← The Stephen A. Smith Show
The Stephen A. Smith Show
Interview Only: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They discuss politics, leadership, and sports.
00:40:15
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- [00:00]
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.
- [00:31]
Nate Thompson
What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb. Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us. Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe. Listen to EnergyLine with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:06]
Hakeem Jeffries
My guest represents the 8th congressional district of the great state of New York and is serving his seventh term in the United States Congress. I'm honored he's taken time out of his very busy schedule to come on this show. Please welcome Democratic House Minority leader, the one and only Hakeem Jeffries. Good afternoon, sir. How are you? How's everything?
- [01:25]
Nate Thompson
Good afternoon. Great to be with you.
- [01:27]
Hakeem Jeffries
Listen, first of all, I'm in a bad mood. I'll tell you why. We'll get to it later. My Knicks, I had to watch them this week, and I'm very upset about that. The Yankees, they're having press conferences over facial hair. I'm very upset about that. There's a lot about New York sports that's getting on my nerves right now. We'll get to all of that stuff later because I know that's something that you want to talk about as well, and I'm looking forward to talking to you about it. But the first question for me, obviously, with, you know, with so much going on in the nation's capital right now, how do you feel about where things are specifically overall and just as important with the Democratic Party at this moment in time?
- [02:02]
Nate Thompson
Well, this is a tough moment for the country. What we've seen over the last several weeks is a flood of extremism unleashed on the country coming out of the White House and from the Trump administration. In many ways, the Parade of Horribles is really designed to try to disorient and discourage and depress people. And we're going to have to show a level of resilience to get the country through this very tough moment. That's exactly what we, as House Democrats partnering with Senate Democrats, partnering with governors and attorney generals all across the country, need to do. The American people want us to solve problems on their behalf, particularly the core challenge of unaffordability in the United States of America. The cost of living is too high. The American people clearly in November indicated that they want us to do something about it. We're prepared as House Democrats, to address that issue to lower housing costs, lower childcare costs, lower grocery costs, lower insurance costs, and lower utility costs. Unfortunately, President Trump has been more of a chaos agent over the last few weeks and not shown any interest whatsoever in dealing with the unaffordability that many everyday Americans are confronting all across the country.
- [03:19]
Hakeem Jeffries
When. When you call him a chaos agent, be specific about what you think he is doing that's creating chaos. I want to know from one of the leading voices in the Democratic Party, when you utter the word chaos, be specific about exactly what you believe he's doing to cause chaos.
- [03:34]
Nate Thompson
Well, we've seen more than 40 or so different executive orders that have been issued as it relates to things that are clearly either unlawful or unconstitutional, designed to be disruptive. You have hardworking federal employees who are being targeted in ways that is creating a lot of trauma for them, their children, and for their families. We've seen statements made by President Trump related to President Zelensky, who's not a dictator, he's actually a champion for democracy, for freedom, and for truth. And instead, you see the Trump administration playing footsie with Vladimir Putin and Russia, their sworn enemies of the United States of America. That is actually not helpful to our national security. It's chaotic. And what we've seen in connection with all of these unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders is lawsuit after lawsuit filed. Actually more than 75 at this particular point in time, against these unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders. And the courts are siding with America and the Constitution over and over and over again, not the Trump administration. So instead of advancing legislation designed to actually solve problems, I think it's fair to say what we've seen is chaos being unleashed on the American people.
- [05:09]
Hakeem Jeffries
What about those out there who would say the Democrats have contributed to the chaos? Because you had President Joe Biden in office over the previous four years with Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, as his vp Obviously, there were things that were going on over the last four years, when we talk about inflation, when we talk about the borders and how open borders obviously was something that was problematic for this nation. So many of those things contributed to the demise, or dare I say the chaos that you're alluding to now. People would look in the face of the Democratic Party and say, what about you guys? You guys had everything to do with this. How do you answer that?
