Show Notes
Should taxpayer dollars fund schools—or follow students? Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams is a Democrat who's breaking with his party on school choice, arguing that America's public education system is failing too many children. He joins Michael to discuss school vouchers, charter schools, teachers unions, and the Trump administration's new federal scholarship tax credit. Plus, callers challenge Williams on whether school choice helps disadvantaged students or simply takes money away from public schools. Original air date 22 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More from The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: It takes 218 seats to control the House. How will the midterms end? a) Republicans keep control, b) Democrats win narrowly (218–229 seats), or c) Democrats win big (230 seats or more)? With just eight days until the 2026 midterm elections, Michael examines whether Republicans can hold the House or whether Democrats are headed for a commanding victory. Election forecasts from Cook Political Report, Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball, and Nate Silver increasingly favor Democrats, while betting markets point toward a sizable majority. Michael breaks down the numbers, the stakes of reaching 218 seats, and why the difference between a narrow win and a blue wave could reshape Washington. Listen in, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com and be sure to rate, review and share 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.
This is the audio version of 'Can We Agree?' Episode #5. "Can We Agree?" is the program that asks whether two brilliant minds from opposite corners of an argument can find any common ground on the questions that matter most to Americans today. Build or ban? Here's what every citizen should know before a giant AI data center gets built in their community. Debating the benefits and dangers of developing AI data centers in this episode of "Can We Agree?":
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did JD Vance help or hurt his chances of winning the 2028 GOP nomination by defending Ramaswamy's ad? Vice President JD Vance is standing behind Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, even as prominent Republicans condemn its deeply personal content. President Trump has doubled down in support, but Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other GOP leaders are pushing back. Michael examines whether Vance's unwavering loyalty to Trump and Ramaswamy strengthens his standing with MAGA voters or risks alienating Republicans looking for a different direction after the midterms. Could this controversy open the door for Marco Rubio or another 2028 contender? Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review and share 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.
Are the kids alright? After joining former RNC Chairman Michael Steele for a conversation with 600 students at Pennsylvania's Hill School, Michael shares his message to America's next generation. Are Americans truly more divided than ever, or have we simply forgotten how to disagree? From political polarization and social media misinformation to the dangers of living in ideological bubbles, Michael challenges young people to think independently, question their assumptions, and engage in democracy. Callers weigh in on the greatest threats to America's future, while Michael makes the case that what unites us is still far more important than what divides us. Original air date 22 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Ramaswamy's ad using his rival's mother will: a) help him, b) hurt him, or c) make no difference. Vivek Ramaswamy's latest attack ad in the Ohio governor's race features Amy Acton's estranged mother calling her own daughter a liar. But there's a stunning detail the commercial leaves out: mother and daughter reportedly haven't seen each other in 47 years, and troubling court records tell a very different story. Michael examines whether the ad is political hardball or a spectacular miscalculation. Vice President J.D. Vance tells critics to "stop whining," while President Trump weighs in with his own reaction. Will this controversial tactic persuade Ohio voters, or will it backfire on Ramaswamy just days before the election? Listen here and rate, review and share this podcast - and vote at Smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.