Stephen A's Take: MSNBC Opinion tries to paint me MAGA, but I got independent receipts.

Summary

Summary of "Stephen A's Take: MSNBC Opinion tries to paint me MAGA, but I got independent receipts"

Release Date: March 30, 2025
Podcast: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

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1. Introduction

In the March 30, 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith addresses a recent critique by Jahan Jones from MSNBC, who accused Smith of serving as a "megaphone for MAGA propaganda." This detailed discussion delves into Smith's political stance, his approach to guest selection, and the broader implications of political discourse within media platforms.

2. Context: The MSNBC Accusation

Timestamp [01:04]:
Jahan Jones published an article on MSNBC.com titled "ESPN Stephen A. Smith is a Megaphone for MAGA Propaganda," in which he asserts that Smith's engagements with right-wing figures like Candace Owens, Sean Hannity, Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Bill O'Reilly indicate a biased alignment with the MAGA movement. Jones suggests that such interactions contradict ESPN's recent efforts to keep its talent away from controversial political discussions.

3. Stephen A. Smith’s Response

3.1. Invitation for Dialogue

Timestamp [02:00]:
Smith mentions that his team reached out to Jones for a one-on-one discussion to address the article. However, Jones declined the invitation, citing a busy schedule. Smith emphasizes his openness to dialogue, stating, "Personally, I hope we get the opportunity to have that dialogue."

3.2. Rejection of the MAGA Label

Timestamp [03:15]:
Smith challenges the notion that differing political opinions automatically label him as MAGA. He declares, "I think that's the exact problem with the left. You see, if I don't agree with you, I must be MAGA."

3.3. Advocating for Centrist Position

Timestamp [03:30]:
Smith asserts his position as a centrist and moderate, distancing himself from both the Democratic and Republican parties. He states, "I've never once described myself as a Democrat or a Republican. I'm a centrist. I'm a moderate."

3.4. Diverse Guest List to Showcase Balance

Timestamp [03:45]:
To demonstrate his balanced approach, Smith lists a variety of guests from both political spectrums who have appeared on his show:

• Right-Leaning Guests: Ben Shapiro, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Clay Travis
• Left-Leaning Guests: Meaghan Kelly, Jake Tapper, Hakeem Jeffries, Cory Booker, Cornel West, etc.

He emphasizes, "I've had folks from both sides. I've interviewed anybody that's resonating with the masses about significant pertinent issues. I will do that. Left, right, in the middle. It does not matter to me."

3.5. Clarifying the Role of a Journalist

Timestamp [08:07]:
Smith differentiates between platforming and journalistic responsibility. He explains, "I am a journalist by trade. I'm going to interview you and give you an opportunity to answer the questions that people want to know."

He argues that hosting diverse opinions is essential, stating, "They gonna say it anyway. If I interview Trump tomorrow, I'm gonna be accused of platforming."

3.6. Addressing Specific Political Issues

Timestamp [09:32]:
Smith discusses various contentious topics to illustrate his commitment to addressing pressing issues rather than adhering to a single political ideology:

• Immigration: Criticizes both Democratic and Republican policies, highlighting the complexities and failures on both sides.
• Crime: Points out inefficiencies in the criminal justice system, such as the release of criminals shortly after arrest.
• Economic Policies: Debates issues like inflation and student loans, advocating for open discourse and debate.

He asserts, "If we want to sit up there and look at the latest controversy that they're involved in, in terms of national security information... people are allowed to have their opinions."

3.7. Critique of Both Political Sides

Timestamp [16:13]:
Smith critiques the hypocrisy and double standards he perceives in both the left and the right. He references:

• Left's Hypocrisy: Points out inconsistencies in policies and actions, such as Kamala Harris's alleged lack of distinction from Joe Biden's policies.
• Right's Failings: Acknowledges the flaws within conservative leadership, including corruption cases and ineffective governance.

3.8. Emphasis on Independent Ownership and Editorial Freedom

Timestamp [21:30]:
Smith clarifies the ownership and editorial independence of his show, distancing it from ESPN's policies. He states, "This is Stephen A. Smith's platform. It has nothing to do with ESPN. This is 100% owned and operated by me."

