didn't Start This Fight Either Smerconish on CNN
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the contentions Oval Office showdown between President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Then, Admiral James Stavridis joins Smerconish to explain how Ukraine can move forward without U.S. support. Later, a former Zelensky Cabinet Member says he believes the shouting match inside the Oval Office was triggered by a moment lost in translation that could have been avoided. After that, Michael Peterson, the chairman ...Show moreand CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, explains the main drivers that will help tackle the national debt. Finally, Erin Murphy, an NYU Law Professor and forensic DNA expert, explains the legal and ethical challenges behind law enforcement using genealogy databases for forensic investigations like the Idaho murder trial.
Mar 2, 2025
Smerconish: Don't Spend That Doge Dividend Just Yet Smerconish on CNN
The Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk claims it saved American taxpayers about $55 billion through cost-cutting measures. But where will those extra savings go to? James Fishbank, a CEO, investor, and creator of the DOGE dividend joins CNN Michael Smerconish to explain how Americans could get a $5,000 tax refund check based off the money Elon Musk claims he saved. Then, Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former Member of President Zelensky's administration, joins CNN Michael Smerconish to d...Show moreiscuss the latest developments in efforts by the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia to end the war in Ukraine. After, CNN Senior Data Reporter Harry Enten joins Michael Smerconish to debunk several mistruths about air travel and explain how the current news cycle can unintentionally raise the fear of flying.
Feb 22, 2025
Civil War at the DOJ Smerconish on CNN
The Department of Justice is in turmoil over President Trump's desire to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the slew of recent DOJ resignations. Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, says U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has a management and leadership problem. Ukraine's President Zelensky is vowing that his war-torn nation isn't accepting any deals ma...Show morede between Russia and the U.S. without his involvement. Mixed messaging from Trump, Vance, and Hegseth makes the future of Ukraine's NATO membership uncertain. Finally, leaked audio recordings from JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon spotlights his unfiltered take on remote work policies in the nation's largest bank.
Feb 15, 2025
Cloudy Day for Sesame Street? Smerconish on CNN
The U.S. Agency for International Development is on the brink of being dismantled by the Trump administration. Should U.S. Taxpayers be funding humanitarian programing for things like Sesame Street in foreign countries? CNN's Michael Smerconish breaks down the different between 'soft power,' and 'hard power,' taking a deeper look into which one historically has been most effective. And later, Hollywood is buzzing with questions circulating around who deserves the 'Best Actress' award after old t...Show moreweets resurfaced complicating one star's chances. Founder of 'The Wrap,' Sharon Waxman is here to discuss. And finally, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. ESPN's Sal Paolantonio joins to give his take on the matchup.
Feb 8, 2025
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