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The Stephen A. Smith Show
Full Show: NBA Bucks may lose Giannis. Mavericks look flat. Celebrity endorsements for Harris and Trump.
01:07:34
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- [00:00]
Stephen A. Smith
Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need. Like 24.
- [00:04]
Hunter
Seven claims.
- [00:05]
Stephen A. Smith
I'm on cloud nine. Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human. What's happening? Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind, as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle what's up, everyone?
- [00:31]
Greg Rosenthal
It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [01:12]
Wes Moore
What's up, everybody? Welcome to the latest edition of the Stephen A. Smith show, coming at you at the very least three times a week over the digital airways of YouTube and of course, iHeartRadio. As always, I'd like to pause and take a moment to thank and show my appreciation all my subscribers and followers. We continue to climb and we've now exceeded over 894,000 subscribers, along with over 3 million downloads on iHeartRadio. Can't thank y'all enough for the love and support. Keep it coming and I'm gonna keep on coming to continue to like and follow the show. Just click the bell and get notified for all of our new content. And YouTube shall be the latest member new member of the Stephen A. Smith show family. And while you're doing that, please don't forget to pick up a copy of my New York Times bestselling book, Straight Shooter, A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, now in paperback. Just go to straight shooter book.com to get yourself a copy. Once again, that's straight shooter book.com to get yourself a cop. Listen, I gotta get started, all right? I gotta get started today with the NBA, where things are not looking good for the Milwaukee Bucks. All right, the Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks were destroyed last night by John Moran and the Memphis Grizzlies, 122 to 99. The Grizzlies were led by Moran, who had 26 points, 14 assistant, 10 boards, a triple double. Yes, that dude, John Moran, watch out for him. But as for Milwaukee, Giannis had 37 and 11, but that's about it. Damian Lillard, brace yourself for this. Only had 4 points on 1 for 12 shooting. That is not something that we're accustomed to seeing from Damian Lillard. Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks are currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 1 and 4. And let me tell you something right now, let me just put it out there on front street. Doc Rivers is in trouble, and the Milwaukee Bucks as a franchise are in trouble. They're old, ladies and gentlemen. They're old. Now, you can look at Giannis, Anthony Kumpo, and you could the Greek freak, and you could blame them all. You want to. I just want to remind you, the brother averaging 28 and 11, I just want to remind you of that. But the bottom line is they're old. They look old. It is what it is. Chris Middleton ain't healthy, and we get all of that. Drew Holiday's gone. Remember, you traded a bunch of your assets along with Holiday to get Damian Lillard. Remember, this is the same Milwaukee Bucks team that had a Dante DiVincenzo in 2022 and gave up on him because he couldn't recover soon enough from his ankle injury. And you brought in aging Sergi Baka, Sergio Baka. The bottom line is, when you look at it, all they've got right now, it seems, is Giannis and Damian Lillard, and it doesn't appear to be enough. The Milwaukee Bucks look bad. Now, I said he averaging 28, but let me be specific. Right now, thus far, Giannis is averaging 30.4 points per game, fourth in the NBA, shooting 66% from the field, averaging 11.6 rebounds per game, 5.8 assists, and they're still 1 and 4, getting their ass kicked. I'm bringing all of this up because Giannis might want out now after this season. He's got three years to go, plus a play option, and we get all that part. Damian Lillard got a year to go before he's got a player option. We got all of that, but what else do you have? I'm just looking at them right now. Middleton has missed 48 of his game since the start of the 2022, 23 season. You got Doc Rivers. Listen he inherited a team that was 32 and 14 and the second seed in the Eastern Conference without him. And then last year he went 17 to 19, and it was tied for 20th in terms of his rank, in terms of his record since he arrived. And now you look at what's transpiring right now. They're 18 and 23 in regular season games under Doc Rivers. That's unacceptable. I love the man, but that's unacceptable. They gotta do something. And I'm not advocating for anybody's dismissal or removal or whatever. I'm just talking about the future. The Milwaukee Bucks look bleak, so why hesitate? Why hold it back? It's pretty damn bad. When you got a Greek freak that's averaging 30 and 11 on 66% shooting from the field, and you're still losing four straight by double digits, and you only got one victory on the season, and that one victory came against the Philadelphia Eagles, who didn't have Joel Embiid and Paul George. This is pretty damn bad. This is what happened. That opening game was against the Sixers. The Sixers, no L. Joe Allen Bead, no Paul George. And that's the only victory you have. And everybody else is smoking you. Despite Giannis averaging 30 and 11, Damian Lillard struggling to shoot the ball. He missed all six of his three pointers last night. He's shooting just six for 33. That's 18 on threes in the last four games. I know he'll turn it around, but the point is he has to. Because what we didn't expect was to look at the Milwaukee Bucks and say, yo, that's all they got. That's all they have. But it is. And why am I bringing this up? Because I don't believe that Giannis is going to stay. That's where I'm coming from with it. I'm looking at his numbers. I'm mistaken. He's got three years left now with a player option in 20, 27, 2028. Damian Lillard's got this upcoming season and next, and he's got a player option a year before Giannis. Who the hell else is worth having? Chris Middleton. We've all given up on him. Brook Lopez could leave after this season. Bobby Porter's is under contract after this year for one more year, but that ain't enough. Giannis might ask out this summer. And you know what? That's got me thinking? I don't want to panic right now. I don't want to panic, but did the New York Knicks make a mistake? I mean, they gave up five Damn. Draft picks for Mikel Bridges. And I like the brother. I really, really do. And he's dependable and he's always there, but he ain't Giannis. That's five picks. Now, I know you gave up Julius Randall and Dante DiVincento. I'm not bringing up call Anthony Towns. Because the bottom line is, well, what you gave up to acquire Carl Anthony Towns, I understand it. Mikel Bridges. I believe in it, too. If you don't have a shot of Giannis, but if you got a shot at Giannis and you missed out cause you depleted all your available assets, that's a problem. That's a problem. Giannis might. Giannis might want out, y'all. I'm just saying. Let me point that out. Meanwhile, let me transition to Dallas, where the Mavericks are off to a slow start as well, which is a surprise for the defending Western Conference champions. The Mavs lost last night at home to the Houston Rockets. Kyrie and Luca was sensational, dropping 28 and 29 respectively. However, they didn't get enough support from the rest of the squad, including Klay Thompson, who only scored 12 points of three and nine shooting from deep. Listen, everybody, calm the hell down. Klay Thompson walked into last night's game averaging nearly 17 a game, shooting 45 from the field. Big number here, 42 1/2% for three point range. That's what the hell they got him there for. I'm not tripping. That brother shooting 45 from 3 point range. If Klay Thompson has got his 3 point shot flowing, look the hell out because Dallas definitely can make some noise. If you're talking about this brother shooting that accurately from three point range last year he shot at like 38% for the