He reinforces his commitment to discussing "social commentary" and "issues and compromise," irrespective of political affiliations.

3.9. Advocacy for Diverse Political Voices

Timestamp [23:18]:
Smith underscores his willingness to host a wide array of political figures, regardless of their political leaning. He mentions potential guests from various backgrounds, including Representative Eric Swalwell, Bill Maher, and even controversial figures like the Ku Klux Klan (under the premise of asking pertinent questions).

He emphasizes, "Left, right, in the middle. It does not matter to me. I'm always going to be that way."

3.10. Support for Centrist Leaders

Timestamp [26:10]:
Smith advocates for centrist and moderate political leaders, highlighting Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, as a prime example: "Wes Moore... should be the next President of the United States of America."

He further explains his voting preferences, indicating support for candidates based on individual merit rather than party allegiance.

4. Conclusion: Reaffirming Independence and Commitment to Balanced Discourse

Timestamp [28:42]:
Reiterating his opening remarks on self-care and personal worth, Smith underscores the importance of maintaining one's integrity and independence amidst political pressures.

Final Remarks:
Stephen A. Smith vehemently denies being a MAGA megaphone, positioning himself as an independent, centrist voice committed to balanced and open discourse. He advocates for hosting diverse political perspectives, critiquing both sides, and focusing on pertinent societal issues without partisan bias.

Notable Quotes:

• "If I don't agree with you, I must be MAGA. It must be the case I'm platforming MAGA propaganda. Is that so?" — Stephen A. Smith [03:15]

• "I've never once described myself as a Democrat or a Republican. I'm a centrist. I'm a moderate." — Stephen A. Smith [03:30]

• "I am a journalist by trade. I'm going to interview you and give you an opportunity to answer the questions that people want to know." — Stephen A. Smith [08:07]

• "This is Stephen A. Smith's platform. It has nothing to do with ESPN. This is 100% owned and operated by me." — Stephen A. Smith [21:59]

• "Left, right, in the middle. It does not matter to me. I'm always going to be that way." — Stephen A. Smith [23:46]

5. Key Takeaways

• Centrist Stance: Stephen A. Smith positions himself firmly as a centrist, rejecting labels that pigeonhole him into specific political categories.

• Diverse Guest Selection: By hosting a wide array of guests from varying political backgrounds, Smith emphasizes the importance of balanced discourse and varied perspectives.

• Journalistic Integrity: Smith underscores his role as a journalist committed to exploring all sides of an issue, distancing himself from allegations of bias.

• Critique of Political Hypocrisy: He calls out inconsistencies and shortcomings in both major political parties, advocating for accountability and honest dialogue.

• Independent Ownership: Clarifying that his platform is independent of ESPN, Smith asserts full control over his content and guest selections.

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This episode serves as a comprehensive defense against allegations of partisan bias, highlighting Stephen A. Smith's dedication to independent journalism and balanced political discourse. For listeners seeking an unbiased analysis of current events and political matters, this episode reinforces Smith's commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and fostering informed discussions.

Transcript

[Stephen A. Smith]

Sometimes as dads, I think we're too hard on ourselves. We get down on ourselves on not being able to, you know, we're the providers, but we also have to learn to take care of ourselves. Arapahoe way. You gotta pray for yourself as well as for everybody else, but never forget yourself. Self love made me a better dad because I realized my worth.

[Unknown]

Never stop being a dad. That's dedication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Dressing. Dressing.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh, French dressing.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

That's good.

[A.J. Jacobs]

I'm A.J. jacobs and my current obsession is puzzles and that has given birth to my podcast the Puzzler.

[Unknown]

Something about Mary Poppins?

[A.J. Jacobs]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

This is fun.

