The Stephen A. Smith Show – ELECTION INTEGRITY; COLIN ALLRED; BILL MAHER

Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Stephen A. Smith (SiriusXM POTUS Radio, Channel 124)

Episode Overview

Stephen A. Smith expands his “Straight Shooter” show beyond sports, diving into the pressing issues making headlines this week—election integrity, political polarization, and notable current events. He offers unfiltered commentary, sharp insights, and calls out hyperbole on both sides, bringing a centrist, skeptical eye to the political discourse.

The episode features:

• An in-depth monologue on election integrity and current political discourse.
• Interviews with former Rep. Colin Allred on Texas Democratic Party disputes and Senate race dynamics.
• An extended interview with HBO’s Bill Maher, reflecting on Trump-era politics, the role of hyperbole in political debate, and the evolving challenges on the left.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Election Integrity: Stephen A. critically analyzes recent GOP and Trump administration moves to “nationalize” elections and the proposed SAVE Act, raising concerns about intentions and the impact on voter access.
• Democratic Strategy and Infighting: A look into the Texas Democratic Party, race in electoral politics, and whether recent infighting boosts or harms the party’s prospects.
• Political Hyperbole & Its Risks: Both parties’ use of extreme rhetoric, its effects on centrists/independents, and why Democrats should avoid mimicking Trump’s style.
• Special Guests: Honest, candid conversations with Colin Allred and Bill Maher on political strategy, honesty in discourse, and the perils/necessity of “real talk” in today’s political landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Stephen A.’s Monologue: Election Integrity, Trump, and the Risks of Hyperbole

[00:00–21:52]

• Opening Frustration: Stephen A. affirms his political stance as an “independent leaning left, fiscal conservative” and expresses alarm at Trump’s proposals.

  • “I’m a registered independent who obviously leans left. Most times I’m a fiscal conservative…disgusted for what I’m seeing.” [01:30]

• Trump’s Push for Nationalized Voting & SAVE Act: Trump and GOP propose taking over election administration (see GOP calls to “nationalize voting” and require strict voter ID).

  • Stephen A. explains:
    • “Republicans ought to nationalize the voting…We have states that are so crooked.” [04:02; quoting Trump]
    • Critiques White House attempts to spin the proposal as “common sense”—reminds audience the requirements would disenfranchise many.

• Focus on Exclusion, Not Security: Cites Brennan Center estimates that over 21 million Americans would struggle to meet the SAVE Act’s ID requirements, including young, elderly, low-income, and minorities.

  • “Over 21 million eligible U.S. citizens lack ready access to the documentary proof required under the SAVE Act.” [11:28]
  • Reframes: The debate isn’t just about “showing ID,” but structural exclusion.

• Warning to Democrats: Criticizes Senator Schumer’s “Jim Crow 2.0” language (referencing new voting restrictions), arguing exaggeration backfires and alienates moderates/independents.

  • “Avoid the hyperbole, avoid Jim Crow 2.0, because…that’s going to lead to an abundance of American citizens looking at it and harkening back to real time when Jim Crow laws were in full effect…Most importantly, those who are centrist…are going to say, yes, that definitely is hyperbolic.” [15:54]

• Political Landscape: Stephen A. questions Trump’s obsession with the 2020 election even after his 2024 victory, suggesting his focus on old grievances breeds chaos—what got him booted in 2020.

  • “A commander in chief of the greatest nation…, more preoccupied with an election he lost than the election he just won.” [18:41]

2. Interview: Colin Allred on Texas Democratic Infighting

[24:26–45:48]

Topic: Fallout after a viral video claims Rep. James Talarico made a racially insensitive remark regarding Allred and Jasmine Crockett.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Nature of the Allegation:

  • Allred explains the controversy: “[Talarico] was planning on running against a mediocre black man, meaning me, not a talented and intelligent black woman, meaning Jasmine Crockett…” [25:54]
  • Allred stresses the issue is not criticism of his campaign, but “the formulation of making it about race.” [27:23]
  • Emphasizes need for leaders “who…have empathy…[and] understanding of all the groups that are part of the Democratic coalition.” [27:43]

• Talarico’s Response:

  • Talarico denies attacking Allred on race but stands by calling the campaign “mediocre.” [28:35]
  • Allred responds: “If somebody said that I said something I didn’t say, I would just say I didn’t say it.” [31:01]

• Praising Black Women to Mask Criticism of Black Men:

  • “We’re tired of folks using praise for black women…to mask criticism for black men…Don’t pit people against each other.” [32:13]

• Impact on the Race:

  • Allred notes he only endorsed Crockett after this incident; previously intended to stay out of the race. [33:53]
  • “I have to respond both on my behalf, but…not showing disrespect to black candidates, to how important black voters are in our state.” [35:04]

• Polling and Path Forward:

  • Crockett leads with 75% support among Black likely Democratic voters. [38:46]
  • Allred’s advice: “Tell your story, tell in a way that includes everyone, brings everyone along and tell them, you know, why you’re fighting…” [39:21]
  • On Republican upsets: Cites recent Democratic wins as evidence that “we can make change happen.” [41:24]

• Democratic Pitfalls:

  • Allred: “We cannot be defending an indefensible status quo. …We can’t just call out [Trumpian] corruption and not our own.” [43:32]

Notable Moment — On Party Strategy:

Stephen A.: “Don’t fall into trying to be Trumpish.” [43:22]
Colin Allred: “You’re absolutely right…It lends itself to this feeling that it’s all corrupt, the whole thing is rigged.” [43:32]

3. Listener Calls & Stephen A.’s Rebuttals

[60:19–77:25]

• Debating Bias: Callers accuse Stephen A. of bias (“Trump Syndrome”), only interviewing Democrats, or not being fair.