- [05:44]
Nate Thompson
Well, certainly, I think Joe Biden and his administration was anything but chaotic. They dealt with a lot of different challenges that he had to confront upon taking office. In fact, if you look back on it, In January of 2021, President Biden inherited both a public health crisis around COVID 19, an economic crisis connected to the shutdown of the economy, a democracy crisis related to the violent attack on the Capitol that had occurred on January 6, and then shortly thereafter, an international crisis related to Russia's unprecedented brutal attack on the people of Ukraine. So he was trying to manage a lot, doing the best job that he could over that particular period of time. Now, there's certainly, it is certainly the case that there are issues that the American people are asking us to decisively tackle that we need to figure out a way to do common ground, where possible, around driving down the high cost of living. And as you mentioned, Stephen A. As it relates to the border, look, we have to secure the border, period, full stop. We have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed. And we should do it in a bipartisan and a comprehensive way so there's some permanence to the resolution. But at the same period of time, we have to protect dreamers, protect farm workers and protect families, people who are contributing to the American way of life in community after community after community. And lastly, I'd say that we can all agree that we have to keep our communities safe. And certainly some of the actions that we've seen you referenced, you know, my concern with the chaos, it's chaotic. To pardon more than 1500 violent criminals, many of whom attacked police officers on January 6 and brutally beat them and then unleashed those folks into the community to go back home and at least threaten some with harm. That's problematic. That doesn't make America safer. It actually undermines public safety.
- [08:04]
Hakeem Jeffries
So many Republicans, and I'm sure you've seen me on a political circuit talking a little bit. Let me state right here with you on the record, I am no politician. I have no desire to be a politician. I'm not on the level of Hakeem Jeffries. I'M not on the level of Josh Shapiro, who I've interviewed. I'm not on the level of a Westmore. It'll be a snowball's chance in hell that I ever get to that point, for crying out loud. I've actually called it pathetic that I'm a candidate in people's eyes for some president, for the presidency because I'm not qualified. But I feel the frustration of the American people when they're talking about the state of affairs that exist in this country and the role both parties have played in it. So I would ask you right now, speaking specifically about the Democratic Party, how do you feel about where the Democratic Party is right now in the eyes of the American people, particularly when the latest polls, I think, as Quinnipiac polls, show that congressional favor in terms of representatives in Congress from the Democratic Party, it's like a 20%, if I remember correctly. The Republicans are at 40%, for crying out loud. You guys are at 20%. How concerned are you about the Democratic Party? How are you feeling about where the Democratic Party is right now in the eyes of the American people?
- [09:14]
Nate Thompson
Well, first of all, when it comes to the presidential aspirations that are being ascribed to you, certainly you do want to height in the polls, and that's a testament to how you keep it real and connect with the American people. That said, in terms of where congressional Democrats are at, listen, polls are all over the place. You're correct in what you just mentioned as it relates to one particular poll. There was a Washington Post poll that just came out earlier today, and it asked the American people, who would you prefer is in charge in the next Congress, House Democrats, to serve as a check and balance on Donald Trump or House Republicans who are going to continue to just go along to get along. And by 13 points, the American people said House Democrats, I think it was 54 to 41. We clearly have work to do. But I also think that the American people are increasingly starting to recognize that in this country that we have, you need common sense public servants who are willing to try to solve problems to make life better for hardworking American families. And that's our commitment. And we're going to have to do a better job of convincing the American people that that is what drives us to make life better for every American in every single community in every corner of the country.
- [10:39]
Hakeem Jeffries
Well, what's the impediment to the Democratic Party doing a better job? Let's speak specifically about that because you're the House minority leader. You're one of the top two Democrats in the country. And I'm looking at the party and I'm seeing these protests for DEI and other things. And I gotta tell you something right now. I didn't have an issue with the protests. I had an issue with the behavior that I saw during the protests. People screaming, screaming expletives at the president, at Republican officials, et cetera. I'm saying they sound like they're on a campaign, sir. They're sounding like the same way they sounded during the campaign. And clearly the election showed that's not going to work. Why are they continuously doing it? It's not only getting in the way of the party itself. I think it's getting in the way of somebody like you doing the best job that you could possibly do, having to deal with this nonsense. How do you feel about that and what do you say about it?
