The Stephen A. Smith Show: National Guard Shooting; Rahm Emanuel; John Kasich
Episode Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Guests: Rahm Emanuel, John Kasich
Theme: Going beyond sports—examining critical incidents, political rhetoric, and leadership in America
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode is a deep-dive into the febrile political and social climate in the U.S., triggered by the breaking news of two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C. Stephen A. Smith explores how political rhetoric and division may fuel real-world violence, critiques the language used by politicians on both sides of the aisle, and stresses the need for greater accountability and dialogue. The episode features wide-ranging interviews with Rahm Emanuel (former Chief of Staff, Mayor of Chicago, and potential 2028 presidential candidate) and John Kasich (former Ohio Governor, GOP moderate), focusing on leadership, governance, Democratic party direction, and the responsibilities of public figures. Listener calls and Stephen A.’s own commentary round out the show, offering diverse perspectives and a distinct "Straight Shooter" voice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The National Guard Shooting in D.C.
[00:00–06:19]
- Event recap: Two National Guard members were ambushed and shot in critical condition near the White House. The shooter, described as a lone gunman, is in custody.
- Political context: The National Guard had been deployed to D.C. as part of Trump’s “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” initiative, an order that itself was the subject of political controversy and legal challenges.
- Smith’s take:
- He emphasizes personal responsibility, noting that violent acts rest with the perpetrators, but asserts that the “constant rhetoric, the constant vitriol…by both sides” raises the temperature and can incite impressionable individuals.
- “At the end of the day, you’re an adult and you are responsible for your own actions...but damn it, I think it’s an educated one [that rhetoric is inciting].” — Stephen A. [03:31]
2. Political Rhetoric and Sedition Controversy
[06:19–20:44]
- Democratic lawmakers’ video: Six Democratic officials are under FBI inquiry for a video urging military personnel to ignore any illegal orders from President Trump.
- Names include Senators Alyssa Slotkin (MI), Mark Kelly (AZ), and Representatives Maggie Goodlander (NH), Jason Crow (CO), Chris DeLuzio & Chrissy Houlahan (PA).
- Trump’s Truth Social response: Trump posted repeatedly calling their behavior “seditious” and “punishable by death.”
- “Each one of these traitors…should be arrested and put on trial. Their words cannot be allowed to stand…Sedition is a major crime.” — Trump, quoted by Stephen A. [07:41–08:23]
- Stephen A.’s reaction:
- “Traitorous, punishable by death. That’s a bit extreme, Mr. President. Highly irresponsible on your part, I might add.” [09:50]
- Fact-checks both sides: Trump’s hyperbole is dangerous, but Sen. Kelly and others were also out of line for their public calls to disobey, especially lacking specific proof of illegality.
- “How dare you do that? You don't tell military men and women to ignore an order from the commander in chief. You don't do that.” [15:46]
- Civic responsibility theme: The show repeatedly comes back to the need for common sense, moderation, and respect for democratic processes amid extreme partisanship.
3. Interview with Rahm Emanuel
[21:41–48:44]
Personal and Political Reflections
- Smith introduces Emanuel: Praises him as a knowledgeable Democrat, former Chicago Mayor, and Obama Chief of Staff.
- Emanuel’s reaction to the shooting: Advocates putting aside politics—focus should be on the wounded soldiers and their families first [22:54].
- “This is not a place right now…for politics. We’ll get there…Two people volunteered for service…and volunteered on a holiday. They are not to be thought about in a political football.” — Rahm Emanuel [23:29]
- Self-awareness in politics:
- Emanuel acknowledges his own role in escalating political tensions in the past, calls for more empathy and reflection:
- “We have to own that and then have to be encouraging…every little contribution contributes.” [26:10]
- Emanuel acknowledges his own role in escalating political tensions in the past, calls for more empathy and reflection:
Why Run for President?
- Emanuel contemplates 2028 run:
- Driven by desire to improve America's trajectory, focused on education and the American dream's accessibility.
- Cites records—improving graduation rates, free community college initiatives, healthcare expansion as mayor, bipartisan policy work [27:46–29:46].
- Challenges for the Democratic Party:
- Democratic Party needs to embrace “middle class economics and values.”
- “We got way off in some areas…we were talking about bathroom access and locker room access rather than classroom excellence. We weren’t solid on kitchen table issues, family room issues.” [40:15]
- Advocates urgent educational reform ("Mississippi Miracle" for reading scores), putting "points on the board" with practical results.
On Healthcare Criticism
- Smith grills Emanuel on ACA and healthcare costs:
- Emanuel defends his record (“Do Democrats [share blame]? No more than Republicans…It’s not a partisan problem.” [35:44])
- Emphasizes that the underlying issue is not ACA but the excessive influence of insurers, pharma, and private equity.
Policing and Crime in Chicago
- Smith challenges Emanuel: Reconciling controversial crime record with party leadership.
- Emanuel: Stresses owning up to mistakes, learning, and adapting. “If you make a mistake, understand it, learn from it, and apply it. It’s future forward.” [45:42]
Memorable Quotes
- “The American dream's unaffordable, it’s inaccessible, and that's gotta be unacceptable.” — Rahm Emanuel [31:24]
- “The future for the Democratic Party…is that somebody had the strength to get something done, not the ideas.” [38:15]
- “My kids are going to be fine…But the American dream for others is not right. Now you got to have… guts to get it done.” [31:24]
4. Interview with John Kasich
[55:46–78:00]
On State of the Nation and Political Discourse
- Kasich describes America as suffering from a “leadership vacuum” and a loss of a “we society” grounded in shared values and faith.
