Stephen A's Take: Black Republicans upset by a lack of African American picks by Trump.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Black Republicans Upset by Lack of African American Picks by Trump

Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the growing frustration among Black Republicans concerning President Donald Trump's limited appointments of African Americans to his administration. Smith explores the implications of these appointments, the dynamics within the Black conservative community, and the broader impact on African American political engagement.

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Trump’s Appointment Practices and Black Republicans’ Frustration

[01:06 - 02:31]

Smith begins by highlighting recent appointments made by President-elect Donald Trump, noting the scarcity of African American nominees. He references a report from ABC News indicating that Black conservatives feel marginalized due to the lack of diverse appointments. Smith states:

“At the time of this taping, 53 Trump nominees have been reported. One is black. That's it. And a total of five are people of color.” [01:31]

He underscores the frustration within the Black Republican community, emphasizing that Trump’s pattern of appointing individuals who share similar cultural backgrounds diminishes representation:

“Folks are choosing folks they're accustomed to, who look like them, share their cultural identity, things of that nature.” [02:28]

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Perception vs. Reality in Black Conservative Support

[02:31 - 06:34]

Smith addresses the complex relationship between Black conservatives and the Trump administration. He argues that while some may criticize Trump’s lack of African American appointments, there's an underlying acknowledgment of his straightforwardness and commitment to his agenda. He remarks:

“Folks lost the right to complain, even the black conservatives.” [02:31]

Exploring the broader political landscape, Smith references Project 2025 and the Supreme Court's decisions on affirmative action and Roe v. Wade, suggesting that these moves have significant implications for the African American community. He notes:

“Donald Trump, as much as folks want to accuse him of being a pathological liar, there are some things he was flat out open and honest about.” [03:11]

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Potential African American Appointees and Their Viability

[03:49 - 06:34]

Smith discusses prominent Black conservatives who could potentially fill significant roles in Trump's administration but have yet to receive appointments. He mentions figures like Byron Donalds and Larry Elder, evaluating their capabilities and public personas. Smith humorously criticizes certain candidates based on personal preferences:

“But I have a problem with him being a Cowboys fan, but that's a different subject for another day.” [03:50]

He also considers the strategic moves by the Trump administration, suggesting that the lack of African American appointments may be a calculated approach rather than oversight.

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The Role of Black Conservatives in Political Discourse

[07:51 - 12:27]

Smith shifts focus to the internal dynamics within the Black conservative community. He expresses a desire for Black conservatives to moderate their often vitriolic responses to criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Smith emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse:

“Let's grow up and use our mind and our brains far, far more than our emotions.” [15:14]

He critiques the tendency for Black conservatives to face hostility from within the African American community, advocating for a more fact-based and respectful exchange of ideas:

“If you make sense and it's fact based and it's not dominated by emotion trying to usurp the facts. I'm good with you, even if I don't agree with you because I know your position is based on fact.” [10:36]

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Impact on African American Political Power and Representation

[12:27 - 16:21]

Smith analyzes the broader implications of the lack of African American representation within Trump’s administration on the political power of the African American community. He draws parallels between political engagement and purchasing decisions, arguing that African Americans have effectively marginalized themselves by not "investing" their political capital wisely. He contends:

“The vast majority of black Americans in this country, particularly since 1964, have basically said the right, you know what. You ain't worth a damn. We don't like you, we don't trust you. So guess what? We ain't giving you our vote.” [12:36]

Smith critiques both political parties for taking the African American vote for granted, leading to inadequate representation and attention to the community's needs. He highlights the success of other minority communities in securing political representation by demanding their vote:

“Somehow, some way, everybody successfully goes about the business of making sure you. They tell you, show us you're worthy of our vote before we give it to you.” [14:38]

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Conclusion: Moving Forward with Respect and Engagement

[16:21 - 16:29]

In his concluding remarks, Smith calls for unity and maturity within the African American community and among Black conservatives. He urges against internal divisions and emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue to enhance political influence and representation:

“Black conservatives have something to do with that. So they ain't gonna get hatred from me. And they shouldn't from you or anybody in the African American community.” [15:14]

Smith encapsulates his vision for a more cohesive and empowered African American political presence, advocating for strategic engagement rather than emotional polarization.

