Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – Interview Only: Part Two with Mayor Eric Adams

Episode Details:

• Title: Interview Only: Part Two: Stephen A's compelling sit-down interview with embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
• Host: Stephen A. Smith
• Guest: Mayor Eric Adams, New York City
• Release Date: January 26, 2025

Introduction

In the second part of his exclusive interview series, Stephen A. Smith engages in a deep and candid conversation with New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams. The discussion delves into the complexities of the two-party political system, media portrayals, diversity initiatives, and the mayor’s governance philosophy. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into the challenges and triumphs faced by one of America's most prominent city leaders.

1. The Two-Party System and Its Impact on the Black Community

Key Discussion Points: Stephen A. Smith opens the conversation by addressing the limitations of the two-party system, questioning its effects on the black community over the years.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:06]: "I want to be very, very unapologetic and transparent about where I'm going black man to black man about the state of our two-party system and what kind of impact you believe that has had on the black community..."

• Eric Adams [02:51]: "We must transform into the United States. The election is intramural. There's no reason we're holding these grudges."

Insights: Mayor Adams emphasizes the importance of transcending party lines to focus on community building and addressing real issues rather than partisan politics. He advocates for open communication and collaboration across political divides to foster genuine progress.

2. Media Portrayal and Political Rhetoric

Key Discussion Points: Stephen expresses concerns about media sensationalism and its impact on political figures, particularly referencing Donald Trump.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [03:16]: "Politicians alluding to him being a racist, comparing him to Nazis... then expecting to legislate policy within this country."

• Eric Adams [04:03]: "We have to find our own space and not allow people to identify our space."

Insights: The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of media-driven narratives that personalize and polarize political discourse. Adams calls for a focus on factual data and meaningful dialogue to overcome perpetual societal struggles.

3. Achievements and Challenges as Mayor of New York City

Key Discussion Points: The duo explores Mayor Adams's accomplishments in housing, homelessness, and economic initiatives, juxtaposed with the ongoing need for federal support.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Adams [07:28]: "We have been successful in year one and year two, breaking records on how much housing we built... how many people we moved from homelessness into permanent housing."

• Stephen A. Smith [10:40]: "How desperate does New York need the federal government's assistance?"

Insights: Mayor Adams proudly shares the city's record-breaking efforts in addressing homelessness and housing shortages. However, he underscores the critical need for substantial federal assistance to sustain and expand these initiatives, pointing out the disparity between city contributions and federal support.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – Definitions and Misconceptions

Key Discussion Points: Stephen seeks Mayor Adams’s perspective on DEI, aiming to clarify its true meaning beyond political biases.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Adams [14:15]: "Qualified people given opportunities, regardless of their ethnicity, their gender, their lifestyle."

• Stephen A. Smith [15:45]: "DEI was necessary because there were plenty of qualified individuals who didn't look like you share your cultural identity or background."

Insights: Adams articulates DEI as a framework for ensuring equal opportunities based on merit, dismantling historical barriers related to ethnicity, gender, and other identities. He criticizes the politicization of DEI, advocating for its genuine implementation to foster an inclusive environment.

5. The Key to the City Award to Sean "Diddy" Combs

Key Discussion Points: The interview touches on the controversial awarding and subsequent return of the key to the city given to media mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [16:23]: "You gave it to somebody that looked like us. And what the hell has he got himself into, man?"

• Eric Adams [17:02]: "We broke it up into entertainers as well as those who contribute to the city. My heart goes out to him as he goes through his legal struggles."

Insights: Mayor Adams explains that the decision to honor Combs was based on his contributions rather than his public persona. The return of the award was handled by the committee, reflecting the city’s commitment to addressing ongoing legal issues without personal bias.

6. Executive Orders and Federal Government Interaction

Key Discussion Points: Stephen questions the impact of Donald Trump’s executive orders and their significance for New York City.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Adams [11:32]: "All of them. We have to still study... Some may come with lawsuits, some maybe may come with challenges."

• Stephen A. Smith [12:53]: "The right has been preaching about how America's the greatest country in the world."

Insights: The conversation delves into the complexities of executive orders, their implementation, and potential legal challenges. Adams emphasizes the need for understanding the intent behind such orders while maintaining America's foundational strengths amidst political shifts.

7. Messaging to Black Americans Amidst Political Climate

Key Discussion Points: Stephen seeks advice for black Americans navigating fears and uncertainties under Trump's administration.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Adams [24:40]: "If you truly believe God is in charge, then God is not going to let anything harmful happen to you."

• Stephen A. Smith [25:56]: "Your honor was all mine, sir."

Insights: Adams reassures the black community to stay focused on their goals and faith, despite political tensions. He encourages resilience and emphasizes that personal and community aspirations remain attainable regardless of external political factors.

8. Governance Philosophy and Future Aspirations

Key Discussion Points: The discussion concludes with Adams outlining his governance style and declining any immediate political ambitions beyond his mayoral role.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Adams [22:49]: "I am focused on running this city. This is the second most important job in America."

• Stephen A. Smith [23:15]: "The key was returned last year. Did you ask for it back?"

Insights: Mayor Adams articulates a pragmatic approach to governance, prioritizing the effective management of New York City without immediate plans for higher political office. His focus remains on tangible improvements and maintaining the city’s stature on the global stage.

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a profound exploration of Mayor Eric Adams's perspectives on political dynamics, community development, and leadership. Through honest dialogue, both hosts shed light on the intricacies of governing a major metropolis amid national political turbulence, providing listeners with valuable insights into effective leadership and community resilience.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:06]: "I want to be very, very unapologetic and transparent about... the state of our two-party system."
• Eric Adams [02:51]: "We must transform into the United States. The election is intramural."
• Stephen A. Smith [03:16]: "Politicians alluding to him being a racist... then expecting to legislate policy."
• Eric Adams [04:03]: "We have to find our own space and not allow people to identify our space."
• Eric Adams [07:28]: "We have been successful... moving people from homelessness into permanent housing."
• Eric Adams [14:15]: "Qualified people given opportunities, regardless of their ethnicity, their gender, their lifestyle."
• Eric Adams [17:02]: "We broke it up into entertainers as well as those who contribute to the city."
• Eric Adams [24:40]: "If you truly believe God is in charge, then God is not going to let anything harmful happen to you."

For More Information: To learn more about The Stephen A. Smith Show and access additional episodes, visit iHeartPodcasts.