Headlines 

Commentary 

Smerconish: Is GOP race over before it begins?

Before a single primary vote has been cast - has Trump already sewn up the 2024 GOP nomination? Everyone has an opinion, says CNN's Michael Smerconish, but the historical data is hard to refute.

Smerconish: Why won't Jack Smith just say it?

"Smith's refusal to level with the public about why he's rushing to the courthouse diminishes the credibility of the DOJ," says CNN's Michael Smerconish. "If the election did not loom large, there's no way Smith would be in such a hurry. He should say so."
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 09: Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment against former President Donald Trump at the Justice Department on June 9, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted on 37 felony counts in the special counsel's classified documents probe. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Smerconish: What Jack Smith won't say

Jack Smith does not mention the 2024 Presidential election in the government's recent filing to the Supreme Court, but that's clearly what's driving the request. Does taking the election calendar into account mean Smith is being political, or, asks CNN's Michael Smerconish, is he simply fulfilling his role as a prosecutor who wants to ensure that his case actually gets to a jury?

Smerconish: WIll censorship fix TikTok's bin Laden problem?

Osama bin Laden was trending on TikTok, 12 years after his death, because many young Americans posted videos expressing sympathy with a two decades-old letter attributed to him attacking America, published in the Guardian. The paper removed the letter - but, argues CNN's Michael Smerconish, that will just perpetuate misinformation.
U.S. President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden depart from Holy Spirit Catholic Church after attending Mass on St. Johns Island, South Carolina, U.S., August 13, 2022.      REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Smerconish: Never say never

President Biden changed his response from never having spoken to his son Hunter about his overseas business activities to having "never been in business" with Hunter. After the implosion of Hunter's plea deal, whistleblowers calling for a special counsel, and Hunter's former business associate testifying next week, CNN's Michael Smerconish says, the President may finally have to fully address the situation.
SMR Proposal for homeless crisis_00020326.png

Smerconish: A proposal for the homeless crisis

When it comes to the homelessness problem, cities and citizens are locked in a relentless cycle with no end in sight. Smerconish proposes a solution: shelter, but with conditions: drug counseling, mental health services, and work.
SMR Maybe none of the above_00002715.png

Smerconish: Maybe "None of the Above"?

Conventional wisdom has the 2024 Presidential race shaping up as a 2020 rematch. Yet according to polls, Americans don't want either candidate to run. Could 2024 end up being neither Trump nor Biden?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, and former US President Donald Trump.

What if they put aside their differences?

CNN's Michael Smerconish asks: What if Trump and DeSantis were to join forces as a ticket? And does the fact they're both Florida residents make it unconstitutional?
SMR expel guns not legislators_00003222.png

Smerconish: Expel guns, not legislators

In the Tennessee state legislature battle, says CNN's Michael Smerconish, "all the energy that should have been directed toward resolving gun violence will have been diverted into theatrics used for political self-interest."

Smerconish: Would Trump be indicted if he weren't running?

In an alternate reality - if Trump hadn't contested the 2020 results, or inspired the Jan. 6 riot, attended Biden's inauguration and not run for President again - would he be facing the indictment from the Manhattan DA in the hush money case?
SMR Ukraine ratchets up_00011715.png

Smerconish: Ukraine ratcheting up

Russia's war in Ukraine is ratcheting up in its 13th month, but the GOP is peeling away from supporting Ukraine. Where is this heading?
Smerconish: Bridging post-Roe divide_00003915.png

Smerconish: Bridging the post-Roe divide

With Roe overturned, CNN's Michael Smerconish says people on both sides need to recognize the sincerity of those on the opposing side. And advocates should settle their differences at the ballot box, not in the streets.
Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during a press conference at SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Village in South Texas on February 10, 2022. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk delivered an eagerly-awaited update on SpaceX's Starship, a prototype rocket the company is developing for crewed interplanetary exploration.

Smerconish: Musk calls out both extremes

The stick-figures tweeted out by Elon Musk corresponding to his political leanings set Twitter ablaze. CNN's Michel Smerconish asked his followers to map their own trajectories, and says that those who change over time are "healthy."
Smerconish viewer stick figures_00010203.png

Smerconish viewer stick-figure politics

Inspired by Elon Musk's stick-figure tweet, Smerconish drew one of his own and asked viewers to send depictions of where they see themselves on the political spectrum over the years.
SMR Paul Pelosi presence of mind_00044920.png

Smerconish: Paul Pelosi's presence of mind

The release of the 9-1-1 call and body cam video of the attack on 82-year-old Paul Pelosi both shuts down all the conspiracy theories, says CNN's Michael Smerconish, and brings admiration for Pelosi's presence of mind.
SMR Biden unforced error_00014905.png

Smerconish: Biden's unforced error

The White House handling of classified documents in Biden's possession, says CNN's Michael Smerconish, is the opposite of crisis manager Lanny Davis's wise advice, "Tell it early, tell it all, tell it yourself."
SMR C-SPAN congress camera commentary _00010013.png

Smerconish: Leave the cameras on!