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Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith's discussion in this episode sheds light on the nuanced frustrations of Black Republicans regarding President Trump's limited African American appointments. He articulates the need for respectful discourse within the Black conservative community and emphasizes the critical role of strategic political engagement in enhancing African American representation and influence. By addressing both internal and external challenges, Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between race, politics, and representation in contemporary America.

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This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the episode, highlighting Stephen A. Smith’s perspectives on Black Republicans’ frustrations, the importance of respectful political discourse, and the broader implications for African American political power.

Transcript

[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.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We're going to get started in the world of President elect Donald Trump, where.

[Unknown]

ABC News is reporting black conservatives are feeling left out based on appointments and nominations for his upcoming term. Last month, Trump appointed Scott Turner, who was executive director of the White House.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first.

[Unknown]

Term, to serve as secretary of the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Department of Housing and Urban Development. One area of frustration for many black Republicans was speculation that if Trump did nominate an African American to his administration, it would be at hud, the department that has had the most black secretary appointments of any. At the time of this taping, 53 Trump nominees have been reported. One is black. That's it. And a total of five are people of color. Couple of things I wanted to bring up. I'm not surprised, not surprised at all. Trump proclaims to be cool with the brothers and fellas and what have you. And you know. But when it's time, when it's time to appoint people to positions of power, folks are choosing folks they're accustomed to, who look like them, share their cultural identity, things of that nature.

[Unknown]

You're expecting me to be overly critical.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Of Trump about this? I'm not. The fact of the matter is, is that folks lost the right to complain. Folks lost the right to complain, even the black conservatives. Because if you're a black conservative now, remember, we're not talking about truth for a Second, we're talking perception. If you are a black conservative and.

[Unknown]

You heard about Project 2025, and you're.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Looking at the Supreme Court and folks who've been placed on the Supreme Court and some of the decisions that they have made against things like affirmative action at institutions of higher learning and, of course, Roe v. Wade and other things, if you want to point to all.

[Unknown]

Of these things, you kind of knew.

[Stephen A. Smith]

This stuff was coming.

[Unknown]

See, in the end, at some point in time, we got to grow up and recognize the fact that Donald Trump, as much as folks want to accuse him of being a pathological liar, there are some things he was flat out open and honest about. That's what he's going to. That is about him doing what he wants to do when he wants to do for whomever he wants to do it to and everybody else be damned. And that is what is taking place right now. Now, if you're a black conservative like a Tim Scott, you're a black conservative like a Byron Donald, you're a black conservative like the Larry Elders of the World or various others, I could get where you're coming from. But I haven't heard anything from them. And there's a reason you haven't heard anything from them. Number one, Byron Donald's probably not interested.

[Stephen A. Smith]

In such a position.

[Unknown]

He's a representative out of the state of Florida.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Cool brother, by the way, I got a problem with him being a Cowboys fan, but that's a different subject for another day.

[Unknown]

But I mean, the brother, you know, he's a representative for Florida. He's got his sights set on one of two positions. From what I'm told. Marco Rubio is going to be the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Secretary of state, longtime senator out of Florida, former presidential candidate running against Trump in 2016.

[Unknown]

He's now going to be the Secretary.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Of State under the Trump administration.

[Unknown]

So Byron Donald is either interested in filling his seat or, from what I'm.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Being told, he might want to run for governor of Florida. And I got news for you. He'll have a good chance. He'll have a damn good chance at either position. Personally, if you're thinking about Ben Carson, it's just me.

[Unknown]

But I don't want somebody serving the United States citizen that looks sleepy all the damn time. That's just me. That's just me. I'm not knocking him. I'm not knocking him. But, I mean, the man is a brilliant surgeon. His reputation speaks for itself in terms of his ability as a doctor and in the world of medicine. I get that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But.