[A.J. Jacobs]

You can get your daily puzzle nuggets delivered straight to your ears. Listen to the Puzzler every day on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Pod. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jahan Jones]

I want to get to an article written about me recently by a gentleman from msnbc. His name is Jahan Jones and he essentially called me a mouthpiece for the far right MAGA movement. He cites the appearances of Candace Owens, Sean Hannity and other prominent voices from the right on this podcast as reasons for his premise. Here's a portion of what he wrote on MSNBC.com in an article titled ESPN Stephen A. Smith is a Megaphone for MAGA Propaganda. Jones says, quote, stephen A. Smith's embrace of the MAGA movement and its influencers has only continued in recent days. For example, he has spoken with right wing commentators Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly and Bill O'Reilly. You might be thinking that these were adversarial chats between a left leaning centrist and a conservative. But to adroit listeners, they can come across more as conservatives in friendly discussion than anything else. Smith's overt politicism seems to fly in the face of ESPN's apparent effort in recent years to deter some of its talent from speaking on controversial political matters. Either way, the network's most recognizable host is now regularly platforming MAGA propaganda at will. End quote. Now my team reached out to Jones to have a discussion about the article. I wanted to invite him on the show to talk with me one on one. Personally, I hope we get the opportunity to have that dialogue. He was busy. He didn't avoid the call or anything like that. It was no comment or anything like that. He didn't say anything. He was just very, very busy. We called it the last minute. No shade on him. That's why it didn't happen. But in the meantime, let me express to you what I think about what he wrote. I think that's the exact problem with the left. You see, if I don't agree with you, I must be maga. It must be the case I'm platforming MAGA propaganda. Is that so? I don't view it that way. First of all, even though Eileen left, particularly with how I vote with presidential elections, I want to emphasize that I've always been a centrist. My entire life, I've never once described myself as a Democrat or a Republican. I'm a centrist. I'm a moderate. I don't trust either side. I'm not on one side or the other. Hook, line, a sinker. You will see images or you'll hear me rattle off names of people who've been on this show. Yes. You see Ben Shapiro there. Yes. You see Bill O'Reilly there. Yes. I was recently on Megyn Kelly show. Did you know I'm on News Nation with Chris Cuomo every week? Did you know that I just appeared with Jake Tapper on cnn? Do you know I've been on MSNBC on several occasions? Do you know? Yes. Sean Hannity is my friend. It's not because of his politics. It's because I've known the man for 23 years and I know him outside of politics. And I appreciate the relationship that we have. I'm not apologizing for that. Let me add another name so you can further excoriate me. Mark Levin, the Great One. That's what they call him on conservative talk radio. I know him well, too. I've also had Clay Travis on this show before. I know him as well, at least a little bit. Not as well as the other two. Okay. That is absolutely, positively factual. Can I, can I give you a couple other names? Johan Jones, Would you allow me to.

[Unknown]

People that have been on this show. Yes.

[Jahan Jones]

Candace Owens was on this show. Absolutely true. And you brought up the right wingers. You brought up Hannity and Megyn Kelly and like I said, Ben Shapiro. You even knocked me for, you know, saying that Ben Shapiro is a brilliant dude. Just because you disagree with him, don't make him dumb. Dude is smart.

[Unknown]

He's very smart. But did you bring up Josh Shapiro.

[Jahan Jones]

The governor of Pennsylvania? Do you bring up Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland?

[Unknown]

Did you bring up Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader for the House of Representatives for the United States of America? He, he was on this show. Did you bring up Areva Martin, legal analyst on the left, was a part of Kamala Harris's campaign. Oh, by the way, on the show on several occasions, did you bring up Cory Booker, senator for the state of New Jersey, who's also been on this show? How about Cornell West? Remember when he was on the show? He, he's been there videos on John Jones. I mean, you're a very busy guy. I assume you might have missed this. All of these people were on my show. Michael Cohen, who's the biggest critic, the former lawyer for Donald Trump who excoriates him at every turn. He was on the show. How many times has Roland Martin been on the show? Let's not forget him. I've had folks from both sides. Let me tell you something else. Did you know that Gavin Newsom has.

[Jahan Jones]

Been invited here on numerous occasions and still hasn't accepted?

[Unknown]

Did you know that Kamala Harris was.

[Jahan Jones]

Vit on here during the run for the presidencies during the election? She didn't come on.

[Unknown]

Did you know vice president candidate, Democratic vice presidential candidate, Tim Walls, the governor of Minnesota? He was invited on here. Didn't come. Oh, by the way, did you know.

