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Stephen A. Smith
In the murder of a black man.
James Carville
The assassination of Malcolm X.
Stephen A. Smith
The 60 year anniversary.
James Carville
What on earth does that have to.
Stephen A. Smith
Do with with today's professional athletes and a Democratic strategist, a well known one, is attacking moi. Basically told me to shut the F up. Obviously I ain't gonna listen to that. Stephen A. Smith showing the house. He asked for it here I.
James Carville
What'S up everybody?
Stephen A. Smith
Welcome to the latest edition of the Stephen A. Smith show, coming at you over the Digital Airways of YouTube and of course, iHeartRadio. I'm gonna get right into it. You know I got love for y'all. I'm always thanking my subscribers and followers, but I got a lot of stuff to get into, particularly this first item. There's a lot of stuff to talk about today, but this is the number one thing on my mind and I'm not going to waste a second delaying, you know, this onslaught that's about to come. We're going to get started with Democratic strategist James Carville, who felt the need to call me out on his Politikon podcast earlier this week. The Ragin Cajun, as he is affectionately known, is apparently upset with my recent political commentary where I have been critical of the state of the Democratic Party. To refresh your memory, here's part of what I had to say earlier that got him all up in a tizzy. Check it out.
James Carville
That's why I'm in the news. I'm not in the news because I'm here. I'm in the news because the Democratic Party is here. Damn it. Lower than that. Down at the bottom. They suck right now. Horrible. Because they don't have a voice. Where the hell is the voice everybody want to sit up there, talk about? I mean, I need a voice. We don't need a voice. We don't need a voice. We don't need a voice. Well, guess what? Somebody got to send a message. How the hell can somebody receive a.
Stephen A. Smith
Message if there's no messenger in response to what you just saw me saying? That's when Carville evidently lost it. And he went on his Politicon podcast and had this personal message to give to me, even though it was seen by everybody. Take a look.
Mark Levin
You know, I am a big Stephen A. Smith fan. I remember I saw him some years ago on tv. When it comes to politics, he don't know his from a hole in the ground. He's on that, running his damn mouth about how he may have to run as a Democrat because there's nothing left of the Democratic Party, has no talent. Stephen Ayer, you. Me, I mean, you say you're friends with Wes Moore and you say you're friends with Josh Shapiro. I'm friends with both of them. I think they're really extraordinary, talented people. I got news for you, dude. That's six or seven other people in a Democratic Party that are just that talented. So before you start running your mouth off about politics, the topic of what you really don't know anything about, you ought to sit back and think about it and call some people and run it by them. So, Stephen A. Keep up your own sports. I enjoy it, I like it. But don't make a fool of yourself anymore. I'm talking about politics.
Stephen A. Smith
What I find interesting about all of this is that a lot of what James Carville himself has been saying sounds a lot like what the hell I've been seeing. But before I get into that, first thing, first order business. So do you have to be so rude? You know, dropping F bombs and going all, you know, going off like that? I mean, I know that's your nature, I understand that, but. But let's just say two can do that, you know? I mean, if you really wanted to get raw, ain't nobody hiding from that. I could be that way. It's just that my mama taught me to respect my elders. And you are 80 years of age, if I remember correctly. And I'm trying to be respectful. So I'm not going to come at you the way that you came at me. I thought that was completely unnecessary. That's number one. Number two, I religiously say I'm no political aficionado. I religiously say I don't know politics like that. I read, I watch the news. I'm a conscientious observer. But I do have to ask you a question, Mr. James Carville, albeit rhetorically. You do know that you're talking to a voter, right? Could that be one of the reasons why y'all lost? Just a thought. Because you sound like one of those old curmudgeons that want things to stay the or be the way that they used to be. And you're resentful, harboring an abundance of animosity because you're not being heard.
James Carville
That's not Stephen A. Smith's fault, sir. That's that damn Democratic Party that I was talking about. You see, they shouldn't listen to me. Do you realize, James Carville, that that means they shouldn't have listened to you either? Which makes no sense because we were both right. Because guess what? What I was saying is what you were saying. I saw you on Fox News, I saw you on cnn, I saw you on your podcast before the election. Where the hell you think I got some of the stuff from? When you were talking about the Democratic Party. I'm making that up. I'm making it up. When you were lamenting their strategy, I'm making it up. When I talked about Kamala Harris and not resonating with the audience, I'm making it up. When I talked about woke culture, I'm making it up. When I talked about they weren't focused on the right issues, I'm making that up. You didn't say any of those things. I tell you what, let's see the audience. Let's show the audience rather exactly what you said. I didn't say hear it. I said let's show it to them so they can see your face. They know it's you. They know it's you, James Carville. This is you talking. Take a listen.
