CNN host Michael Smerconish encountered unexpected poll results during his Saturday, August 2, 2025, program, as a survey he commissioned revealed significant support for President Donald Trump. The results indicated that 76 percent of viewers believe Democrats should publicly acknowledge Trump’s achievements when they align with their views, while 24 percent disagreed.
The question posed on Smerconish’s website asked if it would benefit Democrats to publicly give Trump credit for accomplishments they support. Anticipating different results, Smerconish shielded himself from seeing the final numbers by holding up a newspaper before making his prediction.
Smerconish initially predicted widespread disagreement with the poll question. However, upon seeing the actual data, he was visibly surprised. He confirmed there was no manipulation and admitted he did not foresee such an outcome.
The unexpected results drew criticism from some Trump opponents on social media. One critic questioned the relevance of the question, suggesting Smerconish should focus on public opinion regarding what they described as authoritarian actions in the White House, specifically mentioning changes at the Smithsonian Institution.
Smerconish responded by labeling the critic as part of the problem for Democrats, describing such critics as ineffective and stating, “If you want to complain about everything, then it becomes white noise.” He used the metaphor of a tree falling in the forest with nobody hearing it to illustrate his point about constant criticism losing its impact.
The host encouraged Democrats to take a more strategic approach in their opposition, recommending they choose their battles carefully. He cautioned that constant outrage might be undermining their credibility with voters, as Trump continues to gain support nationwide.
This development occurred during a period when Smerconish had been commenting on Trump’s performance. In a June 29, 2025, broadcast, he acknowledged that although he often disagrees with the President, Trump was experiencing what he considered the most successful period of his second term. At that time, he praised Trump’s accomplishments, including foreign policy decisions and economic developments.
During that earlier broadcast, Smerconish highlighted Trump’s performance at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where he reportedly secured agreements from allies to increase their defense spending targets from two percent to five percent of gross domestic product by 2035. He also noted Trump’s interactions with a Ukrainian journalist, describing the president’s demeanor as empathetic.
Smerconish has been hosting his Saturday morning program on CNN since March 2014, following his departure from MSNBC. The show combines topical and conversational elements, allowing him to express opinions while engaging with guests on various subjects beyond traditional political coverage.
The host identifies as independent, having formally left the Republican Party in 2010. He consistently positions his show as appealing to viewers who do not align strictly with either major political party, distinguishing his approach from the more partisan programming typically found on cable news networks.
The poll results represent a significant moment for Smerconish, known for presenting what he considers balanced perspectives on political issues. His background in radio, including his ongoing work on SiriusXM, influences his television format, where he covers diverse topics ranging from Washington politics to popular culture references.