[Jahan Jones]

That Andrew Cuomo was on.

[Unknown]

Came, came on the show for an hour? Did you know that the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, was on the show for an hour? If they came on the show and they spoke, is it propaganda or is it how they feel? See, that's what you're missing in all of this. Do I agree with everything Megyn Kelly says?

[Jahan Jones]

No.

[Unknown]

Do I agree with everything Sean had and he says no. Do I agree with anything that any of those folks on the right feel? So I don't agree with everything, but they feel that way. And so now we have to get into a discussion as to whether or not they have a right to express their points of views and whether or not you have a salient point to debunk what they're going to throw in our direction before you excoriate them. You work for msnbc. Let's talk about MSNBC for a second. Did you know that Joy Reid was invited on the show?

[Jahan Jones]

I'm not happy that her show is gone, Johanna.

[Unknown]

I am not happy. I respect Joy Reid. Did I agree with everything she said?

[Jahan Jones]

No.

[Unknown]

Do I agree with how she did some things? No. Because if you come across as too vitriolic as a black person, I know in corporate America, that's going to be counted against you more than it's going to be counted for you. I get that part. But I also knew the, you know, the dramatic drop in the ratings that they said took place since the election ended, I saw Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who I respect, but they bought in to calling Trump and alluding to certain things when it came to Trump. Now, I don't remember whether it's specifically Nazis or, or, or other things, but certainly their rhetoric towards him was incendiary. And what happened after he won the election? They were at Mar a Lago, and everybody's joking about how Trump is making folks come kissed the ring. You know why? Because guess what? He won. Despite being impeached twice, despite 34 felony convictions, despite. Despite the popuria cases that were thrown against him, he still won. And so what I'm saying to you is that when we're having that kind of discussion, that's what we got to take into consideration. These kind of things happen. And then you're looking at me and you're saying he's, He's.

[Jahan Jones]

He's platforming them.

[Unknown]

No, I am a journalist by trade. I'm going to interview you and give you an opportunity to answer the questions that people want to know and see what they have, see what they have to say about it. And y'all be the judge. I'll try to ask piercing and poignant questions. And if I don't know something, I don't know something. And if I don't have as much knowledge as you, Jahan, I get that part. But it ain't platforming to listen to what other people have to say. They gonna say it anyway. If I interview Trump tomorrow, I'm gonna be accused of platform. And Trump, if I ask him about the 34 felony convictions, if I ask him about being impeached twice, or if I avoid that because he's the president, despite all of that, and I'm asking them about inflation, what you gonna do about that? I'm asking them about the war in Ukraine. Why are you coming across to somebody that's siding against Ukraine and siding. If I asked him about illegals or illegal immigrants in this country and how successful it is, or lack thereof.

[Jahan Jones]

If.

[Unknown]

I see him trying to push a case to the Supreme Court so he should be allowed to deport anybody that he wants to that's here illegally, all you could do is listen to the answer, bro. But Democrats don't get that. And when we call and when we talk about me getting on the Democrats, you want to point out some of the things that I said? Okay. Primarily, I have voted Democrat. This is you quoting me in your blog? I have voted Democrat throughout my life, but I'm utterly Disgusted with what I'm seeing. Why should not be? Why aren't you, Johan? Did you see what the Democrats did leading into the election? Did you see how Kamala Harris went on national television and said she doesn't really see anything differently that she would do compared to what Joe Biden was doing? Did you see Obama deport more illegal immigrants in this country than even Donald Trump did during his tenure as president, but Joe Biden take office and literally open the borders? Did you see crime taking place in the street? Did you see people getting arrested and getting let out of jail the same day? Do you see what's happening in California now where there's reports that the state of California is running low on money and literally Medicare is jeopardized because of over a billion dollars that was spent on illegal immigrants? Did you see their state legislature pass legislation protecting migrants and illegal immigrants from federal enforcement by the Trump administration? We're paying attention. We're seeing what's going on. Everybody's not going to feel what you feel. The thing is, you ask the question and you listen. But in the end, this side won. When I said that they engaged in lawfare, you damn right I brought it up. Do you know why I brought it up? Jahan? Mr. Johan Jones, do you know why I brought it up? I brought it up because I'm ticked off that that's what they thought it would take in order to beat Trump. A, because it didn't work, and B, where's your bullpen? Kamala is what you had. I respect our former vice president of the United States. I wish her luck. I hope she runs for the gubernatorial.