- [11:29]
Nate Thompson
Well, I think if we can take a step back as it relates to what the fundamental challenge is in America for people all across the country, people, whether you're on the left, in the center or on the right, all points in between, the system is broken for far too long, right? We've seen everyday Americans unable to get ahead, and many can barely get by. This was exacerbated, of course, by inflation and the high cost of living. But that's not a phenomenon just from the last year or two. That's been the case for decades. We've seen our jobs go in the wrong direction. We've seen the ability for people to provide a comfortable living for themselves and for their families be eroded. What we've seen, of course, are Americans who no longer believe, in many instances, that their children or grandchildren will be able to do better than them. When you and I were coming up, that was basically a core principle of the American dream. We had to struggle, had to work hard. But there was that sense that that opportunity would be available for all of us. And that's gone in many instances. And so as a result, you see frustration, you see concern, you see anger from people all across the land. That's one of the reasons why, Stephen A. I think that the political pendulum continues to swing. You go from George H.W. bush to Bill Clinton, Bill Clinton to George W. Bush, George W. Bush to Barack Obama, Barack Obama to Trump, Trump to Biden, Biden back to Trump. And the likelihood is it may swing again in 2028. Why? Because there's an underlying frustration with Washington's core inability to make life better for everyday Americans, to bring the American dream to life. And that is real. That's something that we have to tackle. We have to convince the American people that we're all in on improving their lives.
- [13:32]
Hakeem Jeffries
Representative Jeffrey Isaac I just have to ask, how could you possibly pull that off if both sides of the aisle refuse to get things done, to compromise to some degree? I've said this often. You could go on a campaign trail. That's where the real work is. I don't, certainly don't mean to diminish what you're doing. Please don't take, don't get it wrong. I'm saying literally, if I'm a Democrat, once I'm elected, well, what did the other side do? I'm gonna do the opposite. I'm a Republican. Well, what did the other side do? I'm gonna do the opposite. That's the impression that the American people have received over the last decade, plus, if not considerably longer. And the way folks talk about one another, it's clearly a diminished level of interest in possibly working together. So when you say what you just said, how could anybody possibly believe that is possible to happen, that people are going to work together to get what's done in the best interest of the American people?
- [14:26]
Nate Thompson
Well, listen, I certainly get that the impression that comes out of Washington that the clear perception is that everybody's fighting all day, every day and no one's actually trying to get anything done for the American people. If you take a step back and look at President Biden's track record, certainly during his first couple of years in office, before we got into a more polarizing campaign season, he got a lot done. And many of that that he accomplished was actually bipartisan, right? The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs act, creating millions of good paying jobs for people all across the country in blue states and red states and in purple states, that was actually bipartisan. We were able to get the Chips and Science act done to bring our domestic manufacturing jobs back home to the country. Stand up a semiconductor industry so that America is more competitive, so that we can actually make things once again in the United States of America. That was bipartisan. We passed gun safety legislation for the first time in 30 years. That was bipartisan. And we actually stood up for our veterans who were dealing with painful exposure to toxic substances, Burn pits, agent Orange. And that was bipartisan as well. Strongly led by Democrats in each and every instance. So there's actually bipartisan work that can be done. In the first term of Donald Trump's presidency, I was both an impeachment manager and the lead Democratic sponsor of the First Step act, the most sweeping criminal justice reform Legislation that the Congress has passed in a generation, and it was supported by Democrats, Republicans, the House, the Senate, the left, the right, the NAACP and the Koch brothers, and ultimately signed into law by Donald Trump.
- [16:15]
Hakeem Jeffries
So is that your way of saying, since we've got so much stuff done across the aisle, Donald Trump's presidency poses a different problem because you're apprehensive that folks on the right will be as willing to work with the Democrats on the other side because Donald Trump is back in office. Is that your way of saying that?
- [16:36]
Nate Thompson
No, no. What I'm saying is that this particular presidency does threaten to upend that, because.
- [16:43]
Hakeem Jeffries
That'S what I'm saying.
- [16:44]
Nate Thompson
There's so much outrageous stuff, so much extremism, and a lack of willingness to actually try to solve core problems for the American people. Listen, Donald Trump's biggest strength on the first Tuesday of November last year was the American people thought that he would be able to deal with the economy and to actually make life more affordable for everyday Americans. What do the polls say? Right now? It's his biggest weakness. His poll numbers aren't going up, they're going down. Why? Because the American people can see he's actually not focused on driving down the high cost of living.