Mark Levin
We have no legislative power. We have no executive power. We have no judicial power. So when you out of power, you are an opposition party and go and tell all the people that are sending you and asking you for money justify what you did, justify what you did wrong and tell us what you're going to do different. Because what you've done ain't worth a shit. Get your head around that. In all of the Washington based Democrats farting around, going to wine and cheese parties and talking about how misogynistic. Get your ass out of Washington and go work on a 2026 campaign and do penance to make up for your goddamn arrogance and stupidity. Well, we're going to say we told you so. We told you this identity shit was disaster. We told you to get out in front of public safety issues. You didn't. We told you to have an open process and demonstrate the magnificent and staggering and deep talent that exists in the modern Democratic Party. You didn' we told you to differentiate yourself from Biden. You didn't. I hate to be some fucking know it all, but all of these things are part of the record.
James Carville
Where did I hear that before? I mean, did you hear him speaking, ladies and gentlemen, did you hear him speaking about woke culture? Did you hear him speaking about how you needed to separate yourself from Joe Biden? Did you hear him speaking about there was no primary? You remember that stuff? Which y'all hear that before? Where'd you hear it before? Oh, you thought I was finished?
Stephen A. Smith
I got more.
James Carville
I got more. Play the next clip of James Carville. Please show up.
Mark Levin
The first thing is, somebody runs for Democratic nomination in 2028, the first thing that I want to hear out of their mouth is I'm taking our message everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. I mean Joe Rogan, I mean Fox News, I mean Sunday morning shows. I mean everything. I'm proud of what we have to offer. I'm going to go out and promote it and I'm going to go out and defend it and I'm going to go out and attack them. And I'm going to do that all the time. Secondly, all of our events are going to be fun. There's going to be great music, there's going to be great comedians that are going to tell jokes. Before I come up, it's going to be an entirely different thing. With Dower, it's always somebody's in a pissy mood or somebody is this. And we're just people. We're just not connecting. We're not connecting at all. It is just going to require some discipline and it's going to require a change of attitude.
Stephen A. Smith
Just a little thought, Mr. James Carville. Are you sure you want to be the dude that's pointing out how the Democrats look so dour and always in a pissy mood?
James Carville
You sure you the right person that should deliver that message? Have you looked in the mirror? You saw yourself. You've seen the way you've talked about yourself. You see the way you disseminate a message? You don't look dour, you don't look down, you don't look enthusiastic.
Stephen A. Smith
Come on. Now. Listen, sir, I Respect you. And by the way, I appreciate your compliments about my sports career, my career in sports broadcasting, what have you. It's very kind of you, that part. Very, very much.
James Carville
So.
Stephen A. Smith
Thank you very, very much. I do appreciate that. And I feel the same way about your political career. It's the economy, stupid. Still, one of the most famous lines in political history. Back in 1992, when Clinton was running for office before he won the presidency. I got it. I understand. I know who you are.
James Carville
I know you've got your chops.
Stephen A. Smith
I get you. But respectfully, sir, there's a couple of things that you need to understand. Most voters out there aren't political aficionados. But just because they're not doesn't mean that they don't know that you know their ass from a hole in the wall. As you described me. I saw inflation. I saw the economy not being what the Democrats purported it was. I saw crime in the streets. I saw a crisis at our borders. I saw a president that was clearly diminished, to say the least.
James Carville
I saw the Democratic Party debatably, arguably engage in undemocratic behavior when you ultimately.
Stephen A. Smith
Greased the skids to make sure he.
James Carville
Didn'T experience a primary, to ultimately send him to that debate stage June 27 and embarrass himself. Waited an additional three weeks for him to get out of office so you could put Kamala Harris in there without any resistance. I heard you lament that. Well, I lamented it, too. I complained about it, too. So we have to be as knowledgeable and as informed and as connected as James Carville to have a salient and decent opinion about what the hell is going on with the Democratic Party. That's what it takes. So, respectfully, you're wrong. And you know you're wrong. Now, there's a lot of people that.
Stephen A. Smith
Should have listened to you and they.
James Carville
Made a mistake by not listening to you. I'm the exact opposite. You were one of the people that I was listening to break down the problems with the Democratic Party. But in that sound that I played for our audience, I noticed that there was a level of inconsistency there. You talk about going to see. She should go and interview and sit down with everybody, the Joe Rogans of the world. The list goes on and on. Well, it's funny, sir. Mr. James Carville. I'm reading an article from Newsweek in November, and in that article before the election, you were talking about how you didn't like her strategy or the immediate.
Stephen A. Smith
Aftermath of the election.
James Carville
I'm sorry, you were lamenting how you didn't like the fact that she was sitting down with everybody.
Stephen A. Smith
Actually, I think it was before the election.
James Carville
You were talking about how you didn't like the fact that she was going.
Stephen A. Smith
To sit down with Fox News, that.
James Carville
She was going to go on the View and all of this other stuff. You were talking about how you didn't like that. Now you sit back talking about, if I'm a Democrat, I'd be around everybody. I'd go talk to everybody. That ain't what you said months ago. That's not what you said, sir.
