Stephen A's Take: Could Derek Chauvin be pardoned? Ben Shapiro launches effort to petition Trump. - The Stephen A. Smith Show

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Could Derek Chauvin be pardoned? Ben Shapiro launches effort to petition Trump
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a controversial and highly debated topic: the potential pardon of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin by former President Donald Trump. The discussion is sparked by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro's public call for Chauvin's pardon, a stance that has ignited significant backlash and raised numerous questions about justice, race relations, and political motivations in the aftermath of George Floyd's tragic death in 2020.

Ben Shapiro's Proposition for Pardon

The episode kicks off with a segment where Stephen A. Smith presents a statement from Ben Shapiro advocating for the pardon of Derek Chauvin. Shapiro argues that Chauvin's actions, which led to George Floyd's death, have been politicized, contributing to societal chaos and racial tensions.

Ben Shapiro [01:26]:
"If we are issuing pardons, however, there is one person that President Trump should pardon from federal charges forthwith... Derek Chauvin. President Trump should, in fact, pardon Derek Chauvin. He should pardon his federal charges. There is a man who is rotting in prison because the media decided in the middle of 2020 that they were going to turn a tragic law enforcement stop that ended with the death of a man... And it led to vast chaos... and a guy rotting in prison who, the evidence demonstrates, certainly was not guilty beyond reasonable doubt in that case."

Shapiro's stance is presented as controversial, suggesting that Chauvin's imprisonment is a result of media sensationalism and has broader negative impacts on society.

Isaac Mizrahi's Critical Response

Following Shapiro's statement, Isaac Mizrahi passionately critiques both Shapiro and Elon Musk, who had supported Shapiro's call by reposting his statement with the caption, "something to think about."

Isaac Mizrahi [02:18]:
"Let me ask you, Ben Shapiro. Let me ask you, Elon Musk. Are you just saying that you just don't want black people voting for you at all? Better yet, are you saying you don't give a damn about black people... Why, why, why wiggle around it? Why don't you just say it?"

Mizrahi vehemently opposes the idea of pardoning Chauvin, emphasizing the brutality of Chauvin's actions and the profound impact George Floyd's death had on the nation. He challenges the ethical implications of Shapiro's proposition, questioning the motives behind such a pardon and its potential message to marginalized communities.

Isaac Mizrahi [02:50]:
"A white police officer who cuffed George Floyd, took his knee, put it on his neck, kept it there for over nine minutes as George Floyd was crying and whimpering for his mama... And you still kept your knee on his neck for over nine minutes... That is the person that came to your mind, why ask you another question?"

Mizrahi further critiques the Republican Party's handling of the situation, suggesting that endorsing Chauvin's pardon undermines efforts to address systemic racism and community distrust towards law enforcement.

Broader Political Implications

Expanding beyond Shapiro and Musk, Mizrahi touches upon the broader political landscape, highlighting internal conflicts within both major political parties. He points out the challenges faced by Republicans in reconciling their strategies to appeal to diverse voter bases while addressing pressing national issues like the economy, immigration, and public safety.

Isaac Mizrahi [10:30]:
"The Republicans are in a position where all you have to do is live up to what you say... How you gonna do that? Address crimes in the streets of America. Make sure folks got jobs. Make sure folks are safe."

Mizrahi underscores the importance of substantive policy discussions over divisive rhetoric, advocating for a focus on tangible improvements rather than statements that could alienate key voter demographics.

Impact on Civil Rights and Public Trust

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the implications of pardoning Chauvin on civil rights advancements and public trust in the justice system. Mizrahi argues that such an action would signal a regression in the progress made over decades to combat racial injustice and could severely damage the relationship between minority communities and law enforcement.

Isaac Mizrahi [12:15]:
"This policy is taking place that a lot of people, particularly pioneers and aficionados of civil rights legislation from 1964, talking about how you got folks trying to eradicate the progress that has been made over all of these decades... if they pardon Derek Chauvin, if they pardon Derek Chauvin, don't even think about giving them your vote."

He emphasizes that the pardon would be a catalyst for further division and disillusionment within communities that have already faced systemic oppression and violence.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In concluding the episode, Stephen A. Smith reinforces the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability and justice. He urges listeners to critically evaluate the motivations behind political figures' actions and statements, emphasizing the importance of standing against policies and rhetoric that undermine civil rights and equality.

Stephen A. Smith
"Ladies and gentlemen, if they pardon Derek Chauvin, don't even think about giving them your vote. We listen. This policy is taking place that... don't even look at their asses no more."

Smith advocates for informed voting decisions, stressing that support for such pardon efforts reflects a disregard for the sentiments and well-being of Black communities and other marginalized groups.

Key Takeaways

Ben Shapiro's Stance: Advocates for pardoning Derek Chauvin, arguing that Chauvin's imprisonment was a result of media sensationalism and citing supposed lack of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Isaac Mizrahi's Critique: Strongly opposes the pardon, highlighting the brutality of Chauvin's actions and the negative implications for racial justice and community trust.
Political Ramifications: Highlights internal conflicts within the Republican Party and the potential alienation of key voter demographics through divisive rhetoric and controversial policy proposals.
Civil Rights Impact: Emphasizes that pardoning Chauvin would signal a regression in civil rights progress and damage the relationship between marginalized communities and law enforcement.
Call to Action: Encourages listeners to critically assess political positions and make informed voting decisions that uphold justice and equality.

