Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Cancer's Toll on Stephen’s Family and Reflections on Biden"

Podcast: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Stephen talks about how Cancer has taken a toll on his family when discussing Biden
Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction: Addressing a Personal and National Crisis

In this poignant episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the personal and political ramifications of former President Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Balancing heartfelt personal anecdotes with sharp political critique, Stephen offers listeners a comprehensive view of how cancer impacts not only individuals and families but also the broader political landscape.

Biden's Cancer Diagnosis: A Nation's Shock

Timestamp: [01:13]

Stephen begins by addressing the recent announcement from President Biden's office regarding his diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. He quotes the official statement:

"Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer characterized by a Gleason score of 9 with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management."
— Stephen A. Smith ([01:13])

He further highlights Biden's own heartfelt message shared on platform X (formerly Twitter):

"Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for listening, lifting us up with love and support."
— President Joe Biden ([01:30])

Personal Reflections: Stephen's Battle with Cancer

Timestamp: [03:45]

Stephen transitions into a deeply personal narrative, recounting the profound impact cancer has had on his own family. He shares:

"For me personally, it always hits home because we all know my mother passed away in 2017 of cancer. It is an issue that is highly sensitive to me and to millions upon millions of Americans and people worldwide."
— Stephen A. Smith ([03:45])

He elaborates on the loss of his father, who suffered from Parkinson's before succumbing to cancer:

"The likelihood is that I'll never will because it took away from me the greatest human being I have ever known, my father who suffered from Parkinson's and ultimately departed because cancer had sifted through to his spine."
— Stephen A. Smith ([04:10])

Stephen also mourns his uncle Frankie and aunt Normal, both victims of cancer, underscoring the pervasive and devastating nature of the disease:

"My uncle Frankie, my aunt Normal, all cancer victims."
— Stephen A. Smith ([04:25])

From Personal Grief to Political Critique

Timestamp: [05:00]

While expressing his heartfelt wishes for President Biden, Stephen pivots to a critical analysis of the Democratic Party's handling of the news surrounding Biden's condition:

"Hearing of his diagnosis doesn't come with its own suspicions. It is not about him. Once again, it's about the Democratic Party, at least for a second."
— Stephen A. Smith ([05:00])

He questions the timing and transparency of the announcement, raising concerns about what the Democrats may have known prior to the public disclosure:

"How much or how bad off was he before we learned this news? How long was that portion of all of this going on? And what did the Democrats know?"
— Stephen A. Smith ([05:30])

Comparing the Democratic Party to Lance Armstrong

Timestamp: [06:15]

Stephen draws a provocative comparison between the Democratic Party's reaction to Biden's diagnosis and Lance Armstrong's notorious denial of performance-enhancing drug use:

"Do you know who the Democratic Party could easily be compared to right now? Lance Armstrong. You remember that dude? I think it's seven. That's the same Lance Armstrong who won seven Tour de Francisco was the dude that was accused of performance enhancement use for years. And what did he do? He terrorized the accusers knowing he was lying."
— Stephen A. Smith ([06:15])

He criticizes the party's response to allegations about Biden's health, suggesting that their strategies mirror Armstrong's tactics of denial and ostracization of accusers:

"What did the Democratic Party do when people brought up Joe Biden and his debilitation, they didn't just deny it. They attacked and attempted to ostracize those who would dare question it and come to find out as the days and the weeks and the months go by, how so many knew all along."
— Stephen A. Smith ([06:45])

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Timestamp: [07:10]

Stephen wraps up his critique by emphasizing the need for honesty and integrity within the Democratic Party, drawing parallels to the widespread scrutiny and eventual downfall experienced by Lance Armstrong:

"Think about it."
— Stephen A. Smith ([07:10])

He urges listeners to reflect on the party's actions leading up to the 2024 election, questioning their commitment to transparency and the well-being of their leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden's Diagnosis: An aggressive and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer diagnosis has significant personal and political implications.

• Personal Connection: Stephen A. Smith shares his own family's struggles with cancer, highlighting the universal and devastating impact of the disease.

• Political Critique: He criticizes the Democratic Party's handling of Biden's diagnosis, suggesting a lack of transparency and drawing unfavorable comparisons to Lance Armstrong's denial tactics.

• Call for Accountability: The episode underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in political parties, especially concerning the health and well-being of their leaders.

Notable Quotes:

• "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places."
  — President Joe Biden ([01:30])

• "For me personally, it always hits home because we all know my mother passed away in 2017 of cancer."
  — Stephen A. Smith ([03:45])

• "They attacked and attempted to ostracize those who would dare question it."
  — Stephen A. Smith ([06:45])

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a compelling blend of personal narrative and incisive political analysis, providing listeners with a heartfelt perspective on the impact of cancer and a critical lens on the actions of the Democratic Party in the wake of President Biden's diagnosis.