Stephen A. Smith
So respectfully, let me state this again for everybody to listen. My life is pretty damn good. I have no desire to be a politician. I wouldn't want to contaminate and sully my life by entrenching myself in that cesspool in the nation's capital. I'm very, very clear about that. And the pay would be significantly less. Let me add that, too, at least for the eight years I'm in office, because I damn sure if I win the first election, I ain't losing the second. So understand, I have no desire for it. What I said was, it's an absolute embarrassment that I am the person that's being mentioned and named. It's a disgrace to this Democratic Party. It shows you have no bullpen. And I know that's what got your, your antennas up, and that's what riled you up even more so because you brought up how I have a relationship with Westmore and Josh Shapiro. Josh Shapiro. I met him one time in my life. I talked to him one time in my life, and, hey, I think he's a fabulous governor for the state of Pennsylvania, and I think he knows his stuff. And, and, and I'm honored to have met him, and I'm looking forward to cultivating a relationship with him. Westmore is a different animal. I love this brother. I know him through sports because he and I talk about the Ravens all the time. I think he's doing a damn good job with the state of Maryland. And if there is a Democratic nominee to look at, it is definitely him. I think Westmore is an absolute winner. I'm not apologizing for that to anybody.
James Carville
I did not mean to imply that.
Stephen A. Smith
There'S nobody in the bullpen in terms of their capabilities, sir.
James Carville
What I'm saying is, who's resonating with the national audience? Because you got Trump and that cult.
Stephen A. Smith
Like, following that he has, who will.
James Carville
Go along with whoever Trump says to go along with in the event that he doesn't manipulate the Constitution and ends.
Stephen A. Smith
Up getting a third term.
James Carville
So you can put his vote. You can qualify that as lock, stock and barrel. Who's the Democrat that can galvanize an audience on a nationwide level to pull off the level of support that it's going to take to upend and usurp a Trump, Alkali or somebody like that in the future? Who is that person going to be? Do I have to be an aficionado in politics to say something like that? The Washington Post wrote an article about me today. Got a halo over my head, trying to act like I'm Jesus, like I'm some savior. Ridiculous. But I don't mind. It was a good article and I'm not insulted by it. I'm simply saying to paint me in that picture. No, I'm not that dude. But in that article, Will Kane, my former colleague at espn, now a host at Fox News with a weekday show every week there, 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm happy for him.
James Carville
I'm proud of him. In the same breath that he was complimentary of me, he said I didn't know enough about the issues. He's absolutely right. I never said I did. I don't study Capitol Hill like I study sports.
Stephen A. Smith
Do y'all want me to? Do you know what kind of havoc I'd wreak if I sat down for a few weeks and just buried my brain and my feet, face and my mind into the nuances of politics and what transpires on Capitol Hill? Are y'all sure y'all want that smoke? You sure about that? I mean. Cause it's like you're daring me to, Mr. James Carver. Like you're daring me to.
James Carville
You sure are. You sure might want to think about that.
Stephen A. Smith
Because you see, when you sit back and you allow your aya to subside and you embrace the true, authentic words that I was spewing, I wasn't questioning Josh Shapiro. I wasn't questioning Westmore. I'm not even questioning somebody like Harold Ford Jr. Who works on the Five on Fox, on Fox News. I think that the composure that he shows and what have you, he's a former representative. I think he could do some good things. All of these people are more qualified than me. All of them are more knowledgeable than me. How difficult is it to get knowledgeable about politics? If I really, really wanted to make some noise?
James Carville
All it takes is a few weeks and a few phone calls with people that I can clearly talk to because I got them on speed dial. It ain't that hard. It's just not a lane I want to venture into. An official in an official capacity. I'd much rather remain a pundit than a commentator. But if you really, really think James Carville about what I said, you've been.
Stephen A. Smith
Saying the exact same things. Which brings me to the culminating point of my diatribe that, dare I say, might make you a bit uncomfortable. Is what I said really the problem? Since most of what I've said are things that I also heard you say? Or is it the fact that some novice who doesn't know his ass from a hole in the wall when it comes to politics is resonating in the political stratosphere more than you? The latter might be the case. It shouldn't be. I would advise anybody in the world to listen to you about politics more than me. That is not where I'm going. What I'm saying, sir, is that you coming at me the way that you did with your frustration and your vitriol and your disrespect, which was completely unnecessary. Although you were complimentary about the sports, sir, I'm accusing your anger being misplaced doesn't lie with me. Whether I'm talking about politics or I engaged in politics, I would always want to hear what you have to say. Problem is not with me, my man. The problem is with those folks who are entrenched in politics on Capitol Hill. Young whippersnappers, breath smelling like Similac wet behind the ears, that don't want to listen to somebody like you. They pushed you out like you're an old guard. Similar to what happens in sports when you got these young dudes that are heavily in the analytics that push out the older, wiser, elder basketball minds. It happens in politics, too. Those young kids on Capitol Hill don't want to hear what you have to say. Evidenced by their faulty strategy during the election cycle, which you have religiously condemned. So in other words, your problem isn't with me. Your problem is with them. Take it up with them. And if you're going to mention my name, can we cut out the profanity? Can we stop cussing? Can we stop acting like we're juveniles? You're better than that, sir. You're better than that. Before I get to my next subject, a word from our sponsors prospects.
James Carville
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Stephen A. Smith
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James Carville
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Stephen A. Smith
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Discover Representative
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Mark Levin
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Stephen A. Smith
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Mark Levin
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Stephen A. Smith
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James Carville
An attorney representing Sean Diddy Combs in.