  • Stephen A. counters with a list of conservative guests and his criticism of both parties.
    • “Sixteen conservative guests, 16 liberals. Know what that’s called? Being fair.” [79:21]

• On Obama’s Deportation Record:

  • Stephen A. notes Obama deported 3.1 million people, more than Trump, arguing it’s about approach and optics, not just policy. [67:19, 56:50]
  • “Sometimes you could get more flies with honey than vinegar. And when you’re too willing to use vinegar, optics, step in.” [67:59]

• ICE and Police Conduct:

  • Highlights recent polling showing declining support for ICE—debates whether tough tactics at the border are effective or politically damaging. [48:43–53:35]

4. Interview: Bill Maher on Political Discourse and Election Integrity

[85:40–97:15]

• On ICE Pullback After Minneapolis Incident:

  • Bill Maher: “They reacted to politics, which is actually a positive thing…Trump is not somebody who doesn’t pay attention…The message has gotten through to the White House.” [87:17]

• Trump’s Obsession with 2020 and Federalizing Elections:

  • “He does not concede elections. …The fact that he’s still obsessed about the one he lost…I mean, man, I feel like the Godfather II—‘Michael, do you have to wipe out everybody?’ You won…what does 2020 matter?” [89:05]
  • “What is Tulsi Gabbard doing in Georgia looking into the 2020 election? They combed through that like five times already. What are they going to find?” [89:43]

• On the Dangers of Political Hyperbole:

  • Agrees with Stephen A. that “Jim Crow 2.0” is an overreach.
    • “Not everything is primarily a racial issue. …It’s foolish to make it about that. …Don’t engage in the kind of hyperbole that’s just gonna bite you in the ass.” [91:43]

• Epstein Files and Elites’ Accountability:

  • Maher discusses new revelations—“Anybody…able to get in touch with Jeffrey Epstein, they were doing it. And they all lied about it. …Where does QAnon go for the apology? …You weren’t totally wrong about that.” [92:46]

• On Democratic Party and Wokeness:

  • Maher draws distinction between “old-school liberals” and “woke excesses,” noting backlash he’s received for talking to Trump and refusing to “just say, well, you know, that’s the blue team, I’m not going to say anything.” [95:31]
  • “You have no argument. These people…it’s just emotional. We hate Trump and you talk to him. He’s the president. You have to talk to him.” [96:27]
  • “He needs more people like me talking to him, not less…It’s certainly better than just having Stephen Miller talk to him.” [96:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On “Jim Crow 2.0” (Stephen A.):

“Avoid the hyperbole, avoid Jim Crow 2.0, because…that’s going to lead to an abundance of American citizens looking at it and harkening back to real time when Jim Crow laws were in full effect…Most importantly, those who are centrist…are going to say, yes, that definitely is hyperbolic.” [15:54]

On Trump Nationalizing Elections (Stephen A.):

“We have states that are so crooked and the county votes. We have states that I won that show I didn’t win.” (Quoting Trump) [04:02]

On Establishing the Stakes (Bill Maher):

“He does not concede elections…What does 2020 matter? But that’s kind of an obsession with him.” [89:05]

On Democrats and Corruption (Colin Allred):

“When I talk about the corruption of the Trump administration, they’ll say, what about the corruption in Congress?...We can’t just call out one version of it and not call out other versions.” [43:32]

On Calling Out Both Sides (Stephen A.):

“I started the show…in September. Do you know how many guests I had? …16 conservatives and 16 liberals…That’s called being fair.” [79:09–79:21]

Key Timestamps for Reference

• 00:00–21:52 Stephen A.’s opening monologue on Trump, election nationalization, SAVE Act, and risks of hyperbolic language.
• 24:26–45:48 Colin Allred interview—disputes within Texas Democrats, race and strategy in the Senate primary, vision for moving forward.
• 48:43–53:35 Discussion of ICE, polling, and deportation policy outcomes.
• 60:19–77:25 Listener calls: accusations of bias; debate on objectivity; Stephen A. rebuts, highlights his positions and guest booking.
• 85:40–97:15 Bill Maher interview: Borders, federalized elections, party excesses, Democratic strategy, Jeffrey Epstein revelations.
• 91:43 Maher agrees with Stephen A. on the need to avoid racial hyperbole in modern political contests.

Tone & Style

True to form, Stephen A. brings the brash, no-nonsense honesty he’s known for, acknowledging political complexity and calling out “BS” wherever he sees it. His guests, particularly Maher and Allred, match his candor: the episode is fast-paced, animated, sometimes funny, and deeply skeptical of both party lines.

Conclusion

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in:

• The nuances of voter integrity legislation.
• The dangers of rhetorical escalation in modern politics.
• Real-world party dynamics and intra-party debates.
• Honest, sharp-tongued commentary that refuses to be pressured by party orthodoxy.

Big takeaway:
Both the left and right risk alienating key voters when they resort to hyperbole and exclusion—honesty, empathy, and tough scrutiny (of all sides) are desperately needed in today’s high-stakes political climate.