first eight or nine years of his career. Shot over 40% for three point range. He's one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. And with Luke and Kyrie on a basketball court with him, most of the shots he's going to get are going to be open shots. So let's understand that about Klay Thompson. I'm not worried about him. I'm looking at Luke, I'm looking at Kyrie. I know what they brought to the table. Kyrie had 35 against Minnesota the night before. Luca is spectacular. We know what he brings to the table. Still wondering whether or not Dallas has enough, but I know this much. I'm not going to throw shade on Klay Thompson, nor Dallas grabbing Klay Thompson. I think that works. I think that works. Before I go to break, let me say I Want to get take a moment to give early props to my New York Knicks. The New York Knicks are just two and two so far, but I do like what I saw from Carl Anthony Towns the other night. Dropping 44 on Miami in New York's win at home. I like that. I like that. We need that from Carl Anthony Towns. This is what I meant when I said I like the acquisition. He can catch and shoot, plus he can score in the post. Plus, by the way, Minnesota's gonna miss that defense that he put on Jokic when they went up against Denver in the Western Conference semifinals. Now, I don't like sort of call Anthony Towns having to defend on the perimeter. I know that ain't his bag, but can he defend against other big men in the posture? Can he score in the post against other big men? Absolutely. Can he step away from the basket and shoot the three better than practically any big man? So I'm very happy with Carl Anthony Towns being in New York. I knew the New York Knicks was going to struggle out of the gate. Just two and two. You got to get acclimated. Everybody acclimated. Mikhail Bridges. Call Anthony Town. They're new to this. OG Anunoby back in the bag. You know, we get all back on the squad. Jalen Brunson. No Dante DiVincenzo, though. Okay, so you got Brunson and Bridges, all right, you got Josh Hart, you got OG Anunoby. You got a call Anthony Towns. I don't want Carl Anthony Towns playing the five too much. I can't wait for Mitchell Robinson to get back. I'd like to see the Knicks get another big man. I'd like to see somebody else playing the Fossil call Anthony Towns doesn't have to do that, but either way you slice it, I'm good with it. Just don't tell me nine months from now that the New York Knicks had a chance to get Giannis and the. The compo. The Greek freak, and we didn't get him because we don't have no assets, cuz we gave them all up. Don't do it. Don't tell me that. Don't tell me that Mikel Bridges, as much as I love him, is the reason we can't get Giannis. Anton, I'm going to be heartbroken because if Yanis, if Giannis. Anton Cooper, if Giannis the Greek freak was in Gotham City, if he was playing at the Go Garden, Knicks could win it all. Knicks could win it all. But that's just me. That's where I stand with it. Coming up. I've got your picks for NFL Week 9. But first, we're just days away for the presidential election and celebrities are coming out in droves for the candidates. I'll dive into the campaign headlines and more with my Next guest, Maryland governor Mr. Westmore himself. It's going to be a very, very interesting conversation because I have very interesting questions to ask him. Don't go away. You're watching and listening to the Stephen A. Smith Show. Back with more in a minute. Okay, everybody, you know what time it is. It's time for Stephen A. Sports Picks. But let's be real, y'all. If there's one thing that everybody knows about me, it's that sports consumes my life. I watch it, I report on it, I debate it, and yes, I even dream about it. Okay, I'll admit it. But you know what? That is still not enough. I need more. And there's only one way I can fix that, and that's with Prize Picks, the largest fantasy sports platform in all the land with over 3 million members. Okay, you see, with Prize Picks, you choose two, three, four or even up to six players from your favorite sports. And then you choose more or less on their projected stats for the game. Alright, game or contest. And you can pick from literally any sport that exists. Football, basketball, hockey, boxing, tennis, even golf, for crying out loud. And get this, sign up with code, SAS and Prizefix will give you $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup. You don't need to win your lineup to receive the $50 bonus. It's guaranteed. All you have to do is play a $5 lineup on prospects and you'll get $50 instantly. Now let's see my winning picks. Today I'll be making picks for this weekend's NFL games. First up, Commander's quarterback Jaden Daniels against the New York Giants secondary. More or less than 238 and a half passing yards. Have y'all seen his brother play? He's a rookie. Clearly the rookie of the year and and without question a leading candidate for league MVP honors. The way that this brother has been balling and the watch, the commanders are in first place in the NFC East. Yes, I'm going with more. 238 and a half yards for him. Yeah, I'm going with more. Okay, next up, Buffalo Bills signal caller Josh Allen up against the Miami Dolphins defense. More or less than 244 and a half passing yards. Josh Allen, another MVP can. They got the Buffalo Bills ball. And by the way, my major, major sorry and Condolences to Stephon Diggs for being out for the year. But you know who's not missing him? The Baltimore. The Buffalo Bills. Because the way the Buffalo Bills have been playing even without Stephon Diggs has been impressive. But now they went out and they got Amari Cooper. So guess what? 244 and a half yards for that stud. That is Josh Allen, arguably the second best quarterback in the entire NFL behind Patrick Mahomes. Yes, I'm going with more for this one, please. Finally, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson facing off against the Denver Broncos. More or less than 220 and a half passing yards. It's Lamar Jackson. I'm going to go with more. Could it be less? Sure, because he could hand the ball off to Derrick Henry. But they didn't do that the last game. That's probably the reason they lost to Cleveland. Okay, you didn't give Derrick Henry the ball enough. They'll probably make amends for that. But that doesn't mean that Lamar Jackson ain't gonna have an opportunity to pass the ball. And with 220 and a half passing yards, the fact that they're about to get Deontay Johnson as well, I can't sniff at that at all. I'm looking at the Baltimore Ravens, I'm looking at the weapons that Lamar Jackson will have available to him, and I can't help but pick more. Okay, so let's recap on the three selections here. It's Jaden Daniels, this Josh Allen, this Lamar Jackson. More, more, more. Because those brothers always give you more, more. What you want, that is. Cause they that bad as in good. You feel me?
- [15:55]
Hunter
I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [16:58]
Wes Moore
I'm Mark Seale.
- [16:59]
Mark Seale
And I'm Nathan King.
- [17:00]
Stephen A. Smith
This is Leave The Gun Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us.
- [17:05]
Wes Moore
To shoot that picture.
- [17:06]
Mark Seale
Leave the Gun Take the Cannoli is based on my co host Mark's best selling book of the same title. And on this show we call upon his years of research to help unpack the story behind the Godfather's birth. From start to finish, this is really.
- [17:18]
Stephen A. Smith
The first interview I've done in bed.
- [17:21]
Mark Seale
We sift through innumerable accounts.
- [17:24]
Stephen A. Smith
35 pages isn't very much.
- [17:26]
Mark Seale
Many of them conflicting.
- [17:27]
Greg Rosenthal
That's nonsense.
- [17:28]
Mark Seale
There were 60 pages and try to get to the truth of what really happened.
- [17:31]
Wes Moore
And they said we're finished. This is over. It only is not gonna work. Try to get rid of those guys.
- [17:36]
Mark Seale
It's that Leave the Gun Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Kahn, Talia Shire and many others.
- [17:47]
Stephen A. Smith
Yes, that was a real horse's head.