Kevin McCarthy's struggle to be elected House Speaker was a riveting civics lesson America watched on TV, thanks to C-SPAN's rare opportunity to have roving cameras in the chamber. CNN's Michael Smerconish says such cameras should always be allowed.
SMR 1776 Vs 2022_00004021.png

Smerconish: When "1776" met 2022

Broadway's "woke" revival to "1776," a musical about the all-White-male signers of the Declaration of Independence, caused controversy among its own cast. Does checking all the boxes hinder creators of entertainment?

Smerconish: America needs to reconnect

America has too many empty office buildings in big cities - especially in blue states - and not enough underclass Americans have paths to the "social capital" that would help them advance in life. So, CNN's Michael Smerconish says, "to unite America -- get back to the office!"
Smerconish: A national nervous breakdown? _00062706.png

Smerconish: A national nervous breakdown?

CNN's Michael Smerconish returned from vacation abroad feeling anxious about America's future -- and finds he is not alone in his concerns. But are there reasons to be hopeful?
Smerconish: Inflation vs. Insurrection_00035618.png

Smerconish: Inflation vs. Insurrection

Two important stories are competing for America's attention: A potential economic crash and an unprecedented attack on our system of government. New data tells us which might be more potent at the ballot box.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 24:  President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence give a thumbs up after speaking on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center on August 24, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The four-day event is themed "Honoring the Great American Story." (Photo by Chris Carlson-Pool/Getty Images)

Smerconish: Pence name-checks Trump

It's not surprising that former Vice President Mike Pence believes President Trump is wrong - just that he finally decided to say it. But will he finally testify to the Jan. 6 committee?
Smerconish: What does the average American earn?_00000014.png

Smerconish: What does the average American earn?

A Wharton professor asked her students what the average American earns. 25% of them said it was over $100,000. If future Wharton grads can't empathize with those of lesser circumstances, society will suffer.
Smerconish: Will Biden bounce back? _00033503.png

Smerconish: Will Biden bounce back?

Biden's recent setbacks and the pandemic are looming large. But ultimately what matters to the American public is the economy, which - notwithstanding Covid and inflation - remains remarkably strong. So the President's missteps may ultimately be forgotten.

Smerconish: What have we done to our kids?

Because of Covid, today's kids are missing out on not just school, but life lessons, human interaction and the forging of relationships. And their needs need to be prioritized.

Smerconish: Happy 79th birthday, Mr. President

Joe Biden had his first Presidential physical during a week when polls found a large number of Americans have swung in the past year from positive to negative on his physical and mental fitness.
Smerconish: What's it worth?_00000000.png

Smerconish: What's it worth?

Many have criticized the hefty payouts the U.S. is reportedly negotiating with lawyers for separated border families. But if a settlement isn't reached, might a jury or judge award them even more? And what are the political implications?

Smerconish: Happy to be censured

This week's censure of Rep. Paul Gosar and arrest of Trump advisor Steve Bannon are examples of today's political climate - where outlandish acts get you more social media and funding, and few care about consequences - or getting actual work done.
Smerconish: In defense of Senators Sinema and Manchin_00000000.png

Smerconish: In defense of Senators Sinema and Manchin

CNN's Michael Smerconish says that Sen. Joe Manchin's (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema's (D-AZ) refusals to simply fall in line and instead exhibit some independence, is both a rarity in Washington - and reflection of their diverse constituencies.
Smerconish: 'Flamethrowers accomplish nothing'_00000000.png

Smerconish: 'Flamethrowers accomplish nothing'

Responding to a viewer tweet, Michael Smerconish says, 'The flamethrowers on the left and right, they accomplish nothing....Now, you say something incendiary via Twitter, you raise a ton of money, and you become the darling of your party. It's twisted!'
Smerconish remembers Larry King_00012626.png

Smerconish remembers Larry King

Smerconish recalls the illustrious career of the late host of CNN's 'Larry King Live': 'there will never be another one like him...we will miss Larry, and his civility.'

Comment: The Virus Strains the Thin Blue Line

The Virus has put all sectors of society under strain, but presents a special challenge for law enforcement. Some police departments are reducing arrests. How will this play out in weeks ahead?
Comment: Saudi chokehold on U.S._00002703.jpg

Comment: Saudi chokehold on U.S.