- [17:18]
Hakeem Jeffries
Let me ask you this. What if Trump defies these federal orders? That is possible. What if he does that? What is your. What's the. What recourse do you have available to you?
- [17:29]
Nate Thompson
Well, actually, so one of the things is a very important question. And actually, we've launched a rapid response task force and litigation working group, in part for this very reason. And so I've asked the best lawyers in the House Democratic Caucus, led by Congressman Jonah Goose, who's from Colorado, great young brother, does his thing, brilliant lawyer. And Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, who's helping to lead this effort, along with Gerry Conley and others, to actually continue to map out the litigation strategy. And that has been important. We're pushing back against all of these unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders. But to understand this is the early part of the process, there'll be appeals. Ultimately we'll get to the Supreme Court. And then ultimately, we have to figure out, how do we ensure compliance with the rule of law. That's what the American people want to see. Hold that right. But we've got to have a strategy, and the litigation working group is working that out right now.
- [18:31]
Hakeem Jeffries
I think one of the best ways to pull that off is to have a voice attached to it. A very loud, loquacious, vociferous voice that's just combative as hell and ready to fight. Which is why I was surprised that Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, AOC as she's affectionately called, is not leading one of these committees. I didn't disagree with the decision because I happen to think as bright as she is, as accomplished as she is, as feisty as she is, and as conscientious as she is, sometimes I don't think that's needed. Her style is needed, necessarily. But based on what you described, why isn't a voice like that more prominent on these committees as far as Democrats are concerned? How do you answer that question?
- [19:13]
Nate Thompson
Well, she has a big role to play. No doubt about it. Alex has. She's smart, she's thoughtful, she's got a great capacity to connect with everyday Americans and she'll continue to be prominently featured in a wide variety of ways. You know, she was just put on one of the most powerful committees in the Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over one of the core issues that we're going to be battling about over the next few days and next few weeks, Medicaid. You have a situation, for instance, and Alex will be a big part of this committee is led by Frank Palone on our side. You have a budget that we're going to take up tomorrow where Republicans want to authorize $4.5 trillion worth of cuts in taxes for their billionaire donors and wealthy and well connected corporations and at the same period of time, stick everyday Americans with the bill by slashing and burning things like Medicaid. Actually, the bill authorizes about $880 billion in possible cuts to Medicaid that will be devastating for people all across the country. Close rural hospitals, shut down nursing homes, hurt children, hurt families, hurt people with disabilities. The American people don't support it. Republicans are trying to jam that down the throats of the American people. And we'll have a variety of members across the ideological spectrum, across the Democratic caucus being able to push back.
- [20:43]
Hakeem Jeffries
I get with that American people might not necessarily want Medicaid and Medicare compromised in any way. I get that. Don't get me started with Social Security. I understand that part. I guess what I'm wondering about is that I know there's no way in hell that the American people are against identifying waste and excessive spending. So when DOGE exists, Department of, you know, government efficiency, and we know that whole story with Elon Musk, in theory, I haven't met any Americans that have a problem with that idea. In theory, they might have a problem with him overseeing it, but they don't have a problem with that in theory. Where do you fall? Where does the Democratic Party fall as it pertains to the existence of Doge and how Elon Musk has behaved since Trump arrived in office on January 20th.
- [21:31]
Nate Thompson
You know, it's not a serious effort, it's an erratic effort. And what you see is the targeting of hard working federal employees who help make this country run. And he's not just targeting them, he's targeting their children and targeting their families. Now, with respect to waste, fraud and abuse, you can find it in any organization in the country. And so we're all in generally as it relates to a thoughtful, responsible, reasonable effort to try to identify waste, fraud and abuse so we can save taxpayer money and make sure that it's spent effectively, efficiently and equitably. We're all in on that effort. That's not what this has turned into right now. In fact. Now, when you go after, for instance, waste, fraud and abuse, here's the thing. The average person on Social Security receives $65 a day in benefits. The average person, grandma, grandpa, $65 a day. Elon Musk right now has $8 million a day in federal contracts. But ain't nobody looking into that in terms of the DOGE effort. And so how are we to take this particular thing seriously and see it as an effort to actually meaningfully root out waste, fraud and abuse?