- [17:49]
Mark Seale
Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [18:02]
Wes Moore
Welcome back to Stephen A. Smith show. Now let's turn to some politics as we're just a few days away from the presidential election. Before we get into my next guest, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, I wanna touch on some of the celebrity endorsements in the presidential race. Cause I think y'all will be interested in it. Okay. Card, the one and only Cardi B is among a group of musical artists that will be supporting Kamala Harris this weekend in battleground state Wisconsin. Now that's a change for Cardi B. If you remember, she declined to endorse President Biden last year, citing New York City's public service cuts while the administration sent support to Israel and Ukraine. Meanwhile, a cast of Avengers, which includes the wonderful Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. And of course the incomparable Don Cheadle, got together in a clip posted on X to endorse the Harris Walls can Walls ticket. Take a look, by the way, at the celebrity endorsements we've seen this year for both candidates. By the way, it all begs the question, do they matter on a Democratic side? LeBron James, Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen, Octavia Spencer, Eminem, the Avengers, Madonna, Arnold Schwarzenegger. I'll be back. Bad bunny, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce, Lin Manuel Miranda, Willie Nelson, Robert De Niro, John Legend, of course, Mark Cuban, Bill Gates. Two billionaires at the end of that list, I picked 18 from each side. Let's show the Republican side, those who are supporters of Donald Trump, Dana White, Dr. Phil, Elon Musk, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Jason Aldean, Buzz Aldrin, Brett Favre, Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock, Dennis Quaid, Mel Gibson, Amber Rose, Dave Portno, Roseanne Barr, Danica Patrick, Lawrence Taylor and Zachary Levi. It's a couple of names on both lists. Let's go back. Put the Republican list back up there, please, because I want everybody to see it. Brett Favre, really, he does. He's endorsing somebody right now who told him. Folks care about that kind of subject from him. What they care about, you know, other issues there, I say that are a bit challenging for him these days. I won't get into that. That's one thing. And Roseanne Barr, you know, the national anthem, you know, when she. When she was singing that. I mean, it doesn't make sense. Okay, doesn't make sense in that one. Go to the Democratic side. Let me see that list again, please. And see the supporters, I mean, all reasonable folks being Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former Republican governor of California. Hmm. That's about a relationship thing right there. You know, he must have known her because she obviously, you know, comes from California, what have you, former state attorney general and all that, senator, and now she's the vice president. But I'm looking at that list. Don't really have much of a problem with that list, other than Arnold Schwarzenegger is a bit shaky right there. Robert De Niro, you know, he was going to always take that position. LeBron James. Speaking of LeBron James, let me say this. Can we. Do me a favor, please. Can I ask a personal favor to folks, especially athletes, if you want to come out and support a presidential candidate, could it be. Could you please articulate your issues? I mean, it's real easy to say. I mean, how's their choice? I want to think about my kids and my grandkids, my family and what choices. Could you elaborate more extensively, please? Other than the fact that he's hated by some. Can we talk about her issues? I'm talking about her policies and what she's promoting. See, I get upset when. When I know there are brilliant brothers and sisters out there who are well read, have a clue about the issues, but then don't say a damn thing about it when they're encouraging people who to vote for. If you're going to do that, tell them why. Tell them why. Now, I've been on a record. He scares me. And I'm interested in somebody in the White House who's a statesman, who's gonna Work across the aisle on both sides and strive to get things done. I'm a centrist. I'm not for woke culture, but I'm for liberal policies. I believe in thinking about the little man. I believe in thinking about the desolate and disenfranchised. I believe in thinking about the elderly. I don't want Social Security to become insolvent. I want Medicare and Medicaid. I'm a proponent of the Affordable Care Act. See, I can give you those issues. I can give that to you. Could you, LeBron James, or anybody else for that matter, if you're going to support somebody, could you tell us why? Other than he's gonna subvert the Constitution? Democracy is at stake. You know why I don't want to hear that? Because the left has been saying that for ages. You said it about Reagan, said about H.W. bush, said about W. Bush, said it about Trump. Maybe, just maybe, if you didn't say it every single time an election came around, we would have took it more seriously in 2016 when you said that when he was going up against Hillary, maybe. That's all I want to say about that. That's all I want to say about that. Because there's somebody that I'm about to bring on that's far more cogent, far more lucid, far more clear and edified and involved than I could ever hope to be. He is my next guest. Okay? And he has been called the future of the Democratic Party. He is the second youngest governor in the country and only the third black person ever elected to the office. An army veteran, a Rhodes scholar, a New York Times bestselling author. You know who he is, Just in case you didn't. I'll tell you right now. He is the governor of the state of Maryland, the one and only Wes Moore. What's going on, Governor?
- [24:50]
Stephen A. Smith
Man. Hearing the one and only Call me the one and only feels good.
- [24:55]
Wes Moore
Listen, listen. You should be feeling good. You should be feeling good. You're not facing the level of scrutiny that your Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris is facing right now. How are you feeling. How are you feeling right now about her chances in this election?
- [25:11]
Stephen A. Smith
You know, honestly, Stephen A. I'm feeling good because I'm on the ground. You know, I. You know, just over these past weeks, we've been to Michigan and Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and North Carolina and Georgia. I mean, we're literally hitting all the various battleground states and speaking with everything from military veterans to. To younger voters on college campuses to African Americans and barbershops. And the thing I continue to hear is consistent, is as people continue to learn more about the policies, continue to learn more about, about what she's pushing for, about how we're focusing on economic growth and making sure that you can have an economy that works for everybody, that you can do things like increasing home ownership and giving support for first time home buyers. When we're talking about things like how do you have a country that's respected on the global stage? You know, people like what they are hearing. And so I think she's, she's, she's not only continuing to show that she's going to be the president that can bring us together because this country needs some serious healing right now. But I think there's a measure of excitement on the ground that I think is going to show itself on election day.
- [26:17]
Wes Moore
I hear you and I hear various surrogates saying that message and articulating it very, very well. What a lot of people are questioning is whether or not she's doing that actually and is she doing it effectively. So I guess the question would be why would they have that level of fodder to lean on? Why is it that you see people questioning what her intent is? What is she going to do policy wise? She doesn't seem in their eyes to be answering the questions as fluid as say somebody like you just did. How do you explain that?
- [26:51]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, I think that one we have to remember, this is, this, this is presidential elections. And you know, the, this country is still very divided. And I think that a lot of information is out there, but there's two things to know about that. One is people, once you're going and searching for the information, making sure you're finding accurate information because there's a lot of misinformation that's also being processed. And at the same time, when you're thinking about the issues that matter to you most, it's important that people know that it's not just about the policies, it's about the values. Because one thing I tell you, Stephen, A, I mean, and one thing I've learned about this job where, where many, many of the most important decisions that I will make as the governor don't happen during normal working hours, right? And they're not decisions that you lean to. The decisions that come to you and many of them are not, are happening when it's just a small group of people around you who are helping to advise you and helping to work through those issues. And so the thing I think about is who do I want at the table making those decisions? That I think is genuinely thinking about me and my family and my future, who, when those decisions are being made with a small group of people around them, who's actually thinking about ways of bringing the country together and unifying us. And so I think that people, when they look at these issues and they look at these two candidates, they are, they're looking at the policies. And I can, I can go on for 30 straight minutes about why her economic plan, why her tax plan is one that's actually going to focus on growing the American economy, being able to, being able to actually curb inflation and make things more affordable for people. If people want to have a conversation about housing, I can tell you why her policy is actually the only one that's detailed about creating increased inventory and creating more support for first time home buyers and actually turning people from renters into homeowners. So I can go through all the policy details with everybody, as she does. But the thing I do want people to remember is this, this is also just about values. And who is the one who's making the decisions that you think is not just thinking about themselves, but it's actually thinking about all of us and the hopes and the dreams and the aspirations that we have for ourselves and our families.