What does the Saudi royal family hold over American presidents? Why is it in the interest of the U.S. to pick sides in a sectarian dispute dating back to 632?
Comment: Our digital paper trails_00010312.jpg

Comment: Our digital paper trails

One lesson of the Kavanaugh hearing is to be aware of how much digital evidence we're all now unwittingly creating for potentially compromising situations.
Comment: On leaving the party_00012316.jpg

Comment: On leaving the party

High-profile Republicans keep exiting the party - Joe Scarborough, Mary Matalin, George Will and now Steve Schmidt. Smerconish explains why he did so in 2010.

MUST WATCH

The Unfinished Story 

Daniels: U.S. headed for economic & societal crisis

America is on the brink of an economic and societal crisis, warns former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. "When you're a passenger in the car heading over the canyon wall, what you don't want is somebody putting it on cruise control or stepping on the gas. You want somebody to turn the wheel. Right now, we don't have leadership that shows any indication of willingness to do that."

Is JFK's Secret Service Agent's bullet story believable?

A Secret Service agent with JFK at the assassination is now asserting a new story about the so-called "magic bullet." Gerald Posner, author of "Case Closed," says the agent is contradicting his own earlier accounts, "trying to make it sound more important by saying he put it on Kennedy's stretcher. But we're dealing with 60-year-old memories."

Has the world's 'Leading Alien Hunter' found extraterrestrial life?

Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb has just analyzed meteor particles he retrieved from the Pacific Ocean to determine their origin. "It's not a matter of science fiction," says Loeb. "It's not a matter of people talking about it in talk shows or politicians discussing it in the Congress. It's something that scientists can get to the bottom of."

Has government been hiding signs of extraterrestrial life?

A House hearing on "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" implied there has been a government cover-up of UFO evidence. "It has nothing to do with national security.," says Harvard Astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb, who retrieved an extraterrestrial object from the ocean floor. "It has a lot to do with science. We would like to know if we have neighbors."

Smerconish: Save the static!

With automakers removing AM radios from cars, there's a bipartisan effort to save the century-old technology. If it goes away, will conservative talk radio lose its power? No, says CNN's Michael Smerconish, "it will just be found on different platforms."
SMR what happened to MH370?_00022814.png

What happened to flight MH370?

Flight MH370 disappeared 9 years ago with 239 aboard, and the wreckage was never found. Why? Was it the captain's murder-suicide, or something else? "There are still questions that need to be asked," says Jeff Wise, author of "The Taking of MH370."

The untold story of World War II's 'Mosquito Bowl'

On Christmas Eve 1944, two WWII Marine regiments on Guadalcanal Island faced off in a football game to prove who had the better college players. Not long after, many of them would die in one of the war's biggest battles, in Okinawa, Japan.
James Patterson on his memoir_00032209.png

James Patterson finally tells his own amazing story

He's sold 400 million books across all sorts of genres, and has collaborated with everyone from Bill Clinton to Dolly Parton. Now James Patterson has written what might be his most amazing story -- his own memoir.
The inside scoop on the Murdaugh murders_00011217.png

The inside scoop on the Murdaugh murders

The twists and turns of South Carolina Lawyer Alex Murdaugh's story have so far resulted in 5 bodies and 7 investigations. And he tried to stage his own murder. What do we know?
Hunter Biden's artwork sale raises ethics concerns_00015422.png

Hunter Biden's artwork sale raises ethics concerns

The President's son has taken up painting and plans to start selling his artwork for prices as high as a half a million dollars. 'It looks terrible,' says CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig, "and that really matters.'
Smerconish: Inside QAnon_00003615.png

Smerconish: Inside QAnon

Supporters of the QAnon theory were among those who rioted at the Capitol January 6. What is the story behind the movement?

"The rise and fall of the Secret Service"

Michael Smerconish and Author Carol Leonnig discuss her new book "Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service" about the agency's troubled history and how its apolitical reputation has faltered.
Wikileaks: Bad for democracy?_00030703.jpg

Wikileaks: Bad for democracy?

Legal analyst Dan Abrams discusses whether the information gotten via Wikileaks revelations are outweighing the hackers' assault on privacy and democracy.
A quote from Virgil seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA        (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

9/11: The 28 missing pages

Former Sen. Bob Graham and Terry Strada, wife of a 9/11 victim, push for the release of 28 pages of still classified material regarding 9/11 financing.

MUST WATCH

Headlines Redefined 

Comment: Peloton's bad news cycle

Peloton suffered extreme criticism and huge stock drop because of an ad involving a workout bike present. Smerconish asks, what's wrong with a gift of health?
My exit interview with Sean Spicer_00002430.jpg

My exit interview with Sean Spicer

How Smerconish unwittingly landed WH Press Secretary Sean Spicer's exit interview - and highlights of their history on-air back when Spicer was with the RNC

MUST WATCH

  • Michael Smerconish

    Host
    Michael A. Smerconish is the host of the weekly Saturday TV program on CNN fittingly called "Smerconish." He is also the host of The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM Channel 124, newspaper columnist and author.