[Jahan Jones]

Seat in the state of California.

[Unknown]

But when she ran for president in 2020, she couldn't even make it to Iowa. And all of a sudden, y'all wanted us to act like she was a rock star. Because you wanted Biden going so badly after his debilitating performance on a June 27 debate stage. Tim Walsh, you picked him when everybody practically in the party thought. Or not everybody, but a lot of people thought that Josh Shapiro would have been a prime candidate. They said, this guy's a star.

[Jahan Jones]

And.

[Unknown]

He'S running up in the state of Pennsylvania. Well, and he isn't married to certain leftist policies, extreme leftist progressive policies, the way Tim Walsh would have been. He would have been a better candidate.

[Jahan Jones]

For Kamala Harris to ultimately win this race.

[Unknown]

These are the kind of things that were being said. These are the kind of things that was going on. And what I'm saying is pick the best candidate. Pick the best chance for you to win. How do you believe that Tim Walls is gonna give you a better chance to win than Josh Shapiro? Why wasn't Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, more prolific voice out there on the scene? I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. But us pointing out these things that are wrong with the Democratic Party makes me bad. Makes me a megaphone for the MAGA left or the MAGA right. I happen to believe certain things. I don't. I don't have a problem with. I don't have a problem with trying to address inflation. I don't have a problem with saying we can't have over 12 million illegal immigrants crossing the borders and we do nothing about that. I don't have a problem with people saying folks who commit crimes but need to have their behinds in jail. I don't have a problem with that. I don't have a problem with sitting there and discussing or at least debating the viability of eradicating all student loans. I had to pay mine. Most American citizens had to pay theirs. If we want to have a debate about where the money should be spent and stuff like that, I get that there's certain things that shouldn't be debatable. You shouldn't be allowed to roam free in this country illegally. You shouldn't be allowed to commit crimes in the street and avoid arrest. You shouldn't be allowed out of jail the same day you were put in jail for engaging in illegal activity, period. There are certain things that are just basic and are just general. You don't have to go into the weeds. I know the MAGA right ain't right all the time. I don't trust what comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. I get that part. But when we want to sit up there and look at the latest controversy that they're involved in, in terms of national security information, in terms of.

[Jahan Jones]

Of. Of. Of attacking the hoodies.

[Unknown]

With Mr. Hegseth himself, who to me falls under a DEI category, by the way. And we want to talk about this man being fired. Were y'all talking about people being fired when Biden pulled troops out of Afghanistan, when at least 13 lives were lost, when billions in equipment were left in Afghanistan, the sloppy manner in which we parted ways. Were you talking about the same thing then? Because this ain't worse than that. It could have been. But is it? What was it? People are allowed to have their opinions. At the end of the day, you got the right leaning on the left, pointing out the left's hypocrisy. And double talking more effectively than the left is able to do to the right. Trump's not admitting he's wrong. Trump's not gonna come out there and admit this.

[Jahan Jones]

I did this wrong. I did that wrong.

[Unknown]

He's not gonna do it. He's likely going to lie out of his teeth every chance he has. He has an opportunity to do so. Not gonna tell you the truth. He's loaded. The supreme court. It's a 63 majority. We gonna ignore the role that Ruth Bader Ginsburg played in that when she refused to retire while Obama was in office and they wanted her to depart. We're going to deny the fact that she refused to do so because she wanted a woman to insert her successor. Assuming Hillary Rodham Clinton would win the election, willing to take that risk and letting her ego get in the way. We're just going to ignore that. God rest us soul. But it's the truth. We're going to ignore that. We're going to ignore all the stuff that we've learned since the election about how they knew how debilitated Joe Biden was. We just gonna continue to ignore these things, huh? Not gonna have any discussion. They're on the right, so there's no reason to listen to them.

