The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Is QB Aaron Rodgers still a BADDD Man? Celtics Coach has NHL-inspired take! Release Date: October 31, 2024

Introduction

In this riveting episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the intersecting worlds of politics and sports, offering his unfiltered opinions and engaging in thought-provoking discussions with co-host Chris Cuomo and guest Kamala Harris. As the presidential election looms less than a week away, Smith navigates through the complexities of the race while also providing keen insights into current sports happenings.

Presidential Election Analysis

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the episode by addressing the critical state of the upcoming presidential election. With less than a week remaining, he scrutinizes the closing arguments of both Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

• Trump's Rally in Pennsylvania: Smith highlights Trump's recent rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Trump boldly questioned, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” [03:31]

• Kamala Harris's Speech at the Ellipse: Contrastingly, Harris spoke at the same venue, emphasizing how her administration would diverge from Biden's. She stated, “I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for.” [03:31]

Smith critiques Biden's handling of partisan comments, drawing parallels to past political gaffes and emphasizing the resulting divisiveness. He asserts, “When you play into Trump's hands, it's us against them.” [05:40]

Campaign Rhetoric and Divisiveness

The conversation shifts to the impact of divisive rhetoric on the election's outcome. Chris Cuomo and Stephen A. Smith dissect the strategies employed by both campaigns:

• Divisive Messaging: Smith points out that both Trump and Harris utilize rhetoric that creates an "us vs. them" scenario, which he believes benefits Trump by keeping voters focused on personal attributes rather than policies. “He doesn't have to talk about specifically what he has to offer this country.” [07:10]

• Independent Voters: They discuss the pivotal role of independent voters, noting the race is "nip and tuck" between Trump and Harris. Smith expresses skepticism about Harris’s ability to galvanize voters effectively: “Can she pull it off? Has her case been made to inspire and galvanize people to go to the polls?” [11:00]

• Harris's Campaign Strategy: Critiquing Harris’s recent tactics, Smith remarks, “Her closing argument was not her best argument,” suggesting that her focus on criticizing Trump may backfire by not presenting a strong, positive vision for her own campaign. [12:15]

Upcoming Town Hall with Chris Cuomo

Chris Cuomo introduces his upcoming town hall at News Nation, aiming to bridge political divides by fostering conversation among diverse voices. He cites a recent Ipsos survey indicating that “81% say we’re more divided than they can remember,” yet “70% believe we all want the same things.” [20:55] The goal is to create dialogue that counters the prevailing silos and bubbles in political discourse.

Political Statements and Controversies

Stephen A. Smith addresses the controversial remarks made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Trump's rally, where Hinchcliffe made racially insensitive jokes. Smith condemns the incident, emphasizing Trump's responsibility for the environment in which such comments are made: “That's one of those situations... Trump is responsible because it's your rally.” [48:12]

Nikki Haley's Response: Former GOP candidate Nikki Haley criticized the Trump campaign for allowing such divisive behavior, reinforcing the importance of maintaining respectful discourse. Smith underscores the negative implications of allowing offensive remarks, questioning Trump's commitment to uniting the country.

Sports Predictions and Analysis

Transitioning from politics, Stephen A. Smith and Chris Cuomo dive into the sports segment, offering their predictions and analyses:

• NFL Insights:

  • Aaron Rodgers: Smith questions Rodgers' current form, dubbing him a "BADDD Man" but remains optimistic about his ability to perform well, especially with talented receivers like Devonte Adams and Garrett Wilson. “Aaron Rodgers... I think Garrett Wilson benefits from that. So he’s going to have more than 63 and a half receiving yards.” [16:39]
  • C.J. Stroud vs. Joe Mixon: Smith predicts high passing yards for Stroud while anticipating lower rushing yards for Mixon due to Houston's strategic focus on passing. “C.J. Stroud is that dude. More for C.J. Stroud than the 225 and a half yards.” [16:35]

• NBA Highlights:

  • Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors: Smith praises the Lakers’ strong start with Anthony Davis and lauds the Warriors for their depth, which allows key players like Steph Curry to conserve energy for the playoffs. “I like what I'm seeing from Golden State... Their bodies are as fresh as they possibly can be.” [41:19]

College Sports Highlights

A spotlight is cast on college football, particularly Indiana's undefeated season under Coach Deion Sanders. Kamala Harris commends Sanders for his effective use of the transfer portal and his ability to connect with players, fostering a strong team dynamic. “There is no coach that is connected more to his players than Deion Sanders.” [46:58]

Smith highlights the historical significance of Indiana’s performance, noting, “The last time Indiana football won more than eight games in a season was in 1967.” [47:34] This underscores the transformative impact of Sanders’s coaching.

NBA and Beyond

The episode concludes with a discussion on notable NBA moments:

• Dwyane Wade’s Statue: Smith expresses pride over Wade’s statue unveiling in Miami, acknowledging both the celebratory intent and the critiques regarding its likeness. “He’s one of the best human beings I've ever covered.” [48:12]

• Future Projections: Smith anticipates significant contributions from rising stars like Cooper Flagg in college basketball, positioning him as a future NBA top pick. “Cooper Flagg... is expected to be the first pick in the NBA draft this coming June.” [51:19]

Audience Interaction and Final Remarks

Engaging with his audience, Stephen A. Smith responds to tweets, showcasing his personable side while maintaining his signature candor. He humorously addresses inquiries about his hairline and his enjoyment of shows like Young Sheldon, reinforcing his relatable persona.

Closing Thoughts: Smith wraps up the episode by reaffirming his commitment to delivering insightful and entertaining content, promising more engaging discussions in future episodes. “I got a lot more to say, a lot more things to talk about... Until next time, everybody. Peace of love.” [59:52]

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show masterfully intertwines heated political discourse with passionate sports analysis. Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive examination of the impending presidential election, highlighting the dangers of divisive rhetoric while urging for meaningful dialogue. Simultaneously, his deep dives into NFL and NBA dynamics offer listeners a balanced mix of current events and sports entertainment. Engaged guests like Chris Cuomo and Kamala Harris enhance the conversation, making this episode both informative and highly engaging for a diverse audience.