Summary of The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: "Stephen A explains 'WOKE’ culture, immigration, economy & Biden doomed Kamala, not Trump"

Release Date: November 10, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the dynamics that led to Donald J. Trump's remarkable re-election as the 47th President of the United States. Smith dissects the multifaceted issues surrounding the election, emphasizing that it was not Kamala Harris or the Democratic Party that undermined her campaign, but rather systemic challenges within the Democratic strategy itself.

1. Trump's Historic Comeback

Timestamp: 01:14 – 10:00

Smith opens the episode by acknowledging the unexpected and monumental comeback of Donald Trump, describing it as "the greatest comeback probably in American history" despite Trump's tumultuous past, including "34 felony counts, two impeachments, six bankruptcies." He underscores Trump's resilience and tenacity, traits he believes are essential in leadership.

Stephen A. Smith (01:14): "Donald Trump's return to the White House is the greatest comeback probably in American history."

Smith attributes Trump's victory to his focused campaign on pivotal issues such as the economy and immigration, which resonated with voters disillusioned by the Democratic administration's handling of these areas.

2. The Economy: A Central Concern

Timestamp: 10:00 – 20:00

A significant portion of Smith’s analysis centers on the economy. He highlights how Trump's emphasis on combating inflation and revitalizing the economy struck a chord with voters struggling with the diminishing value of their dollars.

Stephen A. Smith (15:45): "Trump locked in on inflation and how the value of our dollar had diminished before our very eyes."

Smith criticizes the Democratic narrative that dismissed economic hardships, arguing that tangible financial struggles of everyday Americans overshadowed any optimistic reports about economic improvements.

3. Immigration: Border Control as a Deciding Factor

Timestamp: 20:00 – 30:00

Smith shifts focus to immigration, condemning the Biden administration's policies for leading to over 12 million illegal migrants entering the country. He asserts that this surge exacerbated public frustration and fear, directly impacting voter sentiment against Kamala Harris.

Stephen A. Smith (25:30): "The right was able to look at our streets being overcrowded... and they had him."

He contrasts Biden’s approach with Obama’s, noting that despite Obama deporting more illegal immigrants, Biden's open-border stance was politically disastrous.

4. Woke and Cancel Culture: Alienating the Electorate

Timestamp: 30:00 – 40:00

Smith critiques the Democratic Party's entanglement with "woke" and cancel culture, arguing that it alienated moderate and independent voters. He points to high-profile endorsements and messages from celebrities like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, which he believes backfired by putting Democrats at the mercy of progressive extremes.

Stephen A. Smith (35:20): "If you don't agree with you, we're against you. Who's going to go for that in a general election?"

Smith contends that these cultural battles overshadowed substantial policy discussions, making the Democratic platform seem disconnected from the average American's priorities.

5. Kamala Harris's Campaign Missteps

Timestamp: 40:00 – 50:00

Delving into Kamala Harris's defeat, Smith outlines several critical missteps, including her lack of a primary battle which left her untested and less resonant with voters. He criticizes her performance in interviews, especially her inability to effectively answer tough questions, which diminished her credibility.

Stephen A. Smith (45:15): "She never had a chance because too many American citizens are too disgusted with what they see from the extreme left."

Smith also highlights the Democratic Party's failure to offer a robust and appealing alternative, leaving voters feeling that the party had lost touch with their needs and concerns.

6. Expert Commentary: Bill O'Reilly's Insights

Timestamp: 50:00 – 60:00

In a notable segment, conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly joins the show to reinforce Smith’s analysis. O’Reilly echoes sentiments about the economic struggles driving voters towards Trump and criticizes Kamala Harris’s lack of a substantive economic plan.

Bill O’Reilly (35:30): "Kamala Harris made one enormous mistake. She didn't answer any questions."

O’Reilly underscores the importance of strong leadership and decisiveness, traits he attributes to Trump, contrasting them with what he perceives as Harris’s indecisiveness and lack of clear policy direction.

7. Listener Engagement: Audience Calls

Timestamp: 60:00 – 75:00

Smith engages with listeners through several calls, addressing concerns about the economy, immigration, and rising crime rates. One caller from Los Angeles emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to immigration without blanket deportations, reflecting the nuanced viewpoints among the electorate.

Listener (55:40): "I hate the fact that Trump came across on too many occasions being that loose with his tongue when it came to immigrants crossing our borders."

Another caller from New York seeks advice on maintaining unity and hope within diverse communities post-election, prompting Smith to advocate for faith in America’s democratic institutions and resilience.

8. Concluding Remarks: Acceptance and Moving Forward

Timestamp: 75:00 – End

In his closing remarks, Smith reiterates the inevitability of accepting the electoral outcome while urging for constructive engagement moving forward. He stresses the importance of addressing the underlying issues that led to Trump’s victory—economy, immigration, and cultural divisions—to prevent similar outcomes in future elections.

Stephen A. Smith (73:20): "Donald Trump is in the White House. The Republicans control the Senate and likely the House. ... America has spoken."

Smith calls for strategic introspection within the Democratic Party to realign with centrist values and better address the electorate’s core concerns.

Key Quotes and Timestamps

• Trump’s Resilience:

  "Donald Trump's return to the White House is the greatest comeback probably in American history." (01:14)

• Economic Focus:

  "Trump locked in on inflation and how the value of our dollar had diminished before our very eyes." (15:45)

• Immigration Impact:

  "The right was able to look at our streets being overcrowded... and they had him." (25:30)

• Woke Culture Critique:

  "If you don't agree with you, we're against you. Who's going to go for that in a general election?" (35:20)

• Campaign Missteps:

  "She never had a chance because too many American citizens are too disgusted with what they see from the extreme left." (45:15)

• Expert Insight from Bill O'Reilly:

  "Kamala Harris made one enormous mistake. She didn't answer any questions." (35:30)

• Final Acceptance:

  "America has spoken." (73:20)

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show provides a thorough and incisive analysis of the 2024 presidential election, attributing Donald Trump's victory to his unwavering focus on economic revival and stringent immigration policies, while critiquing the Democratic Party's flawed strategies and overreliance on progressive and celebrity endorsements. Smith, supported by Bill O’Reilly’s commentary, calls for the Democratic Party to recalibrate towards more centrist and pragmatic policies to reconnect with the broader electorate. Through engaging listener calls, Smith further explores the pressing concerns of everyday Americans, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and policy solutions in the face of economic and social challenges.