The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: I'm Independent, but NY Mayor Adams is now a Republican
Release Date: February 15, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the political turmoil surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The discussion encompasses speculation about Adams potentially switching party affiliations, his ongoing legal challenges, interactions with former President Donald Trump, and the broader implications for his political future. The episode is marked by Smith's unfiltered opinions, notable quotes, and insightful analysis of the current political landscape in New York.

1. Speculation on Mayor Eric Adams' Party Affiliation

The episode opens with a significant discussion about the rumors circulating that Mayor Eric Adams might switch his political allegiance from Democrat to Republican. This speculation is primarily based on reports from the head of the Republican Party in the Bronx, who claims that Adams reached out to explore the possibility of running as a Republican.

• Mayor Adams' Official Stance: In response to the rumors, Mayor Adams strongly refuted the claims during an interview with NBC News. He stated:

  "I'm going to be running as a Democrat for the Mayor of the City of New York. For all those saying differently, you heard it directly from me. I am going to be running in the Democratic primary."
  [01:00]

• Criticism of Party Switching: Stephen A. Smith expresses his disdain for politicians who switch parties, emphasizing his personal integrity and the importance of consistency:

  "I personally don't like the political party affiliation switches, actually. I don't like that. That's... That's real shady to me."
  [02:00]

2. Legal Challenges Facing Mayor Adams

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Mayor Adams' legal issues, particularly his indictment by the Southern District of New York.

• Resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney: Smith discusses the resignation of Ms. Daniel Sassoon, the Acting U.S. Attorney, who was the first to refuse to drop the case against Adams. Sassoon's resignation came after an order to dismiss the charges, highlighting potential political interference.

  "She was the first to refuse to talk, the first to refuse to toss the case against Adams, who was indicted last fall... She's a Trump appointee, and she resigned. Props to her rule of law."
  [03:30]

• Allegations Against Trump: The episode explores the possibility that former President Donald Trump might have influenced the Department of Justice to drop the charges against Adams, despite Trump's official denial.

  "Trump said, 'I didn't. I know nothing about it. I did not.' Now, who the hell believes that?"
  [05:00]

3. Department of Justice (DOJ) Intervention

Smith critically examines the role of the DOJ in the Adams case, suggesting that internal politics may have led to the dismissal of charges.

• Resignations and Loyalty Concerns: The resignation of Manhattan's top federal prosecutor and five senior DOJ officials is portrayed as indicative of deeper political maneuvering.

  "We understand how politics work. We understand the powers that be and the influence they wield, and sometimes they manipulate the proceedings to some degree."
  [04:30]

• Trump's Influence: Smith questions the integrity of DOJ officials loyal to Trump, insinuating that their decisions are biased and politically motivated.

  "You really think Pam Bondi, who's now the head of the DOJ, didn't inform Trump of what she was going to do?"
  [06:00]

4. Immigration Policies and Rikers Island

The episode shifts focus to Mayor Adams' cooperation with federal immigration authorities, specifically regarding Rikers Island.

• Agreement with ICE: Adams signed an order allowing federal immigration officers access to the Rikers Island jail complex, a move that has sparked controversy.

  "Within hours of Sassoon resigning, Adams announced that he had signed an order allowing federal immigration officers into the Rikers Islands jail complex in New York City."
  [07:00]

• Criticism from Immigration Advocates: Murad Awadeh, CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, vehemently opposes Adams' decision, viewing it as a betrayal of sanctuary city principles.

  "This is a deal made with the devil to try to roll back our city's long-standing sanctuary laws and policies."
  [07:45]

5. Political Implications and Future Prospects

Smith speculates on the potential ramifications of these developments for Adams' political career and the broader New York political scene.

• Reelection Chances: He expresses doubts about Adams' ability to secure reelection, suggesting that former Governor Andrew Cuomo might be a strong contender for the mayoral seat.

  "I don't even know if he'll win reelection because I think Andrew Cuomo has a good chance of winning."
  [08:30]

• Cuomo's Political Trajectory: Smith argues that Cuomo should focus on a gubernatorial run rather than seeking the mayoralty, given his past controversies and existing political stature.

  "If you don't get back into politics now that all those allegations and accusations that were thrown Andrew Cuomo's way that compelled him to step away from office... I'd say go back and be governor of the state."
  [08:15]

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In concluding his analysis, Smith underscores the complex interplay of politics, legal maneuvering, and personal integrity in Mayor Adams' situation. He remains skeptical of the official narratives and emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability.

• Skepticism Towards Official Statements: Smith remains unconvinced by Trump's denial of involvement in the DOJ's decision to drop charges against Adams.

  "Maybe Trump is telling the truth. Nobody believes."
  [08:45]

• Ongoing Political Drama: The episode wraps up with Smith highlighting the unresolved tensions and the potential for further developments in New York City's political landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. "I'm going to be running as a Democrat for the Mayor of the City of New York. For all those saying differently, you heard it directly from me. I am going to be running in the Democratic primary."
   — Mayor Eric Adams, responding to party switch rumors
   [01:00]

2. "I personally don't like the political party affiliation switches, actually. I don't like that. That's... That's real shady to me."
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [02:00]

3. "She was the first to refuse to talk, the first to refuse to toss the case against Adams, who was indicted last fall... She's a Trump appointee, and she resigned. Props to her rule of law."
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [03:30]

4. "Trump said, 'I didn't. I know nothing about it. I did not.' Now, who the hell believes that?"
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [05:00]

5. "You really think Pam Bondi, who's now the head of the DOJ, didn't inform Trump of what she was going to do?"
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [06:00]

6. "Within hours of Sassoon resigning, Adams announced that he had signed an order allowing federal immigration officers into the Rikers Islands jail complex in New York City."
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [07:00]

7. "This is a deal made with the devil to try to roll back our city's long-standing sanctuary laws and policies."
   — Murad Awadeh, CEO of New York Immigration Coalition
   [07:45]

8. "I don't even know if he'll win reelection because I think Andrew Cuomo has a good chance of winning."
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [08:30]

9. "Maybe Trump is telling the truth. Nobody believes."
   — Stephen A. Smith
   [08:45]

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Mayor Eric Adams' political and legal challenges. Through incisive commentary and a series of compelling quotes, Smith provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities facing New York City's leadership and the broader implications for its political future.