Podcast Summary: The Rubin Report

Episode Title: The Real Reason Everyone Just Realized What Democrats Really Are | Stephen A. Smith
Host: Dave Rubin
Guest: Stephen A. Smith
Release Date: January 11, 2025

1. Introduction to Stephen A. Smith

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt exchange between host Dave Rubin and guest Stephen A. Smith. Stephen A. Smith, renowned sports broadcaster and commentator, emphasizes his respect for conservatives and Republicans despite not supporting Donald Trump. He states:

"I tip my hat to the Republicans, to the conservatives out here and what they did in this last election. Again, I did not vote for Donald Trump..." [00:00]

2. Transition from Sports to Politics

Stephen A. discusses his journey from sports broadcasting to becoming a prominent voice in political commentary. He explains that his background in sports provided him with a unique perspective on political issues, allowing him to engage in reasoned dialogues across different viewpoints.

"The more you know, the more edified you are, and the better the possibility that you can bring rationale and reason to a dialogue..." [02:17]

3. Personal Motivations and Family Background

Delving into his personal life, Stephen A. recounts his childhood struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia, which significantly impacted his early education. A pivotal moment came when a supportive teacher recognized his hidden potential, steering him towards a passion for sports and later, social commentary.

"I still remember it as if it was yesterday... but my older sister Linda... would vacillate back and forth, teaching me how to read and write." [63:37]

4. Critique of the Democratic Party

Stephen A. provides a critical analysis of the Democratic Party, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and manipulations in recent elections. He expresses frustration with the party's attempts to portray conservatives negatively while undermining their own credibility.

"You can't sit up there standing on your pedestal, pretending to be paragons of virtue... how are you much different?" [13:17]

5. Views on Key Political Figures

The conversation delves into Stephen A.'s opinions on various political leaders:

• Donald Trump: Although Stephen A. did not vote for Trump, he acknowledges Trump's impact on the Republican base and criticizes the Democratic response to Trump's influence.

  "I know Trump before he ran for president. Yeah, we talked on the phone. We talk at basketball games or boxing events." [09:02]

• Robert Mueller and Ruth Bader Ginsburg: He criticizes the handling of certain legal and judicial figures, expressing distrust in their motivations and decisions.

  "...the way that they do that is hypocrisy." [14:57]

6. Media Bias and Partisanship

Stephen A. addresses the increasing partisanship in mainstream media, emphasizing the importance of objective journalism. He distinguishes his role as a journalist from that of pundits who may allow personal biases to influence their reporting.

"You can't be partisan in what you disseminate. When you're calling yourself a newscast... I deleted 'journalist' from my title." [27:06]

7. The Intersection of Sports and Politics

The dialogue explores how sports broadcasting has become intertwined with political discourse. Stephen A. expresses concern over the politicization of sports, noting that political discussions often overshadow the sporting events themselves.

"What else do you want in your career at this point, now that you're sort of, you're in both worlds and it's working." [55:11]

He criticizes practices like intentional walks in baseball and excessive political commentary in basketball broadcasts, arguing that they detract from the purity of the sports experience.

"I despise intentional walks... bypassing the competition." [18:36]

8. Personal Relationships and Political Stances

Stephen A. shares experiences where his political opinions have strained relationships, both within his professional sphere and personal life. He underscores his commitment to honesty and integrity, even when it leads to conflict.

"I've called for people to be fired that were friends of mine. It broke my heart." [28:06]

9. Aspirations and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Stephen A. expresses a desire to continue being a voice of reason, bridging gaps between differing political spectrums. While he does not aspire to run for office, he values opportunities to engage in meaningful debates and discussions.

"I want to be a voice of reason. I want to be a voice that anybody from the right and left can talk to." [55:18]

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on handling criticism and maintaining authenticity in the face of public scrutiny. Stephen A. emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and not succumbing to external pressures.

"I'm at a place in my life and in my career where I can reach out and touch anybody I want to, any damn time I want to." [60:58]

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Act: Stephen A. Smith navigates the complex interplay between sports and politics, advocating for objective commentary amidst rising partisanship.

• Integrity over Popularity: He prioritizes honesty and factual reporting over maintaining relationships, even when it leads to professional tensions.

• Criticism of Media Bias: Stephen A. criticizes the mainstream media for its partisan slant, advocating for unbiased journalism.

• Personal Resilience: Overcoming early academic challenges, Stephen A. leverages his experiences to fuel his passion for both sports and social discourse.

• Future Aspirations: While content with his current role, he remains open to expanding his influence as a moderated commentator bridging ideological divides.

Notable Quotes:

• "I am completely disgusted that Judge Mershon... You're still going to sentence the President. Really? Really. What are you going to do with him?" [14:57]

• "You can't be partisan in what you disseminate. When you're calling yourself a newscast..." [27:06]

• "I want to be a voice of reason. I want to be a voice that anybody from the right and left can talk to." [55:18]

• "I'm the kind of person that I want real friends. I don't want friends that all of a sudden don't become friends because we find ourselves in a disagreement." [28:23]

This episode offers a deep dive into Stephen A. Smith's perspectives on the current political landscape, media integrity, and the fusion of sports with socio-political issues. His candid reflections provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of his stance and the challenges faced by commentators navigating a polarized environment.