- [28:59]
Wes Moore
But Governor Westmore, let me push back on that just a touch. When we talk about values, people look at you, certainly we're not going to question your values. I mean, you're big time and a lot of people are looking forward to your future in politics. You're a breath of fresh air, to be quite honest with you. But Donald Trump won in 2016, didn't win the popular vote, lost that by 2.868 million, if I remember correctly. Lost, lost, you know, but still won the election because of the Electoral college vote. Lost the election in 2020. And when people look at him, you don't hear a whole bunch of people extolling his values. What they talk about is his governing, what happened with this country when he was in office prior to Covid coming about. And they compared that to a former state attorney general who became a senator, who's now the vice president, whose record attached to the Biden administration obviously is something they would challenge. How do Democrats need to answer that level of skepticism?
- [30:01]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, I think one is we have to be honest that it's real and it's there. I don't think you're going to win elections by telling people that their fears are unfounded or that their frustrations are not real or that for many people who have decided to opt out of a system that their skepticism is unjustified. I think there's a reason that people feel skeptical, and not necessarily about Vice President Harris, not about the Biden Harris administration, and not even about a political party, but just about the pace of progress in this country. I think that is real and I think it's something that needs to be respected and honored. The same way that I hold skepticism in my heart still. Because, you know, I don't come from a political background, a political family, but I know that skepticism can be my companion and not my captor. The thing I would also ask people to remember, though, is this, what are you hoping for in the future? So when you're talking about things like if you're saying, okay, listen, affordability is an issue for me where I'm looking at the challenges we have with affordability. Who's putting together the best plan to make sure that things can be more affordable? So in the vice president, I'm hearing things like being able to increase wages and making sure that we can get rid of the days when people are working jobs, in some cases multiple jobs, and still living at or below a poverty line. From the vice president, I'm hearing things like increasing funding for apprenticeship programs and trade programs and knowing that people, whether they have a four year college degree or not, should still have a pathway to have sustainable economic growth and a way to take care of themselves and their family and pass something off to their children besides debt. If you're saying that housing is an issue, well, the vice president is actually the only one who's actually put together a policy about increasing inventory and focusing on creating more home ownership opportunities for people. Because the number one driver of wealth in our society is not income, it's ownership. And a huge part of that is home ownership. For people who are talking about, I want to make sure we can turn the temperature down and actually have a civilized conversation about politics in our future. The answer is, I agree. And that's exactly what the vice president is talking about doing and introducing into our national dialogue. And so for people who are frustrated with the system, and that is not a new frustration, but it's a frustration that for many people is lifelong and long standing. My answer is, I feel you and I get it. So what I'm trying to do is I'm going to support the person who I know has the best path for being able to address the issues that I care most about. And when I think about those issues, for me, my support of Kamala Harris is not political or because of political party. My support of Kamala Harris is because she's answered that question in the best way, and that's why I believe she needs to be the next president of the United States.
- [32:43]
Wes Moore
Maryland Governor Wes Moore right here with Stephen A. On the Stephen A. Smith Show. You know, you talk about what you're feeling and what you're enthused about. Let me tell you what something I wasn't feeling and I was not enthused about. I am somebody that not only respects but I revere the former president of the United States, Barack Obama. However, I did not like nor appreciate when he was addressing some folks. I believe it was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a couple of weeks ago, and he talked about black males not stepping out to avoid Kamala Harris. Enough. I'm on the record. I voted early. I voted for her, no question about it, because I don't want him in office, and I'm unapologetic about it. But in the same breath, to lean towards black men, to talk about how there may be some misogyny, that was not his word. In fairness to him, he did not use that word. But he basically challenged black men to step up and support Kamala Harris and highlighted the reluctance to support her based on the fact that she's a woman. I really was bothered by that because I had happen to believe that black men are highly supportive of women and don't get enough credit for the support we accord to our black sisters nearly as much as we deserve. What was your feelings about what he said? Did you think it was wise for him to say it? Did you think there was any validity to what the former president of the United States said in that regard?
- [34:02]
Stephen A. Smith
Yeah. No. And I feel you, Stephen, A. And I feel you with an understanding that I think that there are two things that can exist simultaneously. Do we still have a challenge of sexism within this country? Absolutely. And I don't think anyone can argue that or deny that. Yet at the same time, the frustration for so many black men is not that. Right. I mean, I think about people in my own family, right. I mean, I remember when I ran for governor, I had to convince people in my family to vote for me. Right? And it's not that my family and I aren't cool. I mean, we're very cool. It's. I. For many of them, I had to convince them to vote. Right. It's that there is a frustration for a lot of people about the system as it's laid out. There is a frustration for people who feel that I'm doing everything that I've been asked to do, and I'm still not able to get ahead that, that I, I, I, I do everything that that people tell me is the right thing to do. And I'm still not able to be a homeowner because I can't afford to buy a home or I have a business idea, but I still am not able to get the capital that's necessary to turn my idea into something that can be a growing and a thriving business, or I still find myself in a situation where I own, where I owe more than I own. So that frustration is real. But I think that we have to understand that the ability for us to be able to have African American to come out and support is not because of what a person looks like. Are you speaking to them and addressing not just the frustrations that many feel about the pace of progress in America, but also providing a pathway for future growth? It was one of the reasons that I was so encouraged when I saw the Vice President put out her opportunity agenda for black men. That's the first time in our nation's history that we've had a major presidential candidate put out an action plan for what she would do to help black men. And I think part of the frustration that a lot of people felt was we've seen that for so many other groups in our society, but she's the first one that's ever done that for black men. And it talks about things like being able to address procurement policies. It talks about things like being able to give people down payments for first time homebuyers. It talks about things like being able to have a recreational cannabis market and ensure that we can actually have a participatory recreational cannabis market. That's also addressing the historical harm that the war on cannabis has had to communities, particularly black communities. She talks in details about that. And that's what I think people were waiting for. And people needed to see that. It wasn't about sexism. It was about, are you speaking to us and do you see us and understand what needs to be done to be able to address the frustrations? And I think she's. And I think she continues to answer that every day.
