Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode: Stephen A's Take: UFC President Dana White declares he's done with "disgusting" politics
Release Date: November 24, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Co-Host: Max Kellerman
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a heated discussion with co-host Max Kellerman about UFC President Dana White's recent declaration to distance himself from politics. The conversation delves into White's political stance, the implications for the UFC and broader American society, and the intersection of sports and politics.

Dana White's Departure from Politics

The episode kicks off with Stephen A. Smith highlighting Dana White's surprising announcement to abstain from political discourse:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:06]: "We gotta get into politics for a."
• Max Kellerman [01:07]: "Second where there's been a shocking turnaround."

Dana White, previously a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, expressed his disillusionment with the political landscape during an interview at UFC 309 held at Madison Square Garden. Smith references White's candid remarks:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:38]: "Look at this quote from White. White right here where he said this."
• Max Kellerman [01:42]: "I'm never fucking doing this again. I want nothing to do with this shit. It's gross, it's disgusting. I want nothing to do with politics."

White's statement signifies a notable shift from a prominent political ally to a critic of the current political environment.

Historical Context and Relationship with Donald Trump

Smith provides background on Dana White's longstanding relationship with Donald Trump, emphasizing their mutual support and its impact on the UFC's growth:

• Stephen A. Smith [02:03]: "Dana White has been a friend of Donald Trump spanning nearly 40 years. Donald Trump was one of the original supporters of the UFC. That's how far back he and Dana White goes."
• Smith continues: "Donald Trump assisted in helping the UFC become what it ultimately became, which was a multi-billion dollar establishment."

This deep-rooted friendship underscores the significance of White's current stance, given Trump's pivotal role in the UFC's rise.

Critique of the Political System

Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman delve into White's broader criticisms of politics, discussing the perceived corruption and inefficiency within the government:

• Max Kellerman [02:05]: "All Dana White expressed is how most of us feel about Capitol Hill and the politicians that reside there. We can't stand them."
• Stephen A. Smith [02:18]: "Corrupt it has become because of their behavior, salacious and otherwise, against one another, and how unproductive they've been to the betterment of American society as a whole because of it."

They argue that White's disdain reflects a common sentiment among Americans who are frustrated with governmental dysfunction and partisanship.

Impact of Dana White's Statement on the UFC and American Society

The hosts explore the ramifications of White's withdrawal from political engagement, particularly concerning the UFC's future and its interactions with political figures:

• Stephen A. Smith [02:55]: "His sport has been compared to a sport of boxing where you got promoters ruined in the sport because they refuse to give us the fights that we want to see, when we want to see it."
• Max Kellerman [03:53]: "This brother said politics is disgusting. It's disgraceful. It's this, it's that. You know how bad you gotta be to hear that from Dana White."

They discuss how White's outspoken nature and eventual retreat from politics could influence the UFC's brand and its relationships with sponsors and political entities.

Broader Implications on American Politics and Society

Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman extend the conversation to the wider political climate, touching on themes of polarization, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures:

• Stephen A. Smith [04:20]: "When you call somebody a racist and you have no problem with their name being associated with Hitler or with Nazis... How do you then go to Mar Lago to speak with him and then come back over to Airways and don't tell us what the hell you said?"
• Max Kellerman [05:47]: "That's the problem with this binary system we're living in."

They critique the current binary and polarized political discourse, suggesting it hampers effective governance and mutual understanding.

Call for Maturity and Compromise in Politics

The hosts advocate for a more mature and compromising approach to politics, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation to achieve progress:

• Stephen A. Smith [05:50]: "Are we not going to be grown ups? That's what I'm talking about."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:31]: "People get uglier and uglier and uglier because they want their way devoid of compromise."

Max Kellerman adds to the argument by underscoring the importance of responsible rhetoric:

• Max Kellerman [06:44]: "When you engage in vitriol, particularly of the irresponsible kind, you cut yourself off from the ability to do business on behalf of the people you purport to represent."

They stress that inflammatory language and lack of compromise impede legislative progress and societal harmony.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In wrapping up the discussion, Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman reflect on the necessity for leaders and influential figures to foster unity instead of division:

• Stephen A. Smith [07:52]: "Facts are facts."

They suggest that moving beyond polarizing rhetoric is essential for effective governance and societal advancement, emphasizing that compromise and mature discourse are pivotal in overcoming current political challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Dana White's Stance: UFC President Dana White publicly distances himself from politics, criticizing the current political system as "gross" and "disgusting."

• Historical Loyalty: White's longstanding friendship with Donald Trump played a significant role in the UFC's growth, making his political withdrawal noteworthy.

• Systemic Critique: Both hosts agree that the political system suffers from corruption, inefficiency, and extreme partisanship, hindering progress.

• Call for Maturity: There is a strong call for leaders and citizens alike to engage in more respectful, compromise-driven dialogue to foster better governance and societal cohesion.

• Impact on UFC: White's comments may influence the UFC's public image and its interactions with political figures and sponsors moving forward.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana White on Politics: "I'm never fucking doing this again. I want nothing to do with this shit. It's gross, it's disgusting. I want nothing to do with politics." [01:42]

• Stephen A. Smith on Compromise: "People get uglier and uglier and uglier because they want their way devoid of compromise. And then when you lose and find out you have to compromise, you don't know what to do." [06:44]

• Max Kellerman on Responsible Rhetoric: "When you engage in vitriol, particularly of the irresponsible kind, you cut yourself off from the ability to do business on behalf of the people you purport to represent." [06:31]

This episode provides a critical examination of Dana White's withdrawal from political involvement, situating it within the larger context of American political dysfunction and the need for more constructive dialogue and leadership.