[Jahan Jones]

I'm not that dude. On this platform, it's very, very important that I say to y'all this. On this platform, it's very, very important. We understand this. I'm going to talk to everybody that I can. I have a statement and I, by the way, in the same blog, Jahan Jones alluded to me saying something about the Tea Party that was formed once Obama was in office. And I gave some weak, lame excuses. I. I don't know what you're talking about. What I do know is that I think people have a right to feel differently. We have a Republican and a Democratic Party in the United States of America along with an independent party. There are people who feel differently. That's just the way that it goes. I totally understand that. I get it. But I've been on the record stating in the past, I can interview the Ku Klux Klan and I wouldn't blink. They I can as long as I can ask them what I want to ask them. Their answers are. Their answers is for you to absorb in the take on this platform. I'll interview anybody that's resonating with the masses about significant pertinent issues. I will do that. Left, right in the middle. It does not matter to me. I'm always going to be that way.

[Unknown]

That's not providing a megaphone for one side.

[Jahan Jones]

You're going to go on recent interviews.

[Unknown]

Do you know why the recent interviews took place? Because most of the people I was.

[Jahan Jones]

Interviewing was on the left.

[Unknown]

You didn't write about it then. And when you see people using sound from me to milk what they can from it, to publicize it and create headlines from it, that's just because the right is doing it more effectively than the left. Because I'm on left, left, leftist platforms all the time. I recently did an interview with Karen Hunter. I've been on a Breakfast Club. I just told you about Jake Tapper. I told you I've been on MSNBC shows. I'm on News Nation all the time. Laura Coates and Abby Phillip. I've been on both of their shows several times. Let's not forget that. Does not forget that. Johan Jones. Just because you don't publicize it doesn't mean that I didn't say anything that the left would agree with. You just don't do a good job. You know why?

[Jahan Jones]

And I don't talk about you specifically, Jahan Jones.

[Unknown]

I'm talking about the left overall. You know why? Because the right takes what they can.

[Jahan Jones]

Get to disseminate and publicize their message. The left wants to hand pick who they want to be messengers instead of listening to the public say to them, excuse me, this is how we feel. This is where we coming from. This is what we stand on. That's who we support. I've told you many times, the right pick Trump. The constituency out there, the voters, they.

[Unknown]

Said, we want Trump not to say this. Not Christy, not Ramaswamy, not Nikki Haley. No, no, no, we want him.

[Jahan Jones]

The Democratic Party is always intervening and getting in the way of what the voters want. That's why y'all lost. And if you don't learn, you're gonna continue to do this. And my last point is this. I'm sick and tired of people bringing up Stephen A for espn. This is Stephen A. Smith show. It has nothing to do with ESPN. This is 100% owned and operated by me. As my man Shannon Sharp likes to say about his club. Shay.

[Unknown]

Shay.

[Jahan Jones]

I am the sole proprietor. This is my shop. This has nothing to do with espn. This is mine. Secondly, I've always talked about politics and I've always crossed political and sports talk number two.

[Unknown]

Number three.

[Jahan Jones]

When ESPN arrived and they gave that mandate more than seven years ago now about minimizing the political talk they were talking about primarily over their airwaves, not just their talent. I'VE been talking about politics for ages.

[Unknown]

I've been taught.

[Jahan Jones]

I've been given social commentary. I shouldn't even say politics because I always give social commentary and I always will. As long as I'm breathing and I'm in this business. It comes with it. It's not changing. This is not a right wing platform. This is not a left wing platform. This is Stephen A. Smith's platform. And I'll discuss what I want to discuss with whomever I damn well please. By the way, Representative Clyburn is going to be on soon.

[Unknown]

Representative Eric Swalwell.

[Jahan Jones]

Swalwell will be on soon.

[Unknown]

Ro Connor out of California. I've had the pleasure of meeting him. And I appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher.

[Jahan Jones]

He's going to be on the show.

[Unknown]

Oh, by the way, Bill Maher has been on the show not once but twice. He'll be back on the show.

[Jahan Jones]

Kamala Harris has been offered to be on the show since the election. She's declined. I'm still trying to get Gavin Newsome. He's declined.

[Unknown]

I'm not finished.

[Jahan Jones]

Nancy Pelosi want to get her on one day.

