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.