Smerconish tops my list of media commentators

I am often critical of media personalities in my commentaries. However, I was recently asked by a friend, “Who do you like?”

The answer to that question might come as a surprise to critics who regularly accuse me of being a captive of right-wing media. Au contraire. I watch the networks—CNN and MSNBC—much more than Fox News, perhaps because they provide more grist for my writing mill. In criticizing left-wing media, I draw upon my own conservative beliefs and experiences. I do not need to be coached by others. And besides, I do not always agree with major conservative influencers and have written negative commentaries about such right-leaning personalities as Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, Alex Jones, and others.

Without hesitation, the answer to my friend was Michael Smerconish.

In a media landscape often dominated by hyperbole, tribalism, and ideological warfare, one political commentator stands out—at least to me. Smerconish is a rare beacon of balance and intellectual integrity. For viewers who crave substance over spectacle, Smerconish offers a refreshing alternative, one rooted in curiosity, fairness, and a commitment to exploring issues that matter, even when they are not trending at the moment.

His weekly 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning program on CNN, simply titled Smerconish, is a masterclass in thoughtful journalism. In thirty minutes, he tackles three critical subjects with clarity, depth, and a refusal to pander to partisan expectations. He does not preach—nor does he encourage preaching. He features knowledgeable guests, rather than talking point parrots — and often places his own opinion on reserve. He does not proselytize or push a narrow partisan agenda. Rather, he asks incisive questions.  None of the leading with gotcha inquiries, so common with the legacy media. 

A Brief Biography

Born on March 15, 1962, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Smerconish grew up in a politically engaged household. He earned his B.A. from Lehigh University and later a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. His early career was steeped in politics and law—he worked on campaigns for figures like Arlen Specter and Frank Rizzo and served in the George H. W. Bush administration as a regional HUD administrator.

However, it was in media where Smerconish found his true calling. He began as a guest on Philadelphia’s WWDB radio in the early 1990s, eventually hosting his own show. By 2003, he had taken over the morning slot on WPHT, and in 2009, he became the first talk radio host to interview President Barack Obama live from the White House. His radio show went national, and in 2013, he moved to SiriusXM’s POTUS Channel, where The Michael Smerconish Program airs weekdays.

Smerconish’s political journey mirrors that of many Americans who feel alienated by the extremes. Raised in a Republican household, he supported GOP candidates for decades before endorsing Barack Obama in 2008 and formally leaving the party in 2010. Today, he identifies as an independent, and his commentary reflects a centrist ethos that prioritizes pragmatism over partisanship. He has interviewed every living U.S. president, along with vice presidents, senators, and cultural icons.

He has criticized the media for fueling polarization and has urged viewers to diversify their news diets. His book Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right is a compilation of columns that reflect this nuanced approach, offering commentary that is neither predictable nor polemical.

His CNN Format

Smerconish’s CNN show is a rarity—a half-hour format that does not waste a second. He features guests, but there is no shouting, no panel of pundits talking over each other, and no predictable partisan propaganda. Smerconish does not pretend to have all the answers, nor does he push a rigid ideological agenda. He is willing to challenge both the left and the right. A regular feature is a viewer poll on one of the subjects du jour. From the results announced at the end of the show, it is reasonable to assume that his audience leans left.

Final Thoughts

In an age of echo chambers and outrage cycles, Smerconish offers something increasingly rare—a space for thoughtful engagement. In a media environment that often rewards noise over knowledge, Smerconish is a quiet sanctuary of sanity.

He is the only commentator I automatically record each week, so I rarely miss a show. I have written in the past that CNN would be wise to give Smerconish a weeknight primetime hour-long show. It just might help CNN slow its ratings decline.

I do not always agree with Smerconish — but after each show, I walk away a little smarter and a little better informed.  Any person not captive to their own tribal dogma and propaganda narratives would find Smerconish to be a breath of fresh air. 

So, there it is.