The Stephen A. Smith Show – October 31, 2024

Release Date: October 31, 2024 | Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the heated 2024 presidential election, dissecting the strategies and rhetoric of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Alongside guest appearances, including Chris Cuomo and Kamala Harris herself, Smith navigates through the complexities of political division, upcoming town halls, and transitions seamlessly into comprehensive sports analyses covering the NFL, NBA, and college athletics. The episode is rich with insightful commentary, notable quotes, and thorough discussions aimed at informing and engaging listeners.

Presidential Election Analysis

1. Trump’s Rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania

• Key Point: Donald Trump held a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he questioned the progress made over the past four years.
• Notable Quote:
  • Stephen A. Smith [02:15]: “Donald Trump spent Tuesday in Pennsylvania, speaking at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he asked, ‘Are you better off now than you were four years ago?’”

2. Kamala Harris’ Speech at the Ellipse

• Key Point: Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a large audience at the Ellipse, reiterating how her administration would differ from Joe Biden's.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Kamala Harris [03:31]: “I have been honored to serve as Joe Biden's vice president.”
  • Kamala Harris [03:38]: “But I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office.”

3. Stephen A.’s Critique on Biden and Harris’s Rhetoric

• Key Point: Smith critiques President Biden’s comment labeling Trump supporters as "garbage," comparing it to Hillary Clinton’s "deplorables" remark, and emphasizes the dangers of such divisive language.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Stephen A. Smith [04:09]: “When you're willing to label folks with name-calling, you’re talking about them, not him.”
  • Stephen A. Smith [04:55]: “I'm quite sure Biden meant it directly for the comedian, but it was still foolhardy for him to do so.”

Discussion with Chris Cuomo

1. The State of Political Dialogue

• Key Points:
  • Chris Cuomo discusses the increasing political division, citing a recent Ipsos survey.
  • Both hosts reflect on the lack of constructive dialogue in today’s politics.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Chris Cuomo [21:00]: “81% of people say we’re more divided than they can remember, yet 70% believe we all want the same things.”
  • Stephen A. Smith [22:28]: “Do you blame anyone in particular for the absence of dialogue and the divisiveness that exists in today's politics?”

2. Upcoming Town Hall on News Nation

• Key Points:
  • The hosts discuss the format and goals of their upcoming town hall featuring diverse political figures.
  • Emphasis on bridging partisan gaps through conversation.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Chris Cuomo [22:44]: “Conversation is the cure. We can get past it by talking our way through the division.”
  • Chris Cuomo [27:34]: “There’s a conversation to be had. It’s not just about me and him; it’s about the week. It’s bigger than that.”

3. Critique of Kamala Harris’ Speech Venue

• Key Points: Smith and Cuomo analyze Harris’ choice of venue for her speech, drawing parallels to Trump’s January 6 rally.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Chris Cuomo [24:21]: “Right venue, wrong message.”
  • Stephen A. Smith [25:00]: “He [Trump] is responsible because it’s your rally, and you don’t denounce such things.”

4. Handling of Bill O’Reilly’s Defense of Trump

• Key Points: Discussion on how the upcoming town hall will address Bill O’Reilly’s support for Trump and the strategies to manage confrontational dialogues.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Stephen A. Smith [27:15]: “Tonight when Bill O'Reilly is coming to the defense of Donald Trump... How do you plan on dealing with that?”

Sports Commentary

1. NFL Analysis

• Minnesota Vikings:

  • Key Point: Discussion on the Vikings' performance, quarterback situation, and team dynamics.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Kamala Harris [30:59]: “D.J. had a rough five days... but we’re gonna get a good win against Indianapolis this week.”
    • Stephen A. Smith [30:10]: “Minnesota is just coming back to life.”

• Dallas Cowboys:

  • Key Point: Critique of the Cowboys' management and performance trends.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Kamala Harris [40:30]: “Mismanagement from the top up. Jerry Jones’ radio shows are destroying the team.”

• Pittsburgh Steelers:

  • Key Point: Optimism about the Steelers under Russell Wilson’s leadership.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Kamala Harris [43:42]: “The Steelers are a frightening team… the best team Mike Tomlin has had in years.”
    • Stephen A. Smith [45:16]: “I like what I'm seeing from the Steelers... first place in the AFC North.”

2. AFC Team Trajectories

• Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers:
  • Key Point: Positive outlook on the Bills with Josh Allen and Patriots' acquisition of Amari Cooper; Steelers’ strong defense and leadership.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Stephen A. Smith [43:12]: “Buffalo Bills, because Josh Allen is just looking like a stud... Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Russell Wilson.”

3. College Football Highlights

• Cooper Flagg and Indiana Football:
  • Key Point: Highlighting Cooper Flagg’s projected success and Indiana's historic football season under Deion Sanders.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Stephen A. Smith [49:09]: “Cooper Flagg... projected to be the number one overall pick in the NBA draft.”
    • Kamala Harris [48:30]: “Indiana has the best football team in the history of the university.”

4. NBA Insights

• Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors:
  • Key Point: Early season performance praises for the Lakers’ Anthony Davis and Warriors’ depth despite injuries.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Stephen A. Smith [49:28]: “Lakers off to a 31 start with Anthony Davis averaging 32.12 a game.”
    • Kamala Harris [43:46]: “Russell Wilson is a grown man in throwing the ball and talking to him.”

5. Dwyane Wade’s Statue in Miami

• Key Point: Discussion on the unveiling of Dwyane Wade’s statue, including critiques of its likeness and its significance to the Miami Heat franchise.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Stephen A. Smith [49:57]: “Dwyane Wade is one of the best human beings I’ve ever covered.”
  • Kamala Harris [50:08]: “Geico's motorcycle specialists who know bikes like you do assume no liability for clammy ice cream cones.” [Note: This seems part of an ad and may be misplaced.]

Audience Interaction

1. Responding to Tweets

• Key Points: Stephen A. engages with listeners' questions, addressing light-hearted queries about pop culture and personal anecdotes.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Stephen A. Smith [61:07]: “Do you think playing a 2 on 2 wrestling match between Chicken Little and Alvin or Stuart Little and Simon?”
  • Stephen A. Smith [61:13]: “I think he looks better than he looked. As great as Randall Cunningham and Michael Vick were.”

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating his commitment to delivering insightful and entertaining content. He teases upcoming discussions, including remarks on the Lakers' performance and the controversial Dwyane Wade statue, ensuring listeners stay tuned for future episodes.

Notable Quote:

• Stephen A. Smith [50:14]: “That's just me. Why listen to me when you can listen to my next guest...”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a multifaceted exploration of the 2024 presidential election intertwined with comprehensive sports analysis. Stephen A.'s candid commentary, coupled with guest insights from Chris Cuomo and Kamala Harris, provides listeners with a robust understanding of current political dynamics and sports landscapes.

For those interested in staying updated on political debates, sports strategies, and candid discussions, this episode serves as an essential listen.