- [22:57]
Hakeem Jeffries
That's a fair point. Let me move on from there because your time is valuable and I thank you for the time that you've given me already. Sir, let me ask you this. I want to know two things from the Democratic Party. Number one, when are we going to let go of January 6th? We gonna let that go because the man was impeached twice, convicted on 34 felony counts and still reelected. I mean, at some point in time, somebody like Senator Durbin and others who was asking Pam Bondi about, you know, you willing to admit he lost the election? It's like, enough of that. Because the American people clearly have spoken. At least 77 plus million of them have spoken. He won the Electoral College vote, he won the popular vote, he won the swing states, et cetera. They've said what they've had to say. When are y'all gonna let that go? And number two, how are you going to go about not coming across as being at the mercy of the progressive left? And I'm asking you that question specifically because in a lot of American people's eyes, you're seen as somebody who's center left, more of a centrist, more reasonable than some of the folks that have been the most outspoken for the Democratic Party.
- [24:05]
Nate Thompson
Well, I think in terms of January 6th, look, it's not something that the American people should ever forget because it was an extraordinary event. I was there when we were debating, as Congress does, the certification of the election, and we were told that a mob has breached the Capitol. They're on the second floor. There are a few steps outside of the House chamber and hit the ground. And be prepared to secure the gas masks that are underneath your seats, because they were people who were trying to stop the peaceful transfer of power. And this is the greatest democracy in the history of the world. So we can't forget January 6th. I'm not suggesting that it's a core issue moving forward in terms of how we are making our case to the American people. But we also can't ignore the fact that, that in one of his first acts, President Trump chose to pardon violent felons who brutally assaulted and beat police officers. Are they the party of law and order? That's actually lawlessness and disorder. We can't ignore it. I know they want us to. And actually, the American people, as I travel the country all across America, are appalled that that actually could happen. Why? Because they know it doesn't make them safer when you are pardoning people and sending a signal that that kind of violence is all right. But you are correct that the core issues that we have to connect with the American people on relate to making their life better. Listen, I think that the American people simply want to live in a country where when you work hard and play by the rules, you can live a comfortable life. You can provide a comfortable life for yourself, for your family, educate your children, purchase a home, go on vacation every now and then, have access to health care that's affordable, and one day retire with grace and dignity, which means protecting Social Security and Medicare. That's not too much to ask. And I think there is a lot of frustration in America because for far too many people, they're struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, can't get by, can barely provide for that lifestyle that's consistent with the American dream. Now, in terms of center, the left, the right, I think what the American people want type of leader that I'm trying to be is a common sense leader. Solve problems, get things done, make life better for the American people and defend the Constitution, defend democracy, defend the American way of life at the same time, which does mean aggressively pushing back against the far Right. Extremism that's coming from the administration, in the Congress, in the courts and in the community.
- [27:15]
Hakeem Jeffries
What about aggressively pushing back for the far left? Cuz they lost you the election. See, I'm thinking about winning, Representative Jeffrey. I'm thinking about winning. I'm like, okay, how do. I mean, the midterm is incredibly important. We got musk that some people think is running the damn country. And I'll get back to him in a second with some of the stuff that he's doing that you've alluded to earlier. Right. But I'm also thinking about what lost you the election. I'm going to repeat. 77 million votes. He beat Kamala Harris by over two and a half million votes. He won electoral college vote, the popular vote, all the swing states. I mean, he gave a run for money in New York, they gained ground in California. Anybody worth their salt will tell you the extreme left had a lot to do with pulling y'all back from the momentum one would argue you had, obviously in 2020. What about pushing back against your own party?
- [28:10]
Nate Thompson
Well, listen, extreme left protest me more than they protest Donald Trump. I mean, literally wherever I go. So I think in part because I've declined, I've refused, I've chosen not to bend the knee to either people on the far left and certainly not to Donald Trump and the far right. We all have a responsibility to serve the people we were elected to represent and the country and the Constitution. And I certainly have not been bashful and will not be bashful and disagreeing with people who are trying to take this country in a direction that doesn't lift everybody up, whether that comes from the right or whether that comes from the far left.
