The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Title: Stephen A's Take: America, Kamala Harris is not done yet! Can you say California Governor? Release Date: February 16, 2025

1. Introduction to Political Landscape [01:01 - 06:14]

The episode delves into the current political climate, focusing on Kamala Harris's potential political trajectory in California and beyond. The host, Stephen A. Smith, alongside a Political Analyst, examines recent polling data and Harris's standing within the Democratic Party.

Key Points:

• Kamala Harris's Polling Lead: A recent Emerson College poll commissioned by Nextstar Media reveals Kamala Harris leading the California gubernatorial race with 57% support among registered Democrats, far surpassing the next contender, Katie Porter, who garnered only 9% (01:01).

• Harris's Political Resume: Harris's extensive background is highlighted, including her tenure as U.S. Senator (2017-2021), California Attorney General (six years), and Vice President of the United States. Stephen emphasizes her qualifications, stating, “She’s a graduate, got a law degree... That’s a pretty impressive resume.” (03:45).

• 2024 Presidential Election Analysis: The discussion covers the recent presidential election where Donald Trump secured 49.8% of the vote compared to Harris's 48.3%. Despite the narrow margin, Trump achieved the highest cumulative popular votes in U.S. history, surpassing even Barack Obama through multiple campaigns (05:10).

2. Critique of Democratic Strategies and Voter Sentiment [06:14 - 14:23]

Stephen A. Smith and the Political Analyst critique the Democratic Party's approach post-2024 elections, arguing that the party failed to resonate with the broader American electorate.

Key Points:

• Democratic Disconnect: Stephen asserts, “I think the Democrats are tone deaf and they're missing it. Donald Trump didn’t get 50% of the vote. He got like 49.8%...” (04:50). He contends that Democrats are not aligning their policies with what the American people truly desire, citing issues like inflation, immigration, and national security.

• Voter Priorities: Emphasis is placed on the American public’s frustration with identity politics, cancel culture, and economic concerns. Stephen remarks, “They’re sick and tired of the bullshit that we’ve been hearing. Identity politics woke culture. Cancel culture...” (08:16).

• Missed Opportunities: The analysts argue that Democrats missed critical opportunities to connect with voters by focusing on partisan issues rather than pressing national concerns. Stephen criticizes the party’s handling of events like the George Floyd protests, stating, “Did you really think that was going to curry favor? All it did was highlight how divided we had become...” (12:13).

3. Recommendations for Kamala Harris's Political Future [14:23 - 17:16]

The conversation shifts to strategic recommendations for Kamala Harris, suggesting a focus on gubernatorial leadership in California as a stepping stone for future presidential ambitions.

Key Points:

• Run for Governor: Both Stephen and the Political Analyst advocate for Harris to pursue the California governor's seat in 2026. They believe this role would provide her with an opportunity to address state-specific challenges and rebuild her political standing. Stephen advises, “Let me say this. I would advise that because when you just lost the presidential election by more than 2 million votes, that can’t be ignored.” (05:25).

• Advantages of Governorship: Winning the governorship is portrayed as a near-certain victory given her current polling lead. Stephen emphasizes, “If Kamala Harris runs for the governor of California, she'll win. And if you know that that's as close to a surefire thing that you could get, why bypass that.” (15:52).

• Path to Presidency: Successfully governing California, one of the nation’s largest economies, could position Harris favorably for a presidential run in 2032. The analysts outline this as a strategic move to demonstrate effective leadership and policy implementation on a significant scale.

• Addressing State Challenges: The discussion highlights the numerous issues California faces, including high taxes, environmental policies, immigration, and economic stagnation. By tackling these, Harris could reshape her political image and appeal to a broader electorate. Stephen questions, “How do you explain the taxes the highest in the union? How do you explain the price of gas in California?” (14:05).

4. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [17:16 - 18:02]

The episode wraps up with a strong endorsement for Kamala Harris to seize the gubernatorial opportunity, emphasizing its importance for her political future and the Democratic Party's prospects.

Key Points:

• Final Endorsement: Stephen concludes, “That ain't risky. The poll showed it. And Gavin Newsom can’t go.” (17:04), reinforcing the viability of Harris’s gubernatorial campaign.

• Future Outlook: The analysts express optimism that a successful tenure as governor could lead to Harris becoming a prominent candidate for the U.S. presidency, provided she leverages her experience and addresses the critical issues facing California.

Notable Quotes with Attribution:

• Stephen A. Smith (03:45): “She’s a graduate, got a law degree. She’s a former district attorney in San Francisco... That’s a pretty impressive resume.”

• Stephen A. Smith (08:16): “They’re sick and tired of the bullshit that we’ve been hearing. Identity politics woke culture. Cancel culture...”

• Stephen A. Smith (15:52): “If Kamala Harris runs for the governor of California, she'll win. And if you know that that's as close to a surefire thing that you could get, why bypass that.”

• Political Analyst (06:14): “The Democrats are tone deaf and they're missing it. Donald Trump didn’t get 50% of the vote. He got like 49.8%...”

• Political Analyst (17:04): “Kamala Harris, if you're gonna do anything, don't think about the presidency in 2028. Think about the governor's seat of California in 2026 and use that to position yourself to become the next president United States in 2032.”

Summary:
In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the focus is on Kamala Harris's potential run for Governor of California as a strategic move for her political future and the Democratic Party's recovery from recent electoral setbacks. Stephen A. Smith and the Political Analyst discuss Harris's strong polling lead, critique the Democratic Party's failure to connect with voters on key issues, and recommend leveraging a gubernatorial victory in California as a foundation for a future presidential bid. The conversation underscores the importance of addressing state-specific challenges to rebuild trust and effectiveness within the party.