Mark Halperin: Lessons from Charlie Kirk’s Death and the State of U.S. Politics

Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Halperin shares personal reflections on Kirk, examines how the media and political opponents are framing his legacy, and discusses Donald Trump’s response. The two also debate whether America can find unity amid deep political divides, the role of social media in fueling anger, and what leaders like Utah Governor Spencer Cox represent for the future of U.S. politics. Original air date 17 September 2025 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question, sparked by a fiery legal debate after comments made by Attorney General Pam Pondi on going after people who were spreading 'hate speech'' in the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk: “Agree or Disagree: ‘Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’s ugly speech… gross speech… evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the 1st Amendment.’” Putting this current controversy in context with landmark Supreme Court rulings and his own legal knowledge, Michael unpacks where the law really stands—and why it matters now more than ever. Listen here, then vote! And thank you for leaving a rating and review of this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Cato Institute Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies Alex Nowrasteh to unpack hard data on politically motivated violence—who commits it, how often it happens, and what the numbers really show since 1975, and in a refocused set since 2020. A rigorous, nonpartisan, “stats over spin” conversation that challenges assumptions, separates outliers like 9/11, and puts recent headlines in context. Perfect for listeners who want facts, not fury. Original air date 16 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael spotlights Utah Governor Spencer Cox and asks today's Smerconish.com poll question: “Could Utah Governor Spencer Cox be elected president?” Why does he call it a trick question? Because national electability and party nomination aren’t the same thing. From “disagree better” to social-media backlash and primary math, Michael unpacks what it would take—and what’s in the way. Listen here, then share your view with your vote at Smerconish.com. And, please rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish welcomes Stephen A. Smith ahead of the launch of "Straight Shooter" on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 (premieres Wednesday Sept 17). Known for his fiery sports commentary, Stephen A. explains why he’s stepping into political talk, what being a centrist means to him, and how he hopes to bring honesty and open-minded debate to today’s polarized media landscape. Also, his thoughts following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Original air date 15 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this morning's episode, Michael dives into the Monday poll question at Smerconish.com: "Do you agree with Senator Fetterman that Democrats should not refer to President Trump as an autocrat?" Michael unpacks Fetterman’s warning to his party about political strategy, reflects on past poll results highlighting voter pessimism, and considers whether Democrats risk alienating swing states by leaning too heavily on anti-Trump rhetoric. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter) — a piece that captures the intensity of America’s overheated political climate. After wrestling with the heaviness of the moment, he shifts gears to lighten things up with a conversation on film. Joined by Daniel Fienberg, chief TV critic of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael dives into their list of the 25 greatest sports movies of all time. From Rocky to Slapshot, Hoosiers to Caddyshack, they debate the classics, defend the surprises, and argue over what really belongs in the top tier. It’s an episode that moves from sobering reflection to cinematic joy — capturing both the weight of our times and the relief of a good escape. Original air date 12 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

**NOTE: This podcast episode began recording while suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was still at-large. While Michael was recording this (and live on YouTube), the news broke that President Trump announced that a suspect was in custody.** Is America entering a new and dangerous phase? Peggy Noonan argues the assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point, one that could reverberate in troubling ways. Michael discusses her column and today’s poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Do you agree with Peggy Noonan: The assassination of Charlie Kirk feels different... like a hinge point... that is going to reverberate in new dark ways?" Listen here, then vote. And, please rate and review this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael speaks with Dr. Alan Wiseman of Vanderbilt University about groundbreaking new research into the education divide in American politics. Once, both parties in Congress shared a common bond: many lawmakers, regardless of ideology, came from elite universities. Today, that landscape has dramatically shifted. While Democrats have largely maintained their ties to Ivy League and other selective institutions, Republicans have moved sharply away from them. Dr. Wiseman explains how this 50-year transformation has reshaped Congress, what it reveals about polarization, and why the educational background of lawmakers may be just as important as their party affiliation. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of education, politics, and democracy itself. Original air date 11 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America’s toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very angry social media reaction to him), and the deeper issues he believes are fueling a “sick” and polarized nation. From the dangers of jumping to conclusions to the role of isolation, technology, and fractured communities, Michael ties the moment to the themes he’s been raising for years: the urgent need for engagement, empathy, and connection. Balancing remembrance of September 11, 2001 with analysis of September 11, 2025 — listen to this conversation conversation about grief, anger, division, and whether there’s still a path back to unity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.