The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Episode Title: Full Show: 3rd Term, Talk of Trump vs Obama | Talk Cory Booker Talk! Trump trying to rewrite OUR Black History

1. Political Landscape: Trump's Potential Third Term

Timestamp [00:00 - 03:41]

Stephen A. Smith opens the episode by addressing current political turmoil in Washington, D.C. He highlights the unprecedented nature of President Donald Trump potentially seeking a third term, despite the clear stipulations of the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits anyone from being elected to the presidency more than twice.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith [03:41]: "If you were allowed for some reason to run for a third term, is…"

Smith elaborates on Trump's reluctance to dismiss the idea outright and expresses skepticism about the feasibility of circumventing constitutional amendments. He underscores the gravity of such discussions, emphasizing that they undermine the foundational legal framework of the United States.

2. Cory Booker's Senate Filibuster and Gavin Newsom's Critique

Timestamp [03:41 - 20:04]

The conversation shifts to Senator Cory Booker's extensive speech on the Senate floor, where he criticizes the Trump administration for jeopardizing American safety, financial stability, and democratic foundations. Booker’s prolonged address serves as a protest against policies he deems harmful.

Notable Quote:

Cory Booker [19:50]: "In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on American safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy, and even our aspirations as a people for our highest offices, a sense of common decency."

Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom's remarks on "Real Time with Bill Maher" are scrutinized. Newsom criticizes his own party, labeling its brand as "toxic" and urging Democrats to own their mistakes. Smith questions Newsom's consistency, noting his previous stances on issues like transgender athletes and sanctuary cities.

Notable Quote:

Gavin Newsom [19:30]: "Democrats, we tend to be a little more judgmental than we should be. We need to own our mistakes. We need to own what's wrong with our party."

Smith contends that Newsom's criticisms are hypocritical, pointing out his former positions that contradicted his current statements. He warns that such internal conflicts could erode Democratic support, particularly among minority communities.

3. NBA Playoffs: Seedings and Potential Matchups

Timestamp [27:59 - 39:17]

Transitioning to sports, Smith delves into the NBA playoffs' Western Conference seedings. He discusses the implications of the Denver Nuggets holding the third seed, the Los Angeles Lakers at fourth, and the Golden State Warriors at sixth. The focus is on potential first-round matchups that could significantly impact the progression of the playoffs.

Smith speculates on scenarios where star players like LeBron James and Steph Curry could face off, potentially leading to one team's early exit from the tournament. He emphasizes the unpredictability of the playoffs and the excitement surrounding these high-stakes games.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith [35:20]: "At some point in time, we got to make a decision, ladies and gentlemen. Think about the scenario here..."

4. Interview with Jay Ellis: Career Highlights and NBA Insights

Timestamp [39:17 - 59:29]

Jay Ellis, known for his role on HBO's "Insecure," joins the show to discuss his latest project, "Freaky Tales," and his perspectives on the NBA Finals. Ellis shares insights into his acting career, including the rigorous training he underwent for martial arts and weapons work in his upcoming film. He highlights his dedication to authenticity, recounting learning multiple martial arts styles and emphasizing the importance of storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

Jay Ellis [46:52]: "This is a wild movie, bro. It brings together four different groups of people and four different stories that all obviously converge."

During their conversation, Ellis weighs in on NBA Finals predictions, expressing support for the Boston Celtics' championship prospects. He appreciates the competitive nature of potential matchups and the narratives that drive the excitement of the playoffs.

Notable Quotes:

Jay Ellis [57:03]: "I think Boston gets there. I think we know that."

Smith and Ellis engage in a spirited discussion about the merits of different teams, with Smith expressing a preference for competitive and evenly matched finals to ensure a thrilling conclusion to the season.

5. Listener Calls and Interactive Banter

Timestamp [59:29 - 80:34]

The show features several listener calls, primarily involving interactions with "Josh Smith," Stephen A.'s nephew. These segments are characterized by playful banter, humor, and lighthearted exchanges about personal anecdotes, dating advice, and fictional political aspirations.

While these interactions provide entertainment value, they diverge from the main thematic content of political and sports analysis. Nonetheless, they contribute to the show's engaging and personable atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith [65:01]: "I think that the Lakers are no match for them, whereas they're a better match for Cleveland. And so because of... Would make for an epic matchup."

6. Concluding Thoughts and Final Interactions

Timestamp [80:34 - End]

In the final segments, Smith wraps up the episode with closing remarks, reiterating key points discussed earlier. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on substantive issues over partisan distractions and encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully with current events.

The episode concludes with additional playful interactions and remarks, maintaining the show's signature blend of serious discourse and entertaining dialogue.

Overall Insights and Conclusions:

• Constitutional Integrity: Smith underscores the significance of adhering to constitutional mandates, particularly concerning presidential term limits, cautioning against rhetoric that seeks to undermine established legal frameworks.

• Political Accountability: The discussions highlight internal critiques within political parties, emphasizing the need for accountability and constructive self-assessment to regain public trust.

• Sports Narratives: The NBA segment reflects the show's commitment to not only analyzing current sports events but also exploring the human stories and strategic decisions that shape the outcomes of major tournaments.

• Entertainment Industry Dynamics: Through his conversation with Jay Ellis, Smith delves into the interplay between acting careers and storytelling, showcasing the dedication required to bring authentic narratives to the screen.

• Engaging Audience Interaction: The listener call segments, while lighthearted, reinforce the show's interactive nature, fostering a sense of community and relatability among its audience.

Final Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith [75:46]: "If she's freezing, that's a problem."

This episode exemplifies "The Stephen A. Smith Show's" multifaceted approach, blending incisive political analysis with passionate sports commentary and engaging personal interactions, delivering a comprehensive and entertaining experience for its listeners.