Stephen A. Smith
The sex trafficking case announced that he is stepping down as counsel.
James Carville
In a statement, Anthony Rico stated, quote.
Stephen A. Smith
Although I have provided Sean Combs with the high level of legal representation expected by the court, under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs, end quote. Rico did not give an explanation but said it would not affect Combs May 5 federal trial date. Rico, who was retained by Combs in September, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Combs has five other attorneys on his team, end quote. Let me say this, anytime an attorney backs out, that's not a good look. Now, there could be a variety of reasons as to why this happened, and we all get that. I understand that.
James Carville
But anytime an attorney backs out, particularly of a high profile case like this.
Stephen A. Smith
Is not a good look. And I'm gonna tell y'all why.
James Carville
Because if you are an attorney, the more acclaim your client has, the more popularity your client has, the more recognition and notoriety your client has, the more you benefit from a positive outcome in favor of that client. So that client, if Sean Diddy Combs gets off sex trafficking and racketeering charges and the jury finds him not guilty, months from now and he's able to walk out the courtroom a free man, you know how good that makes those attorneys look?
Stephen A. Smith
Everybody will be clamoring for the cameras.
James Carville
Every single one of them. They'll be going crazy. They'll all be clamoring for the cameras. So I'm saying all of that to you to say, if that's the case, let's understand what we're talking about here, okay? It's very, very important that we do that. An attorney walking away, sometimes it's because they don't get the lead chair, one.
Stephen A. Smith
Of the lead chairs. Sometimes it's because a client is lying. Sometimes it's because they believe wholeheartedly that the client is going to be guilty. And they don't want to be associated.
James Carville
With that guilt because that's a loss on their record. It could be a variety of things, but the fact that we are speculating about that when a trial date hasn't even started yet concerns me because I'm one of those people, ladies and gentlemen, who firmly believes it's virtually impossible to find a jury that's not contaminated by some kind of information that's been put out to the public before a trial begins. I'm not one of those that believes that May 5th is May 5th. I mean, come on now. That's more than two months away. Jury ain't been selected yet. You try and tell me nobody that's on the jury will have heard that a lawyer backed out of the case. I don't know about y'all, but I find that that's not a good thing for Sean Diddy Combs. For something like that to happen, that's not a good thing. What's good is if you fire to do. But if the dude fires you as a client, even if you got five other lawyers and that was the first dude you went to when you retained the services in September.
Stephen A. Smith
That'S not a good look. I have not done anything to contribute to the guilt or innocence of Sean Diddy Combs. I don't know what the hell happened. The only thing we've done that I thought was incredibly incriminating was that video of him beating up his ex girlfriend, Cassie Ventura in the hotel.
James Carville
That's it. Because that was on cnn. It was all over the place. That's the only thing. Anything else? I brought legal analysts on here back and forth. I brought Hollywood reporters back, back and forth because I want to make sure that we don't make any assertions or assumptions as to his innocence or guilt because we gotta be responsible.
Stephen A. Smith
But I'm gonna tell you, it's not a good look for your lawyer to back out. Just saying that for the record.
James Carville
Coming up, charges have been brought against the correctional officers who murdered inmate Robert Brooks at an upstate New York correctional facility in December.
Stephen A. Smith
A story we covered right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. My reaction is next. Don't go away. This message is being brought to you by Cologuard, a non invasive cola cancer screening test. Listen, guys, we need to talk about colon cancer screening for a second. And you know, I'm a straight shooter, so I'm not gonna sugarcoat this. Colon cancer is considered the most preventable yet least prevented cancer. It's the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States and it's on a rise in people under 50. But the good news is that when caught at early stages, colon cancer is survivable in 90% of people. So screening and early detection are key to reducing overall colon cancer deaths. And I'm sure a lot of you guys are hearing this and thinking you can tune me out because you're not in your 50s yet. But guess what? The American Cancer Society recommends that if you are at average risk, you begin screening for colon cancer at age 45. And a great way to do that is, is with the cologuard test. It's delivered right to your door and it allows you to collect a sample comfortably at home on your own schedule. We're talking about a screening with zero downtime that's both convenient and affordable. Most Insured patients pay $0. The Cologuard test allows you to feel more in control of your colon cancer screening and do it on your own schedule with none of the prep time off or an invasive procedure that is required of a colonoscopy. So if you're 45 or older and.
James Carville
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Stephen A. Smith
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James Carville
The Cologuard test is intended to screen.
Stephen A. Smith
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Discover Representative
Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card Based on the February 2024 Nielsen report, there's a type.
Larison Campbell
Of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo Clay. It's thick, burnt orange and it's got a reputation. It's terrible dirt. Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.
Stephen A. Smith
7,000 bodies out there or more, all.
Larison Campbell
Former patients of the old state asylum and nobody knew they were there.
Stephen A. Smith
It was my family's mystery.
Larison Campbell
But in this corner of the south, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets. Nobody talks about it. Nobody has any information. When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo Clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.
Stephen A. Smith
The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that.
