Ep 28. Episode 28

Smerconish is a political talk show that airs on CNN every Saturday morning. Hosted by Michael Smerconish, the show aims to provide a balanced and nuanced discussion on the most pressing issues facing the United States and the world at large. The show typically features a mix of interviews, panel discussions, and commentary segments, as well as an audience participation component.

In Season 7, Episode 28 of Smerconish, the focus is on the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and its implications for America's reputation on the world stage. In the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of the country, many are questioning whether the U.S. should have withdrawn its troops and whether President Biden made the right decision to do so. Michael Smerconish delves into these questions and more in a thoughtful and nuanced conversation with his guests.

The first segment of the show features an interview with Abdullah Abdullah, former Chief Executive of Afghanistan. Abdullah provides his perspective on the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and shares his thoughts on what the U.S. should have done differently. He also offers some insights into the motivations and strategies of the Taliban, drawing on his own experience negotiating with the group.

Next up is a panel discussion with three guests: Al Cardenas, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida; Jen Psaki, former White House Communications Director under President Obama; and Dan Senor, former advisor to President George W. Bush. The panelists offer differing views on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with Cardenas and Senor arguing that it was mishandled and has damaged America's credibility, while Psaki defends Biden's decision as a necessary step to end America's longest war.

The third segment of the show focuses on the political implications of the Afghanistan crisis. Smerconish interviews Charles Blow, New York Times columnist, and Lanhee Chen, a Hoover Institution fellow and Director of Domestic Policy Studies at Stanford University. The two guests discuss the possible electoral consequences of the Afghanistan crisis, particularly for the Biden administration and the Democratic Party as a whole.

Finally, the episode concludes with Smerconish responding to viewer questions and comments. This segment provides an opportunity for audience members to weigh in on the discussion and share their own perspectives on the issues raised in the previous segments.

Overall, Season 7, Episode 28 of Smerconish is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and its broader implications. Through a mix of expert insights, panel discussions, and audience participation, Michael Smerconish and his guests offer a nuanced and balanced perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time.