The Rubin Report: Stephen A. Smith Makes Bill Maher Go Quiet with His Scorching Attack on Democrats

Release Date: January 27, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin engages in a dynamic conversation with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and comedian Bill Maher. The trio delves into the shifting political landscape in the United States, focusing on the resurgence of Donald Trump’s popularity, the apparent decline of the Democratic Party, and the broader implications for American society.

1. The Resurgence of Donald Trump

Dave Rubin opens the discussion by highlighting the unexpected and rapid success of Donald Trump’s second presidency. He notes Trump's ability to deliver "win after win" and his immediate impact on various national issues.

• Rubin (00:30): "Trump is just getting win after win after win after win."

Stephen A. Smith echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Trump's competency and authenticity compared to current Democratic leaders.

• Smith (03:02): "He was impeached twice... the American people still said, he's closer to normal than what we left."

Bill Maher adds that Trump’s actions resonate with voters because he fulfills promises that Democrats failed to deliver.

• Maher (04:28): "He's doing what he said he was going to do. He promised you he was going to do these things."

2. Decline of the Democratic Party

The conversation shifts to the Democratic Party's waning influence and internal struggles. Stephen A. Smith criticizes Democrats for focusing on niche issues like transgender rights, which he argues alienate the broader electorate.

• Smith (04:28): "They're talking about issues that pertain to less than 1% of the population... what promises did you keep?"

Bill Maher supports this view, asserting that Democrats have lost touch with the average American by prioritizing political correctness over substantive policy.

• Maher (04:50): "Democrats didn't have a voice for us, somebody that speaks for us... that's why they're behind the wall."

3. Immigration Policy Overhaul

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration. Rubin praises Trump's efforts to streamline deportations and secure America's borders, contrasting them with previous administrations' perceived inefficiencies.

• Rubin (16:08): "What Trump says is people are not the problem. The organization is the problem."

Stephen A. Smith elaborates on Trump's competence in handling FEMA and disaster response, highlighting his ability to cut red tape and expedite rebuilding efforts.

• Smith (16:25): "FEMA is incompetently run and it costs about three times more than it should cost. I'm going to be the president that's going to help you fix it."

4. International Relations and Sovereignty

The episode also touches on Trump's assertive approach to international relations, particularly with Colombia. Rubin describes Trump's immediate and impactful response to Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept deportees, showcasing Trump's commitment to enforcing U.S. sovereignty.

• Rubin (52:06): "Trump is like, hey, the world is back. People know it."

Stephen A. Smith supports this by emphasizing America's regained respect on the global stage.

• Smith (50:31): "We are exercising our sovereignty and we're showing people that America’s a serious nation again."

5. Media and Perception Shifts

Dave Rubin discusses the transformation in media narratives, noting how figures like Bill Maher and Stephen A. Smith, traditionally seen as liberal voices, are now endorsing Trump’s policies. This shift signals a broader realignment in political alliances.

• Rubin (07:55): "He's making obvious points... seeds of change have been planted."

Bill Maher observes that even unlikely allies are recognizing the competence and leadership Trump brings.

• Maher (55:42): "Leaders of their countries who want to protect their borders and protect their people."

6. The Future of American Politics

Concluding the episode, Rubin anticipates a radically different cultural and political landscape within a year. He underscores the importance of competency and decisive leadership, suggesting that Trump's administration is setting the stage for significant transformations.

• Rubin (62:26): "Competency is cool again... we have laws, we have a border. Up is up, left down is down."

Stephen A. Smith adds that the Democratic Party's internal conflicts and loss of credibility will further solidify Trump's position.

• Smith (66:32): "There's nothing left... The realignment feels so complete."

Conclusion

This episode of The Rubin Report presents a critical examination of the current political dynamics in the United States. Through incisive dialogue, Rubin, Smith, and Maher explore the factors contributing to Trump's unexpected popularity, the Democratic Party's struggles, and the ensuing ramifications for American governance and society. The discussion underscores a pivotal moment of realignment, suggesting that the seeds of change are firmly taking root, heralding a new era of political discourse centered on competency and national sovereignty.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Rubin (00:30): "Trump is just getting win after win after win after win."
• Stephen A. Smith (03:02): "He's closer to normal than what we left."
• Bill Maher (04:28): "He's doing what he said he was going to do."
• Stephen A. Smith (04:28): "What promises did you keep?"
• Dave Rubin (16:08): "People are not the problem. The organization is the problem."
• Dave Rubin (52:06): "Trump is like, hey, the world is back. People know it."
• Dave Rubin (07:55): "Seeds of change have been planted."
• Stephen A. Smith (66:32): "The realignment feels so complete."
• Dave Rubin (62:26): "Competency is cool again... we have laws, we have a border. Up is up, left down is down."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the discussions and viewpoints presented without needing to listen to the podcast itself.