Detailed Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Presidential Run 2028, I've Been Approached by Governors, Mayors and Other Elected Officials"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Presidential Run 2028, I've Been Approached by Governors, Mayors and Other Elected Officials
• Release Date: April 9, 2025

1. Introduction to the Presidential Run

In this compelling episode, Stephen A. Smith delves into the stirring topic of a potential presidential run in 2028. Having been approached by various governors, mayors, and elected officials, Smith opens up about his contemplations and the underlying motivations driving his consideration of a significant political move.

Notable Quote:

"I am no politician. I don't have a political record for them to lean on. They all do."
— Stephen A. Smith [05:53]

2. Motivation Behind Considering a Presidential Run

Smith articulates his primary motivation: dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics and governance. He emphasizes his desire to address the nation’s pressing issues, emphasizing that his potential candidacy stems from a genuine concern for the country's direction rather than personal ambition.

Notable Quote:

"Our country is in a very, very bad spot. And when I'm perceived as somebody that is excoriating the left and favoring the right, those people don't know what they're talking about."
— Stephen A. Smith [05:53]

3. Critique of the Democratic Party

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Smith’s critique of the Democratic Party. He expresses frustration over the party’s perceived neglect of key demographics, particularly the Black and Hispanic communities, despite their substantial population percentages. Smith argues that the Democratic Party has become complacent, relying heavily on the loyalty of these communities without addressing their evolving needs.

Key Points:

• Black Community Support: Smith references historical support from the Black community since the civil rights era but laments recent alienation.
• Immigration Policies: He criticizes President Joe Biden’s handling of immigration, contrasting it with Barack Obama’s approach.
• Economic Concerns: Emphasis on the $37 trillion national deficit as evidence of mismanagement.

Notable Quotes:

"The Democratic Party has spent the last 55 plus years receiving the black vote. So what did we do? We were transparent in our support for one party, giving them a license to take us for granted."
— Stephen A. Smith [07:34]

"They forgot about us. They forgot about the economy, stupid. They forgot about if people have money in their pockets and they're living fruitful lives."
— Stephen A. Smith [09:15]

4. Critique of the Republican Party and Tariffs

Smith shifts focus to the Republican Party, particularly addressing former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. While he supports the idea of tariffs to protect American industries, he criticizes the execution and unintended consequences of these policies, such as retaliatory tariffs from China and strained international alliances.

Key Points:

• Support for Tariffs: Agrees with Trump's stance on protecting American products.
• Execution Flaws: Points out the lack of foresight in anticipating China's retaliatory tariffs.
• Economic Impact: Concerns over potential recession and inflation due to ongoing tariff wars.

Notable Quotes:

"I support tariffs. I have no problem with it. I do believe that the United States has been paying too much money."
— Stephen A. Smith [10:06]

"What I'm averse to is how he's handling it... He's going after everybody. He didn't anticipate that China would come back with 34% tariffs of their own."
— Stephen A. Smith [11:43]

5. Vision for a New Political Path – Centrist Approach

Positioning himself as an independent and centrist alternative, Smith outlines his vision for bridging the partisan divide. He aspires to create a political coalition that values common-sense solutions over extreme party ideologies, emphasizing collaboration between Democrats and Republicans to address national issues effectively.

Key Points:

• Building a Coalition: Desire to include members from both parties in his potential administration.
• Focus on Economy and National Security: Prioritizing pragmatic solutions over partisan politics.
• Rejecting Extremes: Commitment to avoiding identity politics and maintaining a law-and-order stance.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm creating my own lane. I have no desire to be on either side."
— Stephen A. Smith [16:12]

"I would create a new lane. I'd be a centrist. Not quite like Clinton having to be dragged by Newt Gingrich."
— Stephen A. Smith [17:37]

6. Policy Proposals and Ideas

Smith shares several policy ideas aimed at fiscal responsibility and governmental accountability. These proposals reflect his business background and focus on efficiency, transparency, and reducing governmental overreach.

Key Policy Proposals:

• Flat Tax System: Supporting a flat tax rate for simplicity and fairness.
• Spending Limits for Congress: Proposing that Congress and the Senate be restricted to spending only 30% of tax revenue.
• Congressional Presence: Suggesting that legislators spend minimal time in Washington D.C., emphasizing accountability and efficiency.
• Reduction of National Debt: Addressing the $37 trillion deficit through prudent financial management.

Notable Quotes:

"Why can't you take 27%? Let's just throw that out. Work is 55 years and younger."
— Stephen A. Smith [22:12]

"Congress and senate only in D.C. two weeks per quarter to vote. Reduce the course. What the hell are you living in D.C. for?"
— Stephen A. Smith [25:49]

7. Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

In his concluding remarks, Smith reiterates his lack of desire to enter politics while keeping the door open for future possibilities. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing national issues and conveys that his potential candidacy is a response to the current political landscape rather than personal ambition. Smith also mentions upcoming media appearances to further discuss his stance and thoughts on the nation’s direction.

Notable Quotes:

"I have no desire to be a politician. I have no interest. But I have been asked by folks in the business world, folks in corporate America, folks on Capitol Hill... to strongly reconsider."
— Stephen A. Smith [26:08]

"Stephen A. Smith will happily invite Barack Obama back into the mix. I think he'll beat Donald Trump."
— Stephen A. Smith [18:10]

8. Anticipated Impact and Public Reception

Smith’s candid discussion is poised to resonate with listeners who feel disillusioned with traditional politics. By positioning himself as a centrist and a problem-solver, he seeks to attract voters from across the political spectrum who are eager for substantive change and effective governance.

Overall Themes:

• Frustration with the Status Quo: A clear dissatisfaction with current political parties and their handling of national issues.
• Desire for Effective Leadership: Emphasis on pragmatic solutions and bipartisan cooperation.
• Accountability and Transparency: Focus on reducing national debt and ensuring governmental accountability.

Conclusion:

In this thought-provoking episode, Stephen A. Smith lays bare his contemplations regarding a presidential run in 2028, driven by a deep-seated concern for the nation's trajectory. Through incisive critiques of both major political parties and the presentation of centrist policy ideas, Smith positions himself as a potential agent of change aimed at uniting a divided electorate and steering the country towards fiscal responsibility and effective governance.