[Unknown]

But Dammit.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He looks sleepy all the time. He makes me nervous. He makes me nervous because he looks like he's asleep most of the time.

[Unknown]

Larry Elder is another name. Former gubernatorial candidate out of California, former presidential candidate, didn't have much of a chance. But smart, renowned radio host for many, many years. Relatively polarizing figure. He could take the heat. Very intelligent, very capable. I'm not making these recommendations. I'm simply pointing out that if you're Donald Trump, there's certainly people from the African American community that you could have looked towards to include in your cabinet. So why are you not doing it? That's a question for Donald Trump to answer. That's a question for folks in his administration to answer. And if you are a black conservative.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You definitely have the right to ask him that question.

[Unknown]

You definitely have the right to ask.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Him, what about us?

[Unknown]

No, he didn't win the popular vote.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Amongst the African American community, but he damn sure inched into some of those numbers.

[Unknown]

Kamala Harris didn't beat him as decisively.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Amongst the black vote the way Biden.

[Unknown]

Did and the way Hillary Rodham Clinton did. So I would take heed to that. I would pay attention to that, and it would be a legitimate reason to ask ourselves those questions, if it's an indication, and dare I say something that foments fear within the African American community about what's in store for us? I say look at it a different way. See, everybody want to get in Donald Trump's way.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't want to do that. The American people have spoken.

[Unknown]

He's won decisively. Okay, you know what I say? Let him have his people, let him have whatever he wants. Go ahead and govern that way. You have no excuses when things go awry. You can't say the Dems were in your way. You got the Senate, you got the House, you got the White House, you got the Supreme Court, what's up? You can't sit up there and blame anybody else. If the economy falters, if inflation ultimately ravages our society, if things aren't handled at the border, if the streets of America are still riddled with crime, you can't sit up there and blame anybody else. When you got everything you want and need in order to run a government the way you think a government should be run. You talk about the swamp that exists in a nation's capital, the cesspool that's been alive and ravaging through our country over all of these years, you got an opportunity to clean it up. Can't blame anybody. And by the way, Ladies and gentlemen, this isn't forever. So if he does the job. All right, fine. If he doesn't do the job, you can change course. In two years, it's a midterm election. In four years, there's another presidential election. Let's not go for the gloom and doom. And the world is coming to an end because the man that a lot of people didn't want in office is in office. Let me get back to the issue.

[Stephen A. Smith]

However, of black conservatives. And I've touched on this subject on many, many occasions, and I'm going to touch on it now, but never before have I touched on this subject the way that I'm going to right now. There's a lot of times it could be a Candace Owens, it could be a Larry Elder. To a lesser degree, it could be a Byron Donald. I remember Armstrong Williams. He's been out there for many, many years. I've known him for many, many years. Even to a lesser degree, somebody like Sage Steele, who used to work at ESPN and now, you know, help the Trump campaign. And who knows? For all we know, I don't think she's interested in it. But who knows? She might end up being press secretary one day. I don't know. Whatever it is, I hope she does well. I wish her well. Sage and I got along. Let me say this. Over the years, we've seen a level of vitriol emanating from black conservatives to a point where people who are not conservative vilified them because of it. I was never down with that. I'm a registered independent who primarily votes Democrat. There have been several occasions I've been tempted to vote Republican to vote conservative. Hell, some of the times I regretted I didn't.

[Unknown]

And who knows what the future holds.

[Stephen A. Smith]

With me, with some of the nonsense that I saw from the left, particularly leading up to this election with WOKE and cancer culture and all of that stuff. But that's a different story for another day. Here's the point that I want to make while finding myself wishing that the inordinate amount of black conservatives that have been out there and are still out there will sort of dial back their vitriolic responses to the venom that's been thrown in their direction. I've rarely blamed them because you got people in here looking at folks from the conservative side who happen to be black, calling them sellouts and coons and all of these kind of negative connotations, showing them no respect as human beings just because you don't agree and side with their ideology. Who the hell are you Some of my.