Larison Campbell
I'm Larison Campbell. Listen to Under Yazoo Clay on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
Stephen A. Smith
Robert Brooks was beaten to death while handcuffed. He wasn't just killed, he was tortured on camera.
James Carville
It was caught on video. Where are the arrests? I want names. I want faces that the governor of New York is going to come out and says, 13 correctional officers, I want to know all 13. I want their names, I want their faces, I want them on camera. Every one of them. Every one of them.
Stephen A. Smith
Welcome back to the Stephen A. Smith show right here with Digital Airways of YouTube and of course iHeartRadio. That was me speaking on December, December 31st upon learning about the story that I'm about to reiterate to you right now because in the latest on this story we discussed on this show when it happened in December, murder charges have been announced in the death of Robert Brooks, a 43 year old inmate who was beaten by guards at a prison in upstate New York. Governor Kathy Hochul announced The charges Thursday. In a statement, Hochul said, quote, robert Brooks should be alive today. The brutal attack on Mr. Brooks was sickening, and I immediately moved to terminate the employment of those involved. End quote. In a grand jury indictment, six correctional officers were charged with second degree murder and first degree manslaughter. Two of them were also charged with gang assault. The six charged with second degree murder are Nicholas Enzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Anthony Farina, Christopher Warworth, Matthew Gallaher, and an unnamed person.
James Carville
You see their faces right there.
Stephen A. Smith
Take a look. Let's pause for a second.
James Carville
Let's look at their faces right now. Every one of them. I don't like the fact that they turned sideways, personally. I want to see them front. I want to see the frontal view, like Anzalone. I want to see who the rest of them are. Why is Kingsley, Farina, Wareth, and. And Gallagher sideways? That's what I want to know.
Stephen A. Smith
But I digress.
James Carville
Seventeen employees, including four sergeants and two.
Stephen A. Smith
Nurses, were alleged to be involved in the death and was suspended as a result of the incident. Four others were charged in the grand jury indictment in connection with the case on varying charges, including manslaughter and evidence tampering. The body cam footage from Dec. 9 shows Brooks with his hands cuffed behind his back at the Marcy Correctional Facility as multiple guards punched and kicked him. Brooks was on an infirmary bed when the attack occurred. And at one point in the video, his face was visibly bloodied. He was taken to the hospital and died the following day. An autopsy report declared Brooks manner of death was homicide, according to his family's attorney. Attorney Elizabeth Mazor told NBC News that Brooks died due to compression of the neck and multiple blunt force injuries. Second degree murder, aggravated assault, stuff like that. Why isn't it first degree murder? I want to know. I guess when you look at the charges, I mean, they could all be looking at 25 years in prison or whatever. I mean, a man is dead. I wouldn't be. I wouldn't be mad if they got the death penalty.
James Carville
And I don't know how.
Stephen A. Smith
I'm amazed how they. How folks can plead not guilty. You caught on video, the man is.
James Carville
Cuffed with his hands behind his back.
Stephen A. Smith
On an infirmary bed and you're beating.
James Carville
Him to a pulp and you're saying you're not guilty. How. How.
Stephen A. Smith
You know this is not police officers, this is correctional officers. But law enforcement is law enforcement, right? Unarmed black man is an unarmed black man, right? Was he armed? Wasn't his hands cuffed behind his back and you literally beat him to death. Obviously, there was a whole bunch of people complicit. First we heard 13, now we hear about six being indicted. And then the next thing you know, 17 other folks. It was a. I mean, damn. It was a coordinated attack, evidently. So these bastards should be under the jail. There's no way that they should get off. No way in hell.
James Carville
They took him out. Take them out.
Stephen A. Smith
At least take them off the streets for the rest of their natural lives.
James Carville
They committed murder. What you gonna say? I only punched him twice? The other person punched him five times. Anybody that was involved needs to go down. Anybody that was involved, that put their hands, their feet, a club or whatever it is on that man, they need to go down. All of them. All of them.
Stephen A. Smith
You know, when you see stuff like that, because we saw the video, just take a moment to ask yourself, what if that had been you? Do you understand when your hands are cuffed behind your back, you don't even have the ability, ability to cover yourself and to shield yourself from the punishment being inflicted upon you. You don't even get to curl up in a ball and cover yourself with protective measures. You don't even get to do that. Do you realize that? That's what they did to that man. That's what they did to that man. Similar to the kind of things that used to be done to us, which had black folks resembling activists all over this nation. Why do I bring that up? Because the subject that I'm about to touch on next, a man who personified an eye for an eye, who wasn't about peace and acrimony in the face of being assaulted and abused. Coming up, Today marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. What would he think of where we are today as a nation and where today's athletes stand with regards to social issues and then some. I thought I needed to touch on that next to close out the show. I hope you'll indulge me by listening. Last segment of the Stephen A. Smith show coming up in a minute. Welcome back to the Stephen A. Smith Show. Now let me switch to politics. I know I alluded to Malcolm X in the tease, but I'll get to Malcolm X in a second because I couldn't forget. I couldn't pass up bringing this up. My buddy and longtime Trump supporter, the.
James Carville
Great One himself, Mark Levin, is turning.
