Stephen A's Take: We LOST, Woke cost key votes. Pro Athletes Trump dancing. MSNBC hosts' private meeting with Trump. - The Stephen A. Smith Show

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Release Date: November 21, 2024

1. NFL Players’ Celebrations Mimicking President-Elect Donald Trump

Timestamp: [01:03]

Stephen A. Smith opens the episode by addressing a controversial intersection of politics and sports. He expresses his frustration with the NFL's recent statement regarding players performing Donald Trump's signature dance during on-field celebrations. Prominent athletes like Nick Bosa (49ers), Brock Bowers (