- [36:59]
Wes Moore
Well, she has a progressive agenda, no doubt about it. She's a, she's a Democrat. But what folks on the other side would say is that it's too progressive. When you think about the LGBTQ community, when you think about transgender issues, when you think about folks bringing up boys that are transitioning to being females and them being allowed to participate in sports against females and stuff like that, people bring those kind of things up. Here's how I look at it, though, Governor. I'm of the mindset as a black man. Yeah. When New York was struggling the way that it was struggling, and you had migrants coming into the city, and Mayor Adams at the time was talking about $53 million in prepaid credit cards or what, I don't have a problem with helping immigrants at all. I was just saying that blacks have been starving for a long time. You know, I think you know what that's about. I know. I know what that's about. I mean, wait a minute here. I'm seeing perks, I'm seeing opportunities. I'm seeing a level of assistance that's being prioritized and helped and given or at least proposed in favor of different communities. But it's something that the black community has been salivating for for quite a long time. And so my attitude is it's not being anti anything. It's saying, wait a minute, we've been here, American citizens, we're struggling, et cetera, et cetera. And we keep hearing the same old same old from a Democratic Party. And then folks engage in demagoguery about the other side as opposed to doing what you just did and what you've continuously done whenever I've seen you, which is talk about and promote what the Democratic Party really is willing to offer to citizens of the United States of America. Is that a fair assessment in crystallizing some of the problems that exist within the Democratic Party?
- [38:42]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, and honestly, I think it's not even just a problem with the Democratic Party. I think it's been a problem we've seen with politics, period. I mean, the party politics system has not oftentimes led to measurements of real results that we were hoping for and where people and I and listen, you know, I'm a person. I'm the Democratic governor for the state of Maryland. But I'm also very clear, anybody who just swallows a party playbook full bore without putting real thought into but does that make sense? Is not doing justice to the society that they're hoping to, hoping to benefit. I'm proud of the fact that if you look at everything that we've done in the state of Maryland, we've introduced 26 piece of legislation since I've been governor. We've gone 26 or 26 bipartisan with Democrat and Republican support on that. So I think it's about how are we going back to common sense ideas. And. But for example, one of the reasons I think about Vice President Kamala Harris when she talks about things like being able to address a racial wealth gap, and people can say, that's really progressive, that's really progressive. But I want to be clear. We have in this country close to a 10 to 1 racial wealth gap. Right? Here's why that matters, and not just to people of color. It's because the racial wealth gap has cost this country $16 trillion in GDP over the past two decades. Right? Those aren't my numbers. Those are Citigroup's numbers. Right. One of the largest financial institutions in the world. Talking about the challenges that we see when it comes to racial wealth gaps, because what it means in terms of both lost opportunities, but also what it means in terms of having people who are not participating in the larger economic growth and larger economic and larger economic process. So when we're talking about things like how can you erase a racial wealth gap? That's not saying, oh, that's a zero sum argument, because you're only talking about helping one group. Actually, what we wouldn't do for $16 trillion in GDP right now, what you could actually accomplish if we were able to address that, and if we're actually able to close the wealth gap, what it can mean in terms of increasing revenue and increasing growth within our society. Because a booming economy is participatory economy. It's one where more people are actually engaged in buying into it. And so I do think that, that as we're talking about these various issues and think about the policy agenda that the Vice President has pushed forward, you know, people can say, well, you know, saying you're going to address the wealth gap is a progressive issue. Actually, it's one of the smartest things we can do to get our economy moving and getting more people engaged inside of America's economic growth.
- [41:22]
Wes Moore
Governor, one of the things I was dying to ask you was when I watched, you know, once she became the Democratic nominee, I'd be remiss in neglecting to bring this up because I think that you're one of the few people that would give us a honest and clear answer on this particular subject. The other side has accused the left, you know, or rather the left has accused Donald Trump and being a threat to democracy. A threat to democracy. Well, the right has turned around and said, wait a minute, there was no primary for Joe Biden. He shows up on June 27. He clearly doesn't seem to be himself. He seems to have lost the step. Ultimately, he elects to step away a little more than three weeks later and and immediately endorses her for the Democratic nomination. She ultimately gets it, rightfully so. It's the Biden Harris administration, the vice president shit slide right into that slot. But nevertheless she didn't experience a primary either. And people harken back to 2020 when she couldn't even make it to Iowa. And they said this time she got the bypass competition before being elevated to the Democratic nominee. And that's not the way that our system should go. And if anything that's a threat to democracy as well to our democratic process. What does Governor Westmore say to explain to people how right or wrong they may be on such an assertion?
- [42:48]
Stephen A. Smith
No, I would say that the reason that I came out and support supported Kamala Harris early was not because she's the vice president and was not because she was next up or definitely wasn't because some, some, some party boss told me to do it. The reason that I came out and supported her was because I've seen her work. You know, I, I, I, I say Stephen A, I mean, you know, I'm, I, I'm new to politics but my background is I'm army guy now. I let, I lead soldiers in combat with the 82nd Airborne. And I always say I never learned anything about anybody in times of ease. If I ever want to learn anything about anybody, watch them when it was hard, watch what they did when the heat got turned up and did they rise to the occasion or do they wither? And I remember on March 26th when a ship the size of three football fields slammed into one of the most iconic bridges in my state and took it down instantaneously close to a two mile long bridge where we lost six Marylanders, where we had thousands of workers who are now instantaneously unemployed, where we now had, where we now had around 13% of my state's economy now shut down. And I remember as we were marshaling all resources, put the state on a state of emergency, had state police divers in the water saving lives, had aerial assets in the air as we were trying to make sense out of complete chaos, that one of the early calls that I got started with three words and those words were gov, it's Kamala. And I know you spoke to the president and I want to let you know that we will be with you every step of the way. And she has been the reason that I am all in for Kamala Harris is not because someone told me to and it's not because she was next in line. It's because I've seen her when it was hard. And this is a very serious time for our country. This is a serious time, and we need serious people who are sitting in these seats. She is a serious person. She's thoughtful. She knows how to build the right kind of coalitions. She knows how to bring us together. That's exactly the kind of leader that we need in this moment. And that's the reason that I'm supporting her to be the next president of the United States.
- [45:05]
Wes Moore
By the way, the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed that you alluded to, you got that reopened in 11 weeks. Congratulations. Major props to you. I didn't forget that. I mean, my Lord, what, what, what tremendous work on your part. Before I let you go, just a few more questions. Number one. Number one, when you look at Donald Trump, there's a lot and a lot, if you're not a supporter of his, there's a lot for people to be fear of. There's a whole bunch of fears that they come up with and folks try to encapsulate it by saying threat to democracy, to democracy, etc. What's your primary fear of a Donald Trump presidency?
- [45:43]
Stephen A. Smith
Well, you know, one thing I've realized is to try to go over the individual instances where Donald Trump has said something offensive or divisive. It's not a useful exercise because there's so many and because it happens so frequently that there's, there's almost this, there's a numbing to it. It's the numbing that's dangerous. Right. It's the idea that we cannot continue to excuse this. And it is the measure of chaos that it does bring. You know, I, I, we, I think we've forgotten what it's like to wake up and to hear something else that was said that just either makes absolutely no sense or just has completely offended somebody. We can do this, this country. And you're watching this pendulum swing that this country is having, and these are becoming violent pendulum swings from one side to the other. They're one of the first jobs of the next president of the United States has got to be to help heal this country. And I just think Donald, Donald Trump is uniquely incapable of doing that. And I don't think he has an, I don't think he has any inclination to do that or any interest in doing that. And so if I believe that that has got to be one of the things that must happen in this next phase, that we've got to be able to heal this country. And if I believe that one of the people who's running for president is uniquely incapable of doing that. That says a lot to me about what direction that I should be leaning in. I want us to focus on the future, and I don't think he can do that.