- [29:04]
Hakeem Jeffries
Who's the face of the Democratic Party? Does it need a face? I look at Westmore, I look at Josh Shapiro, I look at you, I can ask you the same question about yourself, but it's really all I see. Because with the cult like following Donald Trump has, I mean, if the Democrats don't do something about it, you're gonna lose in the midterms, potentially. And Lord help us, if you're gonna win, you're gonna lose again in four years. What's the plan? Who's the voice? Who's the face of the Democratic Party?
- [29:29]
Nate Thompson
Listen, we're gonna win in the midterms. You're gonna win, we gonna win, and we have no choice but to be successful in the midterms. But we've gotta get through the first 100 days, then the first year, and then of Course, get to the midterm elections and we've got to stop bad things from happening governmentally, like the reckless Republican budget that we'll be debating on the floor this week. Slash and burn. Medicaid, that's what they want to do. Slash and burn, you know, nutritional assistance for children and families. Slash and burn Veterans benefits. Do nothing to actually address the affordability crisis in America. We've got to stop bad things from happening and then articulate our affirmative vision, of course, for making life better for the American people, which is what we'll continue to do, particularly as we get through these first 100 days or so and the flood of extremism that is directed at the American people. What I would say about the Democratic Party is that it's all hands on deck. That's what the moment requires, because you've got a Republican president, a Republican House and a Republican Senate. And so it's going to take all of us that's Democrats in the House. It's my honor to be the House Democratic leader and a critical voice in Washington and hopefully across America as it relates to what we're all about, what we're trying to do and what we're pushing back against. Working with my colleagues in the Senate and then, of course, working with Democratic governors all across the country. And as you mentioned, there are many people who are doing their thing in state after state. I was just communicating with Westmore a little earlier today. We got Democratic governors, of course, in battleground states throughout the Midwest. We got Democratic governors in red states like in Arizona, for instance, or a Kansas, a Kentucky. We got a Democratic governor that's new in North Carolina. Our governor in New York, Kathy Hochul, is fighting hard for the people of New York. And we got a Democratic attorney general, tis James, shout out to Brooklyn. She's doing her thing in defense of democracy. We got a lot of folks on the battlefield right now. Now, we do have to make sure we're all coordinated, right, that we're huddled up, we come out of that huddle and we're executing plays seamlessly and together on behalf of the American people. And I look forward to continuing to play a leading role in helping to orchestrate that.
- [31:54]
Hakeem Jeffries
And my last question to that would be because I'm thinking about the Republican Party, and they've got a quarterback. His name is Donald Trump. In 2015, he came strolling down the escalators, and the next thing you know, he's dominated the Republican Party for the last decade. They don't even want to see anybody else Unless it's Donald Trump. So much so that you have representatives all over the Capitol Hill that capitulate to his every whim because they're scared their careers are going to be over if they don't. The Democrats don't seem to have anyone that has that kind of impact that can affect the party and make sure everyone falls in line. I'm trying to figure out how you're going to alleviate that concern.
- [32:36]
Nate Thompson
Yeah, listen, I mean, you pointed out correctly that Donald Trump has engineered a hostile takeover of the Republican Party. These people on the other side of the aisle, they run and scared. They're not actually upholding their constitutional oath, in many instances serve as a check and balance or independent voice as it relates to the people that they represent. They just take orders from Donald Trump and now Donald Trump and Elon Musk now on our side of the aisle. Listen, we're a coalition. We're a big tent party. That, of course, has its challenges because you got a lot of voices, a lot of enthusiasms within the Democratic tent. But it also represents the gorgeous Mosaic America. And what is clear is that we, of course, have to make sure that we're connecting with voters of every race, of every religion, of every gender, of different sexual orientation right across the spectrum in a way that people feel comfortable that we're fighting to address their core issues, their core challenges.