[Unknown]

She's welcome to. Come on.

[Jahan Jones]

Folks on the left have got to stop blaming other people for your own self inflicted wounds. The fact of the matter is most of y'all people don't want to hear from. Jasmine Crockett is welcome on the show. AOC Alexandria, Ocasio Cortez, she's definitely welcomed on this show. Bernie Sanders, he's welcome on the show.

[Unknown]

Nobody's hiding. I have never been a fan of.

[Jahan Jones]

Listening to Elizabeth Warren. I respect her as a senator for the United States. I expect her work, et cetera.

[Unknown]

I got one problem with Senator Elizabeth.

[Jahan Jones]

Warren and one problem only. No other problem other than this.

[Unknown]

Every time I listen to her speak.

[Jahan Jones]

She makes me feel like if you don't agree to her, you're destined for hell. You have no soul.

[Unknown]

You have to agree with every syllable that she's uttering. Otherwise you're going to hell.

[Jahan Jones]

Lightning's gonna strike you down.

[Unknown]

She can't. There can be no alternative to anything that she says. It has to be her or something.

[Jahan Jones]

Is wrong with your soul.

[Unknown]

That's her.

[Jahan Jones]

I mean the one I watch when I see her talking.

[Unknown]

That's the only reason that I've never.

[Jahan Jones]

Desired to interview her, because I don't.

[Unknown]

Want to feel like I'm going to hell just because I don't. That's it.

[Jahan Jones]

Nothing else. So, Johan Jones, hopefully you'll be on the show soon, but I respectfully, yet strongly disagree with your assertion about me, Patrick. Bet David has been on this show. Relatively conservative guy, PBD podcast. I happen to agree with a lot of things he says. I happen to agree with some things Sean Hannity says, just like I agree with some things Jake Tapper says, just like I agree with some things Cameron Hunter says, just like I agree with with Chris Cuomo and some things he says.

[Unknown]

That's how I roll.

[Jahan Jones]

I go on a case by case basis. I'm not an ideologue. I don't trust that and I don't think that's good for this country. That's where I stand. I definitely agree with some things Andrew Cuomo says. And as long as Andrew Cuomo or Eric Adams is the mayor of New York City, moving forward, I'm going to feel good about New York City. And I'll tell anybody who listens, I don't give a damn. To show you, Johan Jones, how much of a centrist I am, do you know, in all likelihood, if I'm in Florida and I'm voting for the next Guber, the next governor of Florida, I would vote for Byron Donald, who's a right. Who's a right wing guy whose support of Trump I certainly am not fond of. But I'm fond of him. But nobody would be tops on my list for the presidency of the United States more than Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland. He's the one. I've never campaigned for anybody in my life. He's the one person I would consider campaigning for. I think he's the real deal. I think that if you're the left, that's somebody you should rally behind. Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, in my opinion, should be the next President of the United States of America. Not me, him. I believe in that, brother. I truly, truly do. And I think the more people get to know him, the more they'll believe in him, too. And I'm telling you right here over these national airwaves, if you are on the left or you are a moderate, a centrist, I understand the right's gonna do what they gonna do. My God, this is a man you should get to know. You should rally behind him. That man right there. I wouldn't hesitate. See how I think some of it might make sense to you, some of it might not. That's the way it goes. I'm married to no side. I'm about people and I'm about issues and I'm about compromise because that's what really makes the world go round in a very positive way.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Sometimes as dads, I think we're too hard on ourselves. We get down on ourselves and not being able to, you know, we're the providers, but we also have to learn to take care of ourselves. Rap away. You got to pray for yourself as well as for everybody else. But never forget yourself. Self love made me a better dad because I realized my worth.

[Unknown]

Never stop being a dad. That's dedication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Dressing. Dressing.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh, French dressing.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

That's good.

[A.J. Jacobs]

I'm A.J. jacobs, and my current obsession is puzzles. And that has given birth to my podcast the Puzzler.

[Unknown]

Something about Mary Poppins?

[A.J. Jacobs]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

This is fun.

[A.J. Jacobs]

You can get your daily puzzle nuggets delivered straight to your ears. Listen to the Puzzler every day on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.