- [47:17]
Wes Moore
I get you. And the way you articulate it, if he were to win, you could work with anybody. But when you listen to the rhetoric from both sides, how incendiary it is, it almost begs the question, how can anything get done? How could you talk about each other like that? And then one person wins, and then, all right, let's work together. Let's do what's been the best interest of the country. And nobody's trying to hear that. You know, I don't understand that, Governor, how it's. I'm looking at. I'm looking at folks on Capitol Hill, and I'm like, how do you think you're going to turn around and be able to work with one another when you talk about one another like that? Don't you ever find yourself asking those questions?
- [48:02]
Stephen A. Smith
I do. And the thing that I would just say to everybody who falls into that category is, don't forget who you're supposed to be fighting for. Don't forget who put you there in the first place. It was the people, right? The people elected you. That I had. I had six and a half million people in my state who I represent every single day. My job is to make sure that they are always protected in all circumstances. And there is nothing that I will not do to make sure that the people of my state are okay. Right. That's not just. It's not just my job description. It's my moral obligation. And so I know that everything I do must be in the best interest of the people of the state of Maryland. And the thing that I would ask to everybody who's sitting in any of these individual seats is. Is, you know, don't do this for bluster. Don't do this because it gets you likes. Don't do this because it can help you go viral. Never forget who you're supposed to be fighting for. Because if you never get. Forget who you're supposed to be fighting for, you won't stop fighting and you won't stop doing what is required and necessary to make sure that the people of your jurisdiction is protected. And I just believe deeply that when I think about our state, you know, the state where literally is one of the birthplaces, is the birthplace in our country of the successful and peaceful transition of power was Annapolis, Maryland, that when I think about the uniqueness of our state that we need to make sure that we are going to build, not just a state, but frankly have a country infrastructure around us that is going to heal and support each other. And so I do believe that's a unique prerequisite for the next leader of our country, a unique prerequisite of the president of the United States in this time. And it's one of the reasons why, when I think about the difference between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on that, the answer of who can, who can help to bring us back together after the significant rupturing, it's not even close to me about who is really best pressure tested to be able to do that and who sees that as part of their obligation.
- [50:05]
Wes Moore
What does the Democratic Party, what does Kamala Harris specifically, what do you and others within the Democratic Party have to do in order for you to win this election next week?
- [50:14]
Stephen A. Smith
You got to work, period, full stop. I mean, like, listen, I, people always ask, they say, you know, and this is not just with this race, other races say, who's going to win this race and what do you think is going to happen in that campaign? My answer kind of always comes back to the same, who's working hardest? I mean, like, I don't think this is that much more complicated than that. I don't pay attention to polls. I remember when, you know, my, when I ran for governor, I was not leading in a public poll the entire time. The first poll that I ever led in was when I won the election. So I don't spend much time debating that. And I also don't do hand wringing. And I'm hearing a lot of hand wringing from people about, oh, you know, what if, and I think this and I think that what should we do? My answer is always simple. Put in the work. And so if you don't want to have the feeling of November 6th waking up and saying what just happened, then make sure you're working on November 1st and November 2nd and November 3rd, because the people who will do the work will maintain and will be victorious inside of this race.
- [51:19]
Wes Moore
Got a powerful personality, got a powerful optimistic outlook. If Donald Trump loses this election, it's a safe bet he's not going to admit it. He's going to refute it. He's going to say it's rigged. What kind of damage are you concerned that will do to the country moving forward?
- [51:46]
Stephen A. Smith
Yeah, it's something that we've been, you know, we've been preparing and scenario planning for months on this race. Because I do believe that no matter what the result is on November 5, that period between November 5 and Inauguration Day has the potential to be a rocky one for this country and a complicated one for this country. And so the thing that I would urge and hope is that people be responsible with their language, know their language has consequences. That, you know that. That part of the beauty of this country is, is our democratic system. It's unique for the world. It's unique that you have a country that is built on a fundamental peaceful transition of power. It's the thing we escaped from England to be able to help preserve and protect, and that this has been going on now for hundreds of years. So the thing that I would urge is that for people to both be careful with their language. The second thing I would tell people is, is, you know, I know in our state that we've been preparing for this moment for months, as other governors have been preparing for in their own states, that we will make sure we're honoring whatever the results are that the American people have pushed forward. But it's also really important that we allow the peaceful, the transparent and the successful election process take place and allow people to know that in our state, you are going to have peaceful, successful, and smooth election processes. And we will honor the results of the people and then immediately after those results are known and established that it's important for our country to heal moving forward.
- [53:29]
Wes Moore
Governor Westmore, you were featured recently. Congratulations. You. You were featured recently in the Times 100 next issue and widely considered to be a future Democratic presidential candidate. So I know you're focused on Kamala Harris right now, so I won't ask you about that, but I just want you to know I acknowledged it. And congrats to you because. Deserve it. Having said that, I got slightly negative news for you, and here it is. The Washington Commanders in Baltimore Ravens ain't going to the super bowl, sir. That's not gonna happen, Governor. It's not gonna happen. I mean. I mean, you got. You got two good teams. I mean, I gotta admit to you, Jaden Daniels is special and Lamar Jackson is that dude. But you can't have both. You can't have both. So if you had to pick one, I'm not gonna ask you to pick. I'm not gonna do that to you. But how are you feeling about your two teams in Maryland? Oh, you'll pick.
- [54:17]
Stephen A. Smith
I'll pick. Listen, I love the fact that the Commanders are in Maryland. They're an incredibly important part of Prince George's county, an important, incredibly important part of our economic future. And let's be clear, Jaden Daniels. I mean like anybody thought that this was a flash in the pan. He is not. And also he's the hardest working person. I remember I went to training camp and one of the first things that the coaches told me that was that he's the first person there every morning and he's the last person out. Like that kind of hustle, that kind of motor, you can't teach that. And he is showing why the Commanders are so excited about him. However, you are not going to find a bigger Ravens fan than me. And when you talk about special, Lamar Jackson is that dude, I mean he's 27 years old, a two time league MVP on the path to become the third. Derrick Henry is an alien there. Like there is no defense in the NFL that has an answer for him. And not to mention the fact that we're one of the best coached franchises in the entire NFL. And so I'm, listen, I love the fact that the Commanders are there. The Commanders are probably my favorite NSC team. But there is no question, and there should be no question. The Ravens are my spirit squad. And I'm telling you, I actually think there's a real probability that we gonna see the Ravens and the Commanders in New Orleans come this year.
- [55:43]
Wes Moore
I think you're going a little bit too far there. I think you're going a little bit too far. I don't think a rookie is getting you to the Super Bowl. I'd be shocked. I mean, listen, Dan Marino got Miami in year two. Ain't never, it never went back. But Jalen Daniels is special. But before I let you go governor, I gotta tell you something. You do understand that your Baltimore Ravens defense is, is just violating the legacy and the tradition of the Ravens, right? I mean you can't stop anybody. You gave up, gave up the lead in the last two minutes about eight times in the last year and a half. You're giving up points that you just lost to Jameis Winston. We hadn't seen him throw the football in two years and he comes out there looking like Joe Montana. I mean, your defense, Ray Lewis. I'm scared to call him. I'm scared to call Ed Reed. I'm scared to call Terrell Suggs. What happened? What's going on with the Ravens Def.
