Jessica Levinson, a constitutional law professor, joins CNN's Michael Smerconish to discuss what it will mean for the other branches of government if Trump's cabinet appointees are confirmed through recess appointments. Then, a senior adviser for Trump's campaign explains what Trump's mass deportation plan will look like once he's sworn into office. Finally, Thomas Frank, the author of "What's The Matter With Kansas," accurately predicted in his book 20 years ago how the rise of culture wars would drive white, working-class voters towards right-wing movements.

Nov 16, 2024

CNN's Michael Smerconish takes a close look at the 2024 presidential campaigns and explains what he thinks was the biggest surprise for President-elect Donald Trump. A senior campaign adviser for Trump explains how the president-elect secured votes from the Latino community and the "massive disconnect" voters have with the Democratic Party. NYU professor of marketing Scott Galloway speaks about "aspirational masculinity" and why young men gravitated towards Trump's message. Finally, Admiral James Stavridis discusses how Russia's War in Ukraine could end and what Europe will face under Trump's second term.

Nov 9, 2024

The polls in 2016 and 2020 underestimated Trump's popularity among voters... So what will that mean for the outcome of 2024? James Carville, David Axelrod, and Florida Congressman Byron Donalds review the divisive rhetoric echoed in the final week before Election Day and whether it'll make a difference to voters. Finally, a Princeton University lecturer argues democracy is not a winning message that will motivate voters.

Nov 2, 2024

CNN's Michael Smerconish interviews the U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on whether the postal service will deliver all mail-in ballots on time for the 2024 election. David Axelrod and Mark McKinnon discuss the impact of Trump's interview with Joe Rogan while Harris rallies in Houston, TX with Beyonce. Later, Marty Baron, a former executive editor for the Washington Post, chats with Michael about the Post's recent decision to not endorse a presidential candidate.

Oct 26, 2024

The betting markets, stock market, cultural trends, pundits, and conventional polls are all predicting the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Many polls in 2016 and 2020 underestimated Trump's appeal to voters. So, have pollsters adjusted their metrics for the upcoming election? CNN Political Commentator Bakari Sellers tells Michael Smerconish the narrative has completely flipped with Harris doing more press while Trump dodges debates and interviews. Finally, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Bob Woodward discusses his new book "War."

Oct 19, 2024

Are we a nation of hope or fear? Michael Smerconish asks which emotion is more potent in this election and how both candidates are trying to connect with voters. Former Pennsylvania Congressmen Conor Lamb and Charlie Dent predict which counties will tip the keystone state and determine the winner of the 2024 presidential election. Early analysis shows homeowners will lose billions of dollars in property damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. An unsettling trend finds millions of American home...Show moreowners relocate due to the rising cost of climate disasters. And finally, retired Admiral James Stavridis discusses the chances of wider regional conflict in the Middle East and the potential spike of global oil prices.

Oct 12, 2024

CNN’s Michael Smerconish asked presidential historian Allan Lichtman about the October surprise and if it ever impacts his prediction for who will win the race for the White House. Democratic strategist James Carville and senior political commentator David Urban debate on whether Vice-President Harris is playing it safe in this election. Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell joins Michael to discuss his new book "Revenge of the Tipping Point." Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gives her take about U.S. military presence in the Middle East and her new memoir "Something Lost, Something Gained."

Oct 5, 2024

Michael Smerconish begins with the breaking news out of Beirut, Lebanon where Hezbollah confirms their leader was killed from an Israeli strike on Friday. Aaron David Miller, a former State Department Middle East negotiator, tells Smerconish that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may see this regional conflict as an "opportunity" to stay in power. Tim Ryan and Dr. Scott Jensen share their predictions for the CBS News Vice-Presidential Debate after both men shared a debate stage with JD V...Show moreance and Tim Walz, respectively. Finally, David Sanger, author of "New Cold Wars" believes that Netanyahu found himself in a unique moment in American politics which allows him to defy the United States and President Biden.

Sep 28, 2024

Michael Smerconish and Richard Clarke, a former White House counterterrorism coordinator, discuss the looming global threats facing the U.S. while the presidential race is saturated with salacious headlines. Corey Lewandowski, a senior Trump campaign official, addresses the latest scandal involving North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. A Purdue University Political Science professor and AI expert finds that politicians can benefit from blaming AI for real scandals instead of apologizing. A nati...Show moreonal campaign tested "mobile voting" for a few military families across the country and saw an increase in voter turnout. The pilot program is now advocating for all Americans to cast their ballots through their phones.

Sep 21, 2024

Michael Smerconish gives his take on the ABC News Presidential debate and discusses the latest on the 2024 race with Bakari Sellers and Salena Zito. Nearly three dozen election officials are warning the U.S. Postal Service may delay the mail-in ballot count. Former President Trump will also have access to $2 billion if he decides to sell his shares from Trump Media. Max Boot, a Washington Post Columnist and Pulitzer Prize finalist speaks with Smerconish about Ronald Reagan's legacy and his success as a moderate Republican.

Sep 14, 2024