Podcast Summary: PTFO - We Fact-Checked Stephen A.'s LeBron and Kobe Story — and Polled 1,000+ Voters on His Presidential Campaign

Host and Panelists:

• Pablo Torre
• Tim Miller
• Wyatt Cenac

Release Date: April 4, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," host Pablo Torre, alongside co-hosts Tim Miller and Wyatt Cenac, delves into the contentious feud between sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and NBA superstar LeBron James. The episode centers on fact-checking Stephen A.'s claims regarding LeBron's attendance at Kobe Bryant's memorial service and explores the surprising results of a recent poll suggesting Stephen A. Smith’s viability as a presidential candidate.

2. Fact-Checking Stephen A.'s LeBron and Kobe Story

The discussion kicks off with Pablo Torre addressing Stephen A. Smith's public apology to LeBron James concerning claims about LeBron's absence at Kobe Bryant's memorial service.

• Stephen A. Smith's Claim:

  "I never really discussed why you were not at Kobe Bryant's memorial service."
  (01:21)

• Fact-Check Findings:

  • Multiple reputable sources, including the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Entertainment Tonight, confirm LeBron James was present at the memorial.
  • LeBron James requested not to be filmed during the service, leading to misconceptions about his attendance.
  • High-level insiders from the Lakers organization, including owner Jeanie Buss, corroborate that LeBron was not visible during the event.

• Notable Quote:

  "There's no way he was there. If he was, he was Casper the Ghost." – Jeanie Buss, Lakers Owner
  (07:40)

Despite Stephen A.'s assertions, the investigation reveals that LeBron James was indeed present but chose to remain off-camera, a detail that Stephen A. later acknowledged as a misstatement.

3. Polling Over Stephen A.'s Presidential Campaign

Transitioning from sports controversies to political aspirations, the panel examines a recent Rasmussen poll surveying over 1,000 likely American voters about Stephen A. Smith's potential presidential run.

• Poll Highlights:

  • Voter Support:
    • Stephen A. Smith: 34%
    • Hillary Clinton (2016): 36%
    • Joe Biden (2024): 27%
  • Head-to-Head Matchups:
    • Kamala Harris vs. Stephen A. Smith (2028 Democratic Primary):
      • Kamala Harris: 45%
      • Stephen A. Smith: 24%
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vs. Stephen A. Smith:
      • AOC: 32%
      • Stephen A.: 28%

• Notable Quotes:

  "I'm spiritually with you, but I don't know. My shadow self is tingling." – Wyatt Cenac
  (18:06)

  "Stephen A. just wants attention." – Tim Miller
  (17:12)

The polling data suggests that while Stephen A. Smith garners significant attention, his viability as a serious presidential candidate is questionable, especially when compared to established political figures.

4. Analysis of Polling Data and Potential Viability

The panel scrutinizes the implications of the polling results, discussing Stephen A.'s strengths and weaknesses in a hypothetical presidential campaign.

• Strengths:

  • Name Recognition: High visibility from media presence.
  • Moderate Support: Solid backing among specific voter demographics.

• Weaknesses:

  • Political Experience: Lack of substantial political background.
  • Perceived Seriousness: Viewed by some as seeking attention rather than genuine political reform.

• Comparative Insights:

  • Stephen A. vs. J.D. Vance:

    "He is not the best metacharacter... Stephen A. Smith right now." – Wyatt Cenac
    (28:31)

  • Stephen A. as an Independent vs. Major Party Candidates:

    "He's not a spoiler; he's taking equally from both JD Vance and Kamala Harris."
    (35:34)

The analysis concludes that while Stephen A. has notable support, his lack of political infrastructure and perceived motivations may hinder a successful campaign.

5. Discussion on Democratic Party's Direction and Candidate Needs

Pablo Torre, Tim Miller, and Wyatt Cenac engage in a broader conversation about the Democratic Party's current challenges and the qualities needed in a candidate to lead effectively.

• Key Points:

  • Leaderless Persona: The party struggles with defining a clear and charismatic leader.
  • Candidate Attributes: Emphasis on effective communication skills, akin to past successful candidates like Obama, is highlighted as crucial.
  • Voter Demographics: The importance of appealing to a broad base, especially white voters, is discussed in the context of recent election trends.

• Notable Quote:

  "Maybe, we just need to accept that talking is a pretty key part of the job and that the Democrats should probably orient themselves to finding somebody who's really, really good at talking." – Wyatt Cenac
  (33:17)

The panel suggests that the Democratic Party might benefit from a candidate who excels in communication and can unite diverse voter groups, rather than relying solely on media personalities like Stephen A.

6. Conclusions and Takeaways

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the implications of their findings and discussions.

• Fact-Check Outcome:

  • LeBron James was indeed present at Kobe Bryant's memorial service but chose to remain off-camera, contrary to Stephen A.'s initial claims.

• Polling Insights:

  • Stephen A. Smith holds notable support but faces significant challenges in translating media presence into political viability.
  • The Democratic Party may need to seek candidates with stronger political credentials and genuine reform agendas to resonate with voters.

• Final Notable Quote:

  "What did we find out today, guys?" – Pablo Torre

  "Stephen A. Smith is a viable minor candidate for the Democratic nominee in 2028, but maybe not as viable as he thinks." – Wyatt Cenac
  (50:08)

The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding media figures in politics and the ongoing search for effective leadership within the Democratic Party.

Conclusion:

This episode provides an in-depth examination of Stephen A. Smith's interactions with LeBron James, the realities of his presence at Kobe Bryant's memorial, and a critical analysis of his potential as a presidential candidate based on recent polling data. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into the Democratic Party's current leadership challenges and the attributes needed for future candidates to successfully navigate the political landscape.