Michael Andrew Smerconish[1] (/smɜːrˈkɒnɪʃ/ smur-KAHN-ish;[2] born March 15, 1962) is an American radio host, television presenter, political commentator, author, and lawyer.

His father’s family is Carpatho-Rusyn, tracing their roots to the village of Swierzowa Ruska which was located in modern Southeast Poland, not far from the Slovakian border.

Following George H. W. Bush's 1992 election loss, Smerconish spent a decade practicing law with renowned trial attorney James E. Beasley, specializing in complex tort litigation.

[9][10] In a Salon essay, he criticized the Republican Party's failure to capture Osama bin Laden and expressed his frustrations, which led to his endorsement.

After broadcaster Dominic Quinn's death in 1996, Smerconish moved to weekend mornings, but left WWDB in 1997 when the station began airing infomercials disguised as programs.

In 2013, Smerconish moved his radio show to Sirius XM’s POTUS Channel, citing his desire for nonpartisan discussions after leaving the Republican Party in 2010.

[20] Following the September 11 attacks, Smerconish became interested in the 9/11 Commission's investigation, specifically a question posed by Commissioner John Lehman to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, regarding political correctness in airport security.

His investigation led to his testimony before a Senate subcommittee, and he later authored Flying Blind: How Political Correctness Continues to Compromise Airline Safety Post 9/11 (2004), donating all proceeds to a 9/11 memorial.

[25] He has earned numerous accolades for his work in media, including being named one of America’s most important talk show hosts by Talkers Magazine.

In response, Smerconish addressed the students' demands on his podcast and website,[29] stating that although he had not reviewed the book recently, he would likely "stand behind every single word.

"[30] Subsequently, Dickinson College decided to revoke his invitation and honorary degree, citing "overwhelming opposition from our faculty and students" and concerns that his presence could distract from the commencement event, according to President John E.

[31] In December 2024, Smerconish lamented the fact that there are no makeshift memorials commemorating the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson who was assassinated in New York City earlier that month.