- [33:48]
Hakeem Jeffries
May I suggest the way to go about doing that, because I'm certainly not rooting against y'all, is to get folks to stop complaining about 2020, stop complaining about Trump in the past, and their policies are predated with anti Trump stuff all the time. The American people, in their eyes, have already spoken and they're ready to move on. So let him try to do what he's going to do and expose every little thing he's going to do along the way. And perhaps you will win the midterm. That's just where I'm coming from. But what do I know? First of all, thank you for your time. Before I let you go, I gotta switch to sports while I've got the minority leader of the House here with me, a New York native, right here. My Knicks got their butts whipped not once but twice this week. And it hurt my feelings to watch what happened to them against Cleveland on Friday night, Boston yesterday. And even though they're the third best team in the East, I look at them as having no chance of getting to the NBA Finals. It depresses me. How about you?
- [34:44]
Nate Thompson
Yeah, it was a rough weekend in terms of the Knicks and seeing what happened with Cleveland and Boston, although I will say that it looked like they were out of it. And then they made a little run.
- [34:53]
Hakeem Jeffries
Yeah.
- [34:54]
Nate Thompson
In the third quarter. Yeah, right. I think they closed it to four. Showed a little heart.
- [34:57]
Hakeem Jeffries
Seven. Seven. Yeah.
- [34:58]
Nate Thompson
Close to seven. Was it seven?
- [35:00]
Hakeem Jeffries
Yep, it was seven.
- [35:01]
Nate Thompson
But the big challenge, I think, is the lack of defensive prowess, which is strange because Tibbs is known for being a great defensive coach. And the hope, of course, as you've pointed out, Stephen A. Is that when Robinson comes back, if he could stay on the court, that that will actually enhance the ability. OG Is back. You know, now, of course, Bridges is known as a defensive stop or three and D person. So, you know, I ride with the Knicks. Look, the city. The city is in a better mood when the Knicks are good. And it certainly hasn't been, you know, a great run over the last 20 or 25 years, but it's been a pretty good run over the last four or five. And I'm still riding with them. I look forward to the playoffs, and hopefully we'll see, you know, a better capacity to deal with teams like Boston and Cleveland, which are the ones that are in front of them. The other thing I will say, though, is that St. John's is doing. It's.
- [35:59]
Hakeem Jeffries
I was going there. The Knicks, I said April and May might not be fun, but March might. With the way rick Patino's got St. John's looking, they 24 and four this year. They're doing their thing. I'm quite surprised. I didn't expect that from them, but they're doing well.
- [36:13]
Nate Thompson
They're doing real well. Pino's a bad boy in terms of his coaching capacity. And, you know, to watch that game against UConn. Yeah, I was able to catch the second half. Kadari Richmond, again, shout out. Brooklyn actually started out at Midwood High School. High school that I graduated from. He's doing his thing. And Zubi and rj. It's a fun team to watch, and I'm excited for what's to come in terms of the Big East Tournament and March Madness. You know, these are things that everybody's got to lean into, whether it's sports or other forms of entertainment, family, of course, church, as we navigate what are challenging times here in Washington, D.C. across the country and throughout the world. And so I appreciate what you do in that regard because, you know, it's an important part of just living everyday life every week, every month, getting through the year. It's got to be more than politics.
- [37:16]
Hakeem Jeffries
Listen, Man, I appreciate it. I'm not gonna get into the Yankees. Cause I'm pretty ticked off that, you know, ownership had a press conference to discuss facial here. I mean, we ain't won a World series since 2009, and that's what he's having a press conference for. Even though they got a pretty good team coming in this year, and maybe they could get back to the World Series. I'm gonna put you on the spot before I let you get on out of here. You usually on the spot for politics. Let me put you on the spot for basketball right now. I'm gonna test your knowledge here. Top five point guards in the history of New York City. Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, the floor is yours. I'm testing you right now. Top five point guards in the history of New York City. Give them to me.
- [37:56]
Nate Thompson
All right, so I'm gonna go Mark Jackson.
- [37:59]
Hakeem Jeffries
Okay.
- [38:00]
Nate Thompson
Because, you know, rocking with St. John.
- [38:02]
Hakeem Jeffries
Yeah, that's right. That's right.