[Unknown]

Listen, most of my friends are liberal.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Some of them are conservatives.

[Unknown]

I have no problem with any of them. All I want to hear is what.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Your point of view is and why.

[Unknown]

And if you make sense and it's fact based and it's not dominated by emotion trying to usurp the facts. I'm good with you, even if I don't agree with you because I know your position is based on fact. And for folks outside of the conservative community to look at people who are black and excoriate them just because they're conservative, who the hell are you? Where are your facts? There's a lot of history that goes into stuff. You can see it one way or another, but it's undeniable that bipartisanship played the role. Civil rights legislation, voting rights legislation, affirmative action and things of that nature. Conservatives did play a role in some good things that happened in our society. The left and Democrats have been hypocritical in certain respects. So if we gonna call balls and strikes, call balls and strikes. But we didn't do that and we never do that. When that comes to black conservatives. And don't use this as an opportunity to say Stephen A. Oh, he's a conservative. Well, damn it, I'm not yet, but I might be one day because I don't like the shit I've been seeing. But my voting record says otherwise. This is not about that. This is about us being grown ups and being respectful of other people's positions and feelings and taking a moment to inhale and digest what the hell they're saying and deciphering what's true and what isn't true. Before we take a position, it's important that we do that. But we haven't been doing that. And then we wonder why black people in this country are the one, the one disenfranchised community that exists in this country. You know why?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because we don't demand that you flatter us. Let me explain my position even further.

[Unknown]

If you go to buy a house, do you buy it without looking at.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Looking at it, walking through it, probing.

[Unknown]

And investigating before you decide to make that investment? Do you do something like that with a car as well? Don't you do it with clothes? Don't you do it with any purchase that you get? But when it comes to politics, no such thing. So in other words, the vast majority of black Americans in this country, particularly since 1964, have basically said the right, you know what? You ain't worth a damn. We don't like you, we don't trust you. So guess what? We ain't giving you our vote. We can't come together for shit under most circumstances, but suddenly with politics, 85, 90%, et cetera, oh, we gon roll with the left. So what you've done is you've disenfranchised yourself. Why? Because the left know they have your vote and you're not going anywhere. And boom, you don't have to cater.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To African American needs.

[Unknown]

And on the right you're like, we ain't getting their vote anyway, so let's pay attention to the constituent that's going to put us in office. Either way you slice it, this one gives you little representation because they're taking you for granted. This one gives you little representation and no representation because they know they don't have your support anyway. And why are the other communities successful? Because I don't give a damn whether it's Cuban, it's Dominican, it's Venezuelan, it's Guatemalan, it's Puerto Rican, it's Mexican. I don't care what it is. You're Asian, you're the Jewish community, an abundance of white folks in the United States of America. Somehow, some way, everybody successfully goes about the business of making sure you. They tell you, show us you're worthy of our vote before we give it to you. And as a result, you have to cater to them.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We don't do that. We don't do that. And that's where we made a mistake.

[Unknown]

And even though black conservatives may not do that to the degree that we.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Like, in the end, what they're doing is they're bucking the system. They're saying, we're not gonna just buy what you're selling. The other side might have more of what we want. And some of them did that in this election with Trump. And now the Democrats have to go back to the drawing board and figure.

[Unknown]

Out how can you appeal to more.

[Stephen A. Smith]

African Americans and more folks in the Hispanic community and beyond to regain the luster that you thought you had, but you evidently lost. In other words, ladies and gentlemen, even when things look bad, there's light at the end of the rainbow. You know what that light is? Believe it or not, Donald Trump winning the election because it forced everybody to stand up and pay attention and recognize that you no longer get to engage in hate mongering and fear mongering. To win an election, you actually got to go out there and win it. Black conservatives have something to do with that. So they ain't gonna get hatred from me. And they shouldn't from you or anybody in the African American community. Enough with the childishness. Let's grow up and use our mind and our brains far, far more than our emotions.

[Unknown]

Foreign.

[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 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.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.