- “When people stop thinking that the other person is made in the image of God…they lose all perspective.” — John Kasich [59:18]
- Kasich argues for respect and responsibility, alluding to his faith and the need for leaders with “character.”
Populism and the GOP
- Kasich distinguishes between “negative populism” (scapegoating, division) and “positive populism” (inclusive problem-solving).
- Critiques Trump’s approach as divisive, talks up a politics that “works together and tries to fix problems” [64:18–66:10].
Healthcare Reform
- Supports bringing together key stakeholders for proactive, preventative healthcare, not “incentivized to treat people only when sick.” [66:26]
- Reflects on his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio under ACA funds, even at the cost of political capital.
- “When I expanded Medicaid, I think it absolutely hurt my chance to become president. And you know what? So what?”
On Leadership, Winning, and Running for Office
- Kasich claims he’d rather do what’s right than pursue power for its own sake, but also points to a “winning” record in Ohio (balancing budgets, job growth).
- Rules out a 2028 presidential run:
- “I don’t see that that’s in the cards...I’m not going to go around and tell people what they want to hear to get the money.” [70:37]
On Timely Legislation for the Middle Class
- Calls for extension of healthcare subsidies and review of tariffs to ease economic pressure [72:46].
- Skeptical about grand investment “pledges” by government—wants tangible results, wary of government ownership in the private sector.
Memorable Quotes
- “Everyone is a leader to someone else. And how we behave...matters in the way they live their lives.” — John Kasich [63:26]
- “The Republican Party has been my vehicle, never my master.” [67:32]
- “The best job in the world is probably Vice President. You know what the best job is? Former President.” [76:54]
5. Stephen A.’s Commentary, Listener Calls & Closing Reflections
[79:12–96:01]
On Women and Leadership
- Smith strongly disagrees with Michelle Obama’s remark that America “isn’t ready for a female president.”
- “If Michelle Obama was running for president in 2024, she would have beaten Donald Trump.” [80:43]
- Emphasizes that attacks on “men not being ready” are unfounded, pointing to Hillary Clinton's popular vote win and Kamala Harris's own record.
On Sedition and the Military
- Caller argument: Is it ever appropriate for service members to disobey orders?
- Smith: Only if orders are clearly identified as illegal. Senators should not publicly direct troops to ignore the President’s orders without explicit, documented illegality.
- Service member caller agrees, noting that military professionals risk their careers for disobeying direct orders unless legal justification is clear. [93:19–95:02]
Closing Thoughts
- Smith sends prayers to the wounded National Guardsmen, reiterates a call for unity and responsible leadership.
- “Thanksgiving is tomorrow...life is short and beautiful. Beautiful moments are there if you look hard enough…through the grace of God.” [96:01]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- On Political Rhetoric
- “Traitorous, punishable by death. That’s a bit extreme, Mr. President. Highly irresponsible on your part, I might add.” — Stephen A. Smith [09:50]
- On Responsibility in Leadership
- “How dare you do that?...You don’t tell military men and women to ignore an order from the commander in chief. You don’t do that.” — Stephen A. Smith [15:46]
- On Empathy & Self-Reflection in Politics
- “You have to be self-aware that we all one way or another…have contributed. And so we have to own that.” — Rahm Emanuel [26:10]
- On Middle-Class Focus
- “We weren’t solid on kitchen table issues, family room issues. The only room we occupied in the house was the bathroom, and that’s the smallest room in the house.” — Rahm Emanuel [40:15]
- On Populism
- “There’s a negative populism…and there’s a positive populism, of which I’m a positive populist. Let’s work together, let’s try to fix the problems.” — John Kasich [64:18]
Important Segments with Timestamps
- [00:00–06:19] — Breaking news: National Guard shooting & immediate analysis
- [06:19–20:44] — Sedition accusations: Trump, Democratic lawmakers, and military orders
- [21:41–48:44] — Interview: Rahm Emanuel on politics, self-awareness, policy, presidential aspirations
- [55:46–78:00] — Interview: John Kasich on the state of the GOP, leadership, faith, and the future
- [80:04–81:45] — Michelle Obama’s “America not ready for a woman” debate
- [83:00–96:01] — Calls: Sedition, illegal orders, the military, reflections on gender in leadership
Tone & Style
- Candid, energetic, and passionate as per Stephen A. Smith’s trademark style.
- Unvarnished, direct, yet inclusive of multiple viewpoints.
- Focus on real-world stakes—lives, leadership, and the American experience beyond just politics or sports.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode spins out from a breaking news event—the D.C. National Guard shooting—to interrogate the current landscape of American politics, the dangers of hyperbolic rhetoric, and the responsibilities of both leaders and voters. Stephen A.’s interviews with Rahm Emanuel and John Kasich offer sharp, experience-rich perspectives on leadership, party reform, and policy solutions for a divided country. Smith calls for common sense and accountability from both the political class and the public, urging listeners to think critically and aspire for unity amid chaos. The lively, no-nonsense dialogue, critical questioning, and listener engagement combine to make this a definitive example of “Straight Shooter” authenticity.