- [38:03]
Nate Thompson
He went to Bishop Lachlan.
- [38:04]
Hakeem Jeffries
That's right.
- [38:05]
Nate Thompson
Assist guy.
- [38:06]
Hakeem Jeffries
Okay. That's my brother. I got it. Okay, go ahead.
- [38:09]
Nate Thompson
I'm gonna go Kenny the Jet Smith. Kenny the Jet Smith.
- [38:14]
Hakeem Jeffries
All right.
- [38:16]
Nate Thompson
I'm gonna go Rod Strickland from the Boogie Down Bronx. Oh, God.
- [38:21]
Hakeem Jeffries
Keep going. Oh, this is a good list. Oh, I might challenge you, but go ahead. Go ahead.
- [38:29]
Nate Thompson
Give me two more. Give me two more. I think I gotta represent CI And Stephon Marbury.
- [38:35]
Hakeem Jeffries
Okay, okay, okay. And one more, one more.
- [38:43]
Nate Thompson
And in terms of top five, you know, that fifth. That fifth guard. You know, I'm tempted to throw in a.
- [38:54]
Hakeem Jeffries
Get a house minority leader. I mean, a hesitation. I need more. I need.
- [39:00]
Nate Thompson
Come on.
- [39:00]
Hakeem Jeffries
Because there's two names that you're missing. I can't believe you haven't mentioned him yet. I'm just giving you a chance. Go ahead.
- [39:07]
Nate Thompson
Yeah. Tiny Archibald.
- [39:09]
Hakeem Jeffries
Oh, see, you went way back. I can't. I get you. I get you. You got Nate. Tiny Archibald. You got to throw him in there. Let me throw two other names for you that you left out.
- [39:21]
Nate Thompson
All right?
- [39:22]
Hakeem Jeffries
Kenny Anderson. Did you forget about him? Same spot as Kenny Smith. Archbishop Malloy. That brother was something special. Most people will put him on a list ahead of Kenny the Jet Smith.
- [39:34]
Nate Thompson
I was. Listen, I was thinking about it. He's the lefty, right. Georgia Tech.
- [39:39]
Hakeem Jeffries
That's right.
- [39:39]
Nate Thompson
He did his thing.
- [39:40]
Hakeem Jeffries
Yeah.
- [39:41]
Nate Thompson
Played for the Nets. But, you know, Kenny. And Kenny Smith did win two championships. So listen, at the end of day with Houston, and at the end of the day, NBA championships, we're Told.
- [39:51]
Hakeem Jeffries
Well, you talk about the overall resume. I was talking about the greatness. Steph, believe it or not, Stephon Marbury, to me, probably number one, considering how phenomenal he was. The other name is the greatest show in the history of college basketball. Pearl Washington, Dwayne Pearl Washington, boys and girls. See, that's what I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. All right, So, I mean, now I might have to move Rod Strickland out. I know. There. And then DePaul and all of that. Kenny the Jet, Ross Strickland right there. But Dwayne Pearl Washington, Kenny Anderson, Stephon Marbury, Nate Tiny Archibald. I get what you're saying. Not bad.
- [40:35]
Nate Thompson
Now, here's what you said. Now, if you would have said best high school point guards, I think Pearl Washington, boom, Right at the top of the list, even. I give you best college point guards. He was killing it in Syracuse.
- [40:48]
Hakeem Jeffries
That's true.
- [40:49]
Nate Thompson
But you're right. I'm going to get grief when I get back home to Bedford Stuyvesant that I left Dwayne Pearl Washington off.
- [40:56]
Hakeem Jeffries
That's right. And I'm leaving that in. I'm not cutting it out. I'm not cutting. I'm leaving that in. So everybody can see that you missed that one. Minardi house leader, the one and only Akeem Jeffries. Honored and privileged to have you, sir. Thank you, and feel free to come back anytime. You always got a voice on this show. Thank you so much.
- [41:10]
Nate Thompson
Thank you, man.
- [41:11]
Hakeem Jeffries
All right.
- [41:18]
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.
- [41:49]
Nate Thompson
What's up, everyone? Julius Rippinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The Name Energy Line with Nate and jsb. Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. 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. Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.