Notable Quotes

Ben Shapiro [01:26]:
"It would be incredibly controversial, but I think that it's absolutely necessary. That person is Derek Chauvin."
Isaac Mizrahi [02:18]:
"Are you just saying that you just don't want black people voting for you at all? Better yet, are you saying you don't give a damn about black people."
Isaac Mizrahi [12:15]:
"If they pardon Derek Chauvin, don't even think about giving them your vote."

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show provides a fervent examination of a pivotal issue at the intersection of justice, politics, and race relations. Through incisive commentary and the presentation of contrasting viewpoints, Stephen A. Smith facilitates a nuanced conversation that encourages listeners to reflect deeply on the implications of political actions and their broader societal impacts.

Transcript

Isaac Mizrahi (0:00)

At&t has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed in a world where Nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn more at att.comguarantee@&t connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguarantee for details. Hi, I'm Isaac Mizrahi and I've got a new podcast called hello Isaac. During my career, I've made friends with some amazing celebrities and experts and I'm always curious about their paths to success. On this podcast I get to share our fun and intimate conversations with you friends like Andy Cohen, Margaret Cho, Benda La Creme, Belinda Carlile, Jesse Tyler Fergus, and Carson Kressley, just to name a few. Listen to hello Isaac on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. I want to get into the comments made by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who publicly called for President Trump to pardon former Minneapolis police officer officer Derek chauvin for the 2020 murder of Mr. George Floyd. For those of you who didn't hear the sound, I'll play it for you. Take a listen.

Ben Shapiro (1:26)

If we are issuing pardons, however, there is one person that President Trump should pardon from federal charges forthwith. It would be incredibly controversial, but I think that it's absolutely necessary. That person is Derek Chauvin. President Trump should, in fact, pardon Derek Chauvin. He should. He should pardon him his federal charges. There is a man who is rotting in prison because the media decided in the middle of 2020 that they were going to turn a tragic law enforcement stop that ended with the death of a man who had a significant problem with drugs and preexisting health problems into the raison debt of the entire 2020 election. And it led to vast chaos. It led to, again, the destruction of racial comedy in The United States, $2 billion in property damage, and a guy rotting in prison who, the evidence demonstrates, certainly was not guilty beyond reasonable doubt in that case.

Isaac Mizrahi (2:18)