- [56:32]
Stephen A. Smith
You know. You know what I think? Well, one, it's injuries. But you can't make excuses about that because in the NFL injuries are a reality. And it's next man up. And if you don't have the horses behind them, then you have a real problem. But we don't have depth on our defense. And so particularly when it comes to our secondary. And so if someone gets knocked out, you're really suffering. But the other big thing is this, is that I think there's a heart that matters in this. So, for example, Roquan Smith, he is. He's a dude. I. I really think in many ways, he is this generation's Ray Lewis, the same way that Kyle Hamilton is this generation's Ed Reed. I think they are really special players on defense. But I tell you one thing that I think I underestimated was losing Patrick Queen. When he went to the Steelers. I thought I was like, listen, you know, yeah, we lose a Queen, but we picked up Derek Henry. So we lost the Queen, but we got a king. And that was a cute phrase. You cannot underestimate the leadership that Patrick Queen brought to that defense, that he brought to that locker room.
- [57:40]
Wes Moore
And.
- [57:40]
Stephen A. Smith
And. And I think that it's showing itself right now. Not to mention the fact that we lost McDonald, we lost our defensive. We lost our defensive coordinator. So. So you're right. This is not the Baltimore Ravens defense of 2000. This is not the Baltimore Ravens defense of 08. This is not the glory days of what we had before. But we've got to find a way to either stay healthy or stay deep, because that's the key in the NFL. And you need that presence, that unifying presence that I think Roquan really helps to take on. But again, we lost something with Queen, and I didn't realize how much we were going to lose.
- [58:17]
Wes Moore
I feel you on that. And listen, I. I like you. I'm a fan of yours. You know what I'm saying? I mean, somewhere down the line, hopefully, you're gonna run for president. I. I've never. I don't campaign for people. I campaign for you. In a heartbeat. I wouldn't hesitate. But I gotta tell you something right now, having said all of that, your Ravens are in second place to the Steelers. I just want to. I just want to end the interview by telling you that. I just want to end the interview. I tell you.
- [58:45]
Stephen A. Smith
Anybody.
- [58:46]
Wes Moore
Well, listen, you, you, you. You feel free to reach out to me when the Steelers beat y'all in a few weeks, because that's coming. You understand that? Right now, it's all, you ain't gonna beat him twice. You'll lose one, you'll win one, but you're gonna lose one of those games. One of those games.
- [59:00]
Stephen A. Smith
You do know that I'm inviting you. I'M inviting you to come down to Baltimore to watch that game together. And so you can see firsthand, next to me just what a beat down is going to look like.
- [59:13]
Wes Moore
The Steelers have a good record, but.
- [59:14]
Stephen A. Smith
I mean, they haven't played anybody.
- [59:16]
Wes Moore
I'm looking at my schedule. I'm trying to find that schedule. Now. I'm assuming you got a suite. Because, you know, I mean, I can't be sitting in the stands. The fans will harass me. Yes. I can't be sitting. I gotta. I'll sit with the governor. I'm assuming I'm gonna have a seat. But I'm telling you right now, they're still. I don't know which game. But you're not beating them twice. They gonna get you one of those times. I'm telling you that right now. I'm telling you. All right, we gonna follow up on that one. We gonna keep in touch on that one. Cause y'all gonna get beat. Steelers stealing nation. Stand up. The one and only Governor Westmore. Man, I appreciate you so much. Good luck to you. Keep working. Keep doing what you've been doing. It's an honor and a privilege to talk to you. So I really appreciate it. Thank you so much.
- [59:58]
Stephen A. Smith
God bless you, man. Honors all mine. Sincerely. Thank you.
- [60:00]
Wes Moore
God bless. All the best. My thanks to the one and only Governor Wes Moore. Election Day 2024 is this Tuesday. Ladies and gentlemen, whether you vote early or on election Day, please make sure your voice is heard. I always tell you the number one provocation for change is going to the polls and voting. If you don't vote. Shut up. You don't have anything to say if you can't even find it within yourself to vote. Remember I said that. Coming up, I'll finish the week responding to more of your tweets, but not before we hit on the biggest games of the NFL week weekend, including those Dallas Cowboys is this season on the brink against the Atlanta Falcons. Plus, you heard what Wesmore tried to tell me. We ended the interview. He talked about the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders going to the Super Bowl. Well, damn it, that ain't gonna happen. He's right about a lot of stuff. That ain't one of them. Not both of them. Maybe one of them, though. Which team? Something to think about. The governor did obviously give us food for thought. That's what governors are supposed to do, after all. More the Stephen A. Smith show in a minute. Let me just take a second to make sure that everybody out there knows here at the Stephen A. Smith Show, I'M in it to win it and I demand nothing short of excellence. No question about that. And that is why we have decided to team up with Prize Picks, America's number one fantasy sports app with over 3 million members to help turn all my sports knowledge into some big time cash. You see, Prize Picks is a daily fantasy app where you just choose two, three or even up to six players from your favorite sports teams and then pick more or less on their projected stats for the game. You like Josh Allen? Pick them. You like Giancarlo Stan? Pick them too. You like Klay Thompson? Then pick all three. Dammit. It takes less than 60 seconds to make your picks and then you sit back and watch the winnings roll right in. And get this. Sign up with code, SAS and Prize Picks. We'll give you fifty dollars instead when you play your first five dollar lineup. You don't need to win your lineup to receive the 50 bonus. It's guaranteed. All you have to do is play a five dollar lineup on prospects and you'll get fifty dollars instantly. Prize Picks Pick more, pick less. It's really that easy.
- [62:06]
Hunter
I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered Black women and girls in America. There are some several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered Black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [63:09]
Wes Moore
I'm Mark Seale.
- [63:10]
Mark Seale
And I'm Nathan King.
- [63:11]
Stephen A. Smith
This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us to shoot.
- [63:17]
Mark Seale
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli is based on my co host Mark's best selling book of the same title. And on this show we call upon his years of research to help unpack the story behind the Godfather's birth. From start to finish, this is really.
- [63:29]
Stephen A. Smith
The first interview I've done in bed.
- [63:32]
Mark Seale
We sift through innumerable accounts. 35 pages isn't very much, many of them conflicting.
- [63:38]
Greg Rosenthal
That's nonsense.
- [63:39]
Mark Seale
There were 60 pages and try to get to the truth of what really happened.
- [63:42]
Wes Moore
And they said, we're finished, this is over. Not only is not going to work, you gotta get rid of those guys.
- [63:47]
Mark Seale
It's just that Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.
- [63:58]
Stephen A. Smith
Yes, that was a real horse's head.