Stephen A. Smith
Heads with an about face on his steadfast backing of the president. The Fox News host, speaking on his eponymous radio show, broke solidarity with Trump over his recent attacks on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelinsky warning Trump that, quote, maga doesn't support Putin.
James Carville
Levin said Trump's recent accusations that Zelensky.
Stephen A. Smith
Is a dictator and that the Ukrainian leader is stopping free elections and has a very low approval rating are all false. Levin said in part, quote, zelensky ordered martial law. That's what the constitution. They're compelled. Zelensky hasn't called for an election. That's what the constitution there compels. Now I'm waiting for the first free election for Vladimir Putin. I mean, this is almost comical in a sick way that Putin is demanding an election.
James Carville
Why is he demanding an election in Ukraine when he doesn't have free and.
Stephen A. Smith
Real elections in his own country?
James Carville
I don't know why there are people that not only oppose Zelensky, but seem to support Putin.
Stephen A. Smith
Levin wasn't finished.
James Carville
He continued, ukraine did not invade Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukraine doesn't have the industrial might that a Russia has or a China. They didn't start this war. What were they supposed to do? Roll over and play dead? MAGA doesn't support Putin. 81 of the American people do not trust Putin because 81 of the American people are smart.
Stephen A. Smith
End quote. As a reminder, here's what Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday, quote, think of it. A modestly successful comedian Vladimir Zelinsky talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion to go into a war that couldn't be won, that never had to start, but a war that he without the US And Trump will never be able to settle. The United states has spent $200 billion more than Europe and Europe's money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back. Why didn't sleepy Joe Biden demand equalization and that this war is far more important to Europe than it is to us? We have a big, beautiful ocean, a separation. On top of this, Zelensky admits that half of the money we sent them is missing. He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden like a fiddle. The dictator without elections. Zelensky better move fast or he's not.
James Carville
Going to have a country left.
Stephen A. Smith
I can't take it no more. Get rid of. Just stop it, guys. I don't need to read more than this. First of all, Trump is full of it. And what we need to understand is that this looks very, very bad if people will open their freaking eyes.
James Carville
Because once again, in a situation involving Putin and Russia, Trump comes across more favorable towards Putin than the other party. Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia initiated the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Russia is considered the one with a dictator. Ukraine only wants its own sovereignty, its own sovereign land. Now they're talking about joining the eu.
Stephen A. Smith
Which they need to.
James Carville
And I get all of that. But we're talking about a country that's been invaded. Now, you can make a debate, you can make an argument that the United States give them too much money, okay? You can say that Joe Biden elected give them too much money, okay? But to turn around and call them a dictator while speaking favorably of Putin makes no sense. And props to Mark Levin for calling it out.
Stephen A. Smith
Let me give y'all a background because, see, people see me talking to liberals and they know that I voted for Kamala Harris and stuff like that.
James Carville
Sean Hannity is not my only buddy.
Stephen A. Smith
So is Mark Levin. I've known him for 20 years. I'm on his show frequently. He calls me all the time.
James Carville
His nickname is the Great One.
Stephen A. Smith
You know why I think it's appropriate? Because I've never seen an individual in my life that wanted to debate that man because he knows what the hell he's talking about. Constitutional law expert, for those of you who don't know.
James Carville
And I almost never hear him speaking against die hard Republicans. He might be going against rhinos.
Stephen A. Smith
Republicans in name only.
James Carville
Yeah, he'll call them out, but he certainly never spoke against Trump. He's been one of the most staunch supporters of Trump. So for Trump to be called out by him is a big, big deal. You're listening to me, Sean Hannity, Are you listening? I mean, when you call me on as a guest on your show, It's Hannity, Hannity. 9pm Weeknights, 9pm Eastern Standard Time on Fox News, where I have visited frequently. I ain't hear you. Call me about this one. Sean Hannity, what's up? I don't hear you talking. Now that the Great One has disagreed with your boy Donald Trump.
Stephen A. Smith
See what the Republicans are gonna have to get beyond. And I'm not casting any Asperger's on on inter. Let me be very, very clear. I'm friends with Hannity Levine. I'm a fan of Megan Kelly and the work that she does. I really, really am. I was on Dave Rubin's podcast. Okay, all right. I mean, you know, I've known Chris Christie for years. There's plenty of Republicans and there's plenty of conservative policies that I don't mind a lot. I don't like either, though. But here's the deal.
James Carville
I bring all of that up to say right is right and wrong is wrong. And I appreciate Mark Levin being one of those Republicans that doesn't say that Donald Trump is spreading perfume when he's passing gas. I appreciate that because somebody gotta do it. If you don't have people on the right that I'm not willing to say to Donald Trump, yo man, you're going a bit too far.
Stephen A. Smith
Yo man, I think this is the.
James Carville
Wrong way to go. I don't think this is good for the country, I don't think this is good for the world. I think you're wrong on this one. As Mark Levin articulated very eloquently, I might add, if you don't have anybody on the right that's willing to do that.
Stephen A. Smith
Then we are in trouble.
James Carville
See, to me, the issue of Trump.
Stephen A. Smith
Being in office is not the biggest issue. It's him being the office devoid of checks and balances.
James Carville
I don't mind him being in office.
Stephen A. Smith
More than I mind the Republicans having both the House and the Senate and he gets to operate with impunity.
James Carville
That's my fear. But Mark Levin provided everybody hope. See. And just to remind y'all, just as.
Stephen A. Smith
An aside, Republicans are welcome on the show. If you ain't seen them on, they ain't that it's cuz they haven't elected to come. Byron, Donald's been on this show before. We put out personal invitations to Marco.
James Carville
Rubio, Ted Cruz, JD Vance, Donald Trump himself. Okay? Hannity's already been on this show. I don't have any problems. I'm a fair minded individual. I'm an independent. I want both sides expressing themselves to the American people. I don't have to be an expert. Mr. James Carvill interview somebody and to get their perspective, to let the American people hear what they have to say and then you be the judge. But I know this much. I don't need to be an expert.
Stephen A. Smith
On the war in Ukraine to recognize the fact that Russia did attack them.
James Carville
You could talk about the history, the.
Stephen A. Smith
Role the United States played in it.
James Carville
You know, I, I, you could talk about that all day long.
Stephen A. Smith
I got my notes on that stuff. We can get into that another day.
James Carville
In the end, Russia elected to attack Ukraine. And because Russia elected to do that, you can't get around that. You can't be talking about Russia like they're the friendly foes, that they didn't instigate this war.
Stephen A. Smith
Mark Levin was absolutely right. I was a fan of his show to begin with, but I appreciate him, him even more today because when you take the kind of stance that he has taken against Donald Trump. It shows that you're trustworthy. I knew that before and before, but I know it even more now. Let's see if the rest follows. Okay, somebody farting. Passing gas is farting and passing gas. It's not perfume. It's nice to see somebody on the right willing to call it like that. Okay, right is right, wrong is wrong. Donald Trump and going after Selinski. Nah, you ain't got any business doing that. You don't want to give him more money, don't give him more money. But you ain't got to talk about him like that, like he the villain in all of this. That's going a bit too far. Last item of the show I want to get into. I want to. I brought this up earlier and it's involving Malcolm X. The late, great Malcolm X. Today, February 21 marks the 60th anniversary of the death of the activist and civil rights leader who was assassinated at the Audubon ballroom in Harlem, New York in 1965. Malcolm was a vocal advocate for black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African American community, of course, and beyond. While a controversial figure to some accused of preaching violence, Malcolm X is also a widely celebrated figure to many Americans for his pursuit of racial justice. As I think about Malcolm X and what he stood for, I find myself wondering what he would think about today's culture, particularly when it comes to the modern athlete. But before I get into that, let me say this. This Malcolm X was not a man that preached violence. We going to put that to bed right now. He preached an eye for an eye. He preached the importance of one self protection. He preached the importance of not turning to turning the other cheek when somebody punches you or slaps you or kicks you or beats you. Last time I checked that self defense, that's not preaching violence. He certainly didn't propose instigating it and igniting it. He talked about defending oneself and not letting people abuse you and just standing by idly and doing nothing. So let's get that out the way first. Secondly, I thought it was important to bring this subject up today because we saw the four nations hockey tournament come to its conclusion last night in Boston, Massachusetts, where Canada beat The United States 3, 2, after Donald Trump gave a call to the team USA, by the way, you know, encouraging them to victory before they lost. But that's a different subject for another day. Not his fault, but it happened. And after we saw that match, even when we saw it Saturday and we saw United States being Booed while the United States national anthem was being sung. And we saw the Canadians come at us the way that they did. We beat them Saturday. They beat us last night. We have to remember what instigated that. What started that to some degree. Donald Trump talking about making Canada the 51st state. Obviously, they don't take kindly to that. Okay. And Trudeau. Trudeau. Trudeau, rather. President of Canada. He came. You know, he spoke about that as well. In the aftermath of Canada's victory, it's important to recognize that emanating off of that subject at the same time that hockey had elevated its profile exponentially because everybody was watching. Because of the friction and the tension that existed between Team USA and Canada. It was an opportunity to also lament what we had witnessed for NBA All Star Weekend in San Francisco this past Sunday. We saw a new format instituted. We saw players, new rules implemented because players hadn't been given effort and they were walking around like they didn't care. Now, what would that have to do with the assassination of Malcolm X? Directly, absolutely nothing. Indirectly, everything. You see, Malcolm X was about black empowerment. He was also about black economic empowerment. He wanted us. He wanted equal opportunities and civil rights for us as a nation of people. He also wanted us to maximize those opportunities and achieve all we could, but in the process of that, uplift one another along the way, become a coalition. Not be a collection of individual parts, but come together as one and understand the importance of being together and how much that would serve to empower us in whatever agendas and missions we had moving forward. We just sat here and we talked about Donald Trump and we talked about General Trump talking about the president for Ukraine. We didn't talk about Donald Trump's position and purging parts of the federal government, including dei. We didn't talk about some of the things black folks fear. As my buddy Roland Martin pointed out when he said that there's a concerted effort to scale back every bit of progress we made since civil rights legislation came into play in 1964. We haven't talked about that. You know what else? We wouldn't have to if we were together more. But we're not. And that's why I thought that on a day like today where we're acknowledging the 60 year anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X was to remind people of who exactly who he was and what he would have hoped for. Yes, Malcolm X evolved. Yes, as he evolved, he thought a little bit differently, and he was more embracing of a mosaic society as opposed to just a black one. All of those things are true. But he also preached about the importance of togetherness. And I think about so many things that professional athletes have and the wealth they've been able to accumulate to accumulate, the generational wealth that some have been able to acquire and how there's so many instances where we're nothing more than individual parts. I wonder, for example, when the George Floyd murders took place. Place the George Floyd murder in Minnesota right around the time of COVID I wonder what would have happened instead of folks talking about taking a knee and locking arms with one another. I wonder what would have happened if the athletes themselves had pooled their resources and used that money to funnel the lobbyists on Capitol Hill to push their agendas to the politicians who are legislating laws in our land. Could you imagine what that would have done? Think about some of the things that we're questioning right now. Think about some of the things that are going on in our society. Think about the fear that's permeating through our nation where you talk about people losing their rights, wondering what's going to happen to them. Think about entitlement programs is going to evaporate before our very eyes. Think about all those things. Would we have to worry about it as much if folks had come together and pooled their resources to make sure to provide real influence so real things could get done? When I think about Malcolm X, just like when I think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I think of that. And on a day like today, not only do I think of Dr. Malcolm X on the 60th anniversary of his assassination, I also think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What the late, great Harry Belafonte once said that Dr. Martin Luther King said to him in his waning days, a matter of fact, it might have been the day he was assassinated. He said, I fear that I've led our people into a burning house. Preaching about the importance of desegregation and all that could emanate from it. He wondered whether or not he truly had led us into a burning house, that what he had wished for, that what we would ultimately capture, would lead to our fragmentation instead of our togetherness. I don't know if that's what happened. More qualified minds than me can speculate about that or even edify you with their information. What I can say is that on a day like today, it is appropriate to at least think about that, to at least ask yourself that question. How together are we? How together should we be? And if indeed we ever came together, how much beneficial would it be? For all of us, not just the black community, but America as a whole. It's just a thought that I thought I could leave y'all with for the weekend. I hope you appreciate where I'm coming from, and I thank you for listening. Have a wonderful weekend. God bless you all, and I'll talk to y'all on Monday. Until then, peace of love, everybody. I'm out.
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 podcast.
Larison Campbell
What's up everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.
Discover Representative
We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.
Larison Campbell
The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.
Discover Representative
Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?
Larison Campbell
Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.
Discover Representative
Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.
Larison Campbell
Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Release Date: February 21, 2025
Overview
In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a heated discussion with renowned Democratic strategist James Carville. The conversation delves into the current state of the Democratic Party, political commentary, high-profile legal cases, and social issues, culminating in a reflection on the 60th anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination. Throughout the episode, Smith offers his unfiltered opinions, challenging established viewpoints and encouraging listeners to reconsider their perspectives on various societal matters.
Timestamp: [01:08] - [19:04]
The episode opens with a tension-filled exchange between Stephen A. Smith and James Carville. Carville criticizes Smith's recent political commentary, particularly Smith's unfavorable remarks about the Democratic Party. This leads to a back-and-forth debate where both personalities challenge each other's perspectives on political strategies and party dynamics.
Key Discussions:
Notable Quotes:
Timestamp: [24:06] - [28:10]
The discussion shifts to a high-profile legal issue involving Sean "Diddy" Combs. An attorney representing Combs in a sex trafficking case announces their resignation, sparking concerns about the implications for the upcoming federal trial.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
Timestamp: [28:18] - [37:52]
Smith and Carville delve into the tragic case of Robert Brooks, an inmate who was brutally beaten to death by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The case has garnered national attention due to the involvement of multiple officers and the violent nature of the assault.
Key Discussions:
Notable Quotes:
Timestamp: [37:52] - [47:53]
In a reflective segment, Smith commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination. He contemplates Malcolm X's legacy of black empowerment, self-defense, and unity within the African American community, drawing parallels to contemporary social issues and the role of modern athletes in activism.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
Timestamp: [40:06] - [48:34]
The conversation transitions to international politics, specifically focusing on former President Donald Trump's remarks about Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and the ongoing conflict involving Russia.
Key Discussions:
Notable Quotes:
Timestamp: [48:34] - [59:59]
As the episode nears its conclusion, Smith reiterates the importance of unity and collective action in addressing societal challenges. He emphasizes the enduring relevance of Malcolm X's teachings and the need for the African American community, along with allies, to work together towards common goals.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
Conclusion
This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show presents a robust and candid exploration of political dynamics, legal controversies, and social justice issues. Through his exchange with James Carville, Smith challenges traditional political narratives, advocating for a more unified and informed approach to addressing the nation's problems. The discussion serves as both a critique of current political strategies and a call to action for collective empowerment, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Malcolm X to envision a more cohesive and just society.