Among those reacting to that sound is Elon Musk, the billionaire advisor to President Trump, primarily over Doge, a department of government efficiency. Remember him? Musk, who owns X, reposted the sound with the quote, something to think about, end quote. So let me ask you, Ben Shapiro. Let me ask you, Elon Musk. Are you just saying that you just don't want black people voting for you at all? Better yet, are you saying you don't give a damn about black people. I mean, why, why, why wiggle around it? Why don't you just say it? Why don't you just say it? Elon Musk. What the hell do you mean, there's something to think about? Ben Shapiro, of all the people in the world that you could have asked for a pardon for, of all the people in the world, Ben Shapiro, Derek Chauvin's the guy. A white police officer who cuffed George Floyd, took his knee, put it on his neck, kept it there for over nine minutes as George Floyd was crying and whimpering for his mama, as people were taking photos and video, as he was telling you he couldn't breathe, and you still kept your knee on his neck for over nine minutes. And of all the people, Ben Shapiro, that you could have come up with to say he should receive a part, a pardon, that's the person that came to your mind, why ask you another question? Ben Shapiro, you know, you brought up, you know, drug use, you brought up a criminal record, if I remember correctly. I think that's what you said. Right, right, right, right. Ben Shapiro, just a simple question. Respectfully, sir, would you have taken that position of George Floyd was a Jewish person, a white Jewish person, if a black cop had his knee on a white Jewish person for over nine minutes, Ben Shapiro, would you have called for that individual to be pardoned? I'm just asking. It's a rhetorical question, because you know what I believe the answer to be is right. That's a website for the petition right there. How low can you go? You see, this is the problem, and this is where the Republicans are going to mess up, you see, because even though Trump's approval ratings have dipped from weeks ago when he was first reelected, the bottom line is he's the president, he's got the House, he's got the Senate, he's got a 6:3 majority in the Supreme Court. He's been handing down executive orders as handed out executive orders like bags of Skittles. He's got a whole lot going for him. The Republicans are in a position where all you have to do is live up to what you say. Donald Trump, remember what you said in 2015, what do you have to lose? Remember that? Remember you talked about the black vote, the Hispanic vote, and how you would do for other communities outside of white nationalist and other white folks who's not a member of white nationalist parties and stuff like that? Remember that? Remember that? Didn't your numbers increase with blacks? Did your numbers increase with Latinos? Did it. Your numbers increase with the young voters. Think about what you got to do, Republicans. All you got to do, address the economy, dress inflation, address the border, address deportation, by the way, because you got to get those folks out that were in here as well. And how you gonna do that? Address crimes in the streets of America. Make sure folks got jobs. Make sure folks are safe. So all you gotta do, here's a few other things that you gotta do. It's not a laundry list. It's just a few. Avoid saying ridiculous nonsense like Ben Shapiro just said. Avoid making suggestions like that. Avoid your head of Doge whose power has dissipated according to reports, by the way. Avoid him retweeting stuff like that or reposting stuff like that. When are you going to learn? Yes, you may want certain things. Yes, you may want your quality of life to be a certain way. This is not a quality of life issue, Ben Shapiro. This is a quality of life issue. Come into the defense of a cop whose knee was on a black man's neck for over nine minutes. That is what you want to condone. That is what you want to let out of jail. That is what you want to fall on your sword for. Would you do it if he. Would you do it if a white Jewish person had a knee on their neck for nine and a half minutes and it was a black cop that did it? I mean, damn, Ben Shapiro. Damn. See, you could argue politics all day. I've seen you before. You're quite bright, very, very smart. And your issues are your issues, whatever they may be. And I get that part. But to do something like this, to say something, is the same thing. Along the lines where you're Ron DeSantis, by all accounts, prior to him running for the presidency, an absolutely fabulous governor in the eyes of some people. Clearly, there was a mandate in Florida when he won the midterms. There was no red wave in 2022, but there was certainly a red wave through Florida. That man won by a landslide. And what does he do? He wants to come out and give an explanation about the good benefits of slavery. That's what he wanted to do. This is the shit the Republican Party does that just boggles my mind. Everything's flowing. You got the Democrats on the heels. You got Kamala Harris out of the presidential picture, contemplating running for the governor's seat in California. A decision is made, is expected to be made by the end of the summer. She is out in a lot of people's eyes. She ain't gonna be a part of the national spotlight in 2028. So she's got to go for the governor's seat in California if she want sustain or build upon a political career. Gavin Newsom's running, throwing podcasts now, talking to Republicans. Okay, if you can believe that. You got the Democrats showing up for, for, for Trump's address to both houses of Congress looking like damn fools, having videos where they dancing. You got to be kidding me. Putting 22 people on the screen at the same time. Same as saying the same damn thing, as if that, that message is going to resonate. Got a representative like Al Green out of Texas, 77 years old, obviously has fought the good fight, but looking incredibly immature and undisciplined. Wouldn't even give Trump a chance to speak. And he had to get removed from the House. And then yesterday, 10 Democrats joined with House Republicans to censor Al Green from Texas for his protest during President Trump's address to Congress Tuesday night. Trump didn't even have an opportunity to pass gas. And this man standing up protested. Brother said what? He won the election. I'm on the View, and I got a bunch of ladies who I love and I respect coming up, talking to me on the show, talking about there's no mandate, courtesy of Joy Behar. What mandate? Kamala Harris lost all the swing states. There was an increase with black voters, Latino voters, and young voters. He won a popular vote. He won the electoral college vote. 89% of the counties in the United States switched to Republican. But there's no mandate. And you gonna get up and at 77 years of age, why don't you just tell the truth? You didn't feel like sitting there, you know, you couldn't take it, so you had to come up with a reason because Trump didn't give you a reason because he had barely spoken. And then these people holding up their signs, these. These Democrats looking like damn fools. I felt sad for my brother. Hakeem Jeffries, Minority House leader. He sat there the whole time, but guess what? He didn't act like that. He was probably embarrassed by how they acted like juveniles. Oh, by the way, I forgot to bring up how when Trump talked about the cancer, the kid that was suffering from cancer, and I made him an honorary member of the Secret Service, nobody stood up. Or how he brought up Lincoln Riley, the 22 year old who was killed by a migrant, and her, her mother and her sister were in attendance. They didn't stand up for that. All you did was give the impression anything that Trump favors, you're against. Wow. Way to show the American people on the left, you're ready to go do your job. Really, the Republicans listen to me. As much as I don't want y'all to win, we gotta call balls and strikes here. You got the Democrats reeling. I already pointed out how to vote. Highlights divisions within the party over how some members protested the President's remarks. Some held up signs, others walked out or boycotted the speech altogether. Others took a more muted approach under the guidance of House Democratic leader Leadership Rather, who apparently urged members not to mount high profile protests and caution them to show restraint. Now, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who I brought up, declined to comment on Green's move on Tuesday. However, speaking to a small group of reporters the next day, Jeffrey said, quote, an overwhelming majority of House Democrats approach the speech with the seriousness that it deserved on behalf of the American people. Great quote to point to, to avoid pointing out that the rest of them acted like children. Republicans. You have them reeling. The Democrats are reeling. They are falling backwards. It's bad, but you can't help yourself. Ben Shapiro, with that nonsense. Elon Musk, I'm sorry, was a Democrat. He was about to vote Democratic. All of a sudden he's sitting up there, reconsider. Tweeting something to reconsider. Reconsider you. Are you kidding me? This is most asinine nonsense.