- [64:00]
Mark Seale
Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [64:08]
Wes Moore
Foreign welcome back. Before I get into your tweets, I want to hit on some of the big NFL games heading into week nine. Okay? First up is the Lions visiting the packers in the battle for first place in the NFC North. Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Status is uncertain, but the team is 20 with backup Malik Willis. This season. I don't think they're beating the Lions. I think the Blinds are the best team in the nfc and I think they're going to use this as an opportunity to show just that. Excuse me. So that's what I'm looking forward to. I got the Lions on the road at the Pack is winning this game. Next up, I've got my eyes on this one on Tour. Tuck of a lower lead in the Dolphins up to the Western New York to take on the Bills. Tour returned last week after missing four games following the concussion he suffered against the Bills. In Week two, Buffalo has a huge lead in the AFC east, sitting at two. At six and two, they'll be seven and two. They're not losing to Miami on their home turf in Buffalo. I'm just. All I care about is Tua lasting the game, not getting himself hurt. Y'all remember this? I'm gonna say this again. I don't know if I've ever seen a situation where a quarterback is scrambling and you have the opposing team chasing after him while screaming, get down. Get down. That's what the Buffalo Bills were doing because they know how fragile Tua is, and that is my fear. I know Miami is better with them. I know they don't. They don't even resemble a damn football team half the time without Tour, he means that much to them. But here's the reality. He's fragile and one hit can end him. I'm petrified. I'm petrified. And remember, the man is throwing like seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions going up against Buffalo in eight starts, okay? McDermott's got his number. He knows what he's doing. And Josh Allen is like 12 and two against him. The brother doesn't lose against the Miami Dolphins too often. I, I, I just don't see how the Dolphins gonna win this game. Next up, Broncos at the Ravens. We've got an AFC battle of five and three teams. Obviously, the Broncos are led by rookie of the month Bo Knicks visiting Baltimore to take on reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. I'm not worried about this. Bo Nicks can play. He's not a scrub. I like what I've seen from him. They've won about four straight, you know, like, you know, five or six, rather, after their 02 start. Give Sean Payton credit where it's due. Denver credit where it's due. Bo Nicks can play. I get all of that, but I gotta tell y'all, I'm just, I don't see him, even with Baltimore suspect defense. All you gotta do is give the ball to Derrick Henry, let him run all day. Lamar Jackson's going to do his thing, and I think the, the, the, the Ravens defense is going to respond on their home turf, and they're going to respond against a rookie. They'd better. They'd better. Of course, I have to finish with the Dallas Cowboys heading to Atlanta to take on Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons. Look, Dallas stinks. They're just not very good. We all know this. We all know this, okay? And if you saw Michael Parsons and Trayvon Diggs talking on the podcast, you know what I'm talking about. You know what I'm talking about. They were talking about top five quarterbacks of the game. Dak Prescott's name wasn't even thought about, and rightfully so, because he's off to his first, his worst start of the season over the first seven games in his history. In his, in his career, he hasn't played. Only complete 49, 59 of his passes. He has not been impressive, but damn, at least you could say we ain't gonna talk about our quarterback. Our quarterback's not included in this discussion because we always believe in them. Because they don't believe in them. They don't. They hope. They hope. That's the difference. I expect the Cowboys to lose this game. Atlanta can't get at the quarterback to save their life, so that helps Dak Prescott, no doubt. But they could put points on the board and five and three for a reason. I like what I'm seeing from Atlanta. I think they win this game on their home turf. Now, let's take a look at some of your tweets before I get on out of here for the day. Okay, first up, show it to me. Who's Breezy? Uk, Right, Stephen A. There's been a debate recently and we need your opinion. Who would win in a fight, Homelander or Sporticus? I'm gonna go with the Homelander. Like his uniform. I like his serious look. Sporticus doesn't seem focused. Seemed like he playing around too much. People like that usually get their ass kicked. I'm gonna go with Homeland on this one. Next tweet, please give it to me at hiker from va. Right, Stephen A. Smith. If you could pick anyone in history to interview for a couple of hours, who would it be and why? Well, right now, as I've said before, it would be Barack Obama, former President of the United States. Respect him, revere him. But also there's a couple of things he said recently that I would challenge and I would like to have a conversation with him about it. Of course, you know, these people don't come my way because they know what I'm going to do. I'm going to ask questions, make no mistake about it. And I'm not interested in their comfort. I won't. I would never be disrespectful or, you know, or wild or off kilter or anything like that. But I'm going to ask the questions that I think the American people want to know. But definitely he is that. He is somebody that I would love to interview. No doubt about that. I have always felt that way and I ain't gonna lie. The other would be Donald Trump. As crazy as that would be, I'd still love to interview Donald Trump. You know, he'll try to tail off and go into different lanes and talk about different things and I'd have to reel him back in like Joe Rogan did, who did a good job, by the way. But I would be very, very curious and interested in talking to Donald Trump as well. Those are the two people that I would tell you, more so than anybody else. Next tweet, give it to me. This is the last one at. What is that Black Eddie Blk. Eddie, what is that? Four, one, two, underscore. Right, Stephen A. Smith. Will Anthony Davis win MVP if healthy? I think he will also. I think the Knicks should start. Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart and Towns. What's your thoughts? Isn't that who the hell the Knicks are starting? Do you watch basketball? That's who the Knicks have been starting. That's very ignorant question. That shows me that you're a bit lost, number one. Number two, we talk about Anthony Davis winning mvp. He could. He never has, but he could if he stayed healthy and the Lakers win and he played over 65 games, 70 games like he did last year. Yes, Anthony Davis, from what we've been seeing, could win the mvp. The question is, how bad does he want to? That's the real question. How bad does he want that on his resume? All right, it's time for me to get out of here. Try to enjoy my week. Got a very, very busy weekend ahead. Thanks again to Governor West Moore of the state of Maryland for coming on the show and blessing us with his presence along with his knowledge. Really, really appreciated that conversation with him. Whatever you're going to do, whatever way you're going to vote, just please go to the polls, folks, that tell you that your vote doesn't mean anything and it makes absolutely, positively no sense to vote. That's ridiculous. It doesn't take much to go out there and vote. Okay? Our ancestors made sacrifices for a reason. Got to think about that. It's the biggest reason I vote. It should be a reason why you vote as well. Not to mention the fact, the importance of making a difference and provoking the conduit of change. So if you're not going to the polls this weekend as an early voter, then go Tuesday, get on that line and vote. It's important, everybody. I'mma reiterate that message Monday, but I won't bother you for the rest of this weekend. I'm looking forward to my weekend of football, college football and pro football, along with some NBA games. List goes on and on. A lot of action. Month of October is one of the best months for sports and I'll be entrenched in all of it. So until Monday, everybody, this is Stephen A. Signing off. Peace and love. God bless. Enjoy your weekend and vote, please.
- [72:40]
Greg Rosenthal
What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [73:11]
Wes Moore
What's up, everyone?
- [73:12]
Stephen A. Smith
Julie Swearbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
- [73:18]
Wes Moore
The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.
- [73:22]
Stephen A. Smith
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
- [73:27]
Wes Moore
Exactly.
- [73:28]
Stephen A. Smith
And you'll never know who will drop by to join us. Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
- [73:35]
Wes Moore
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and.
- [73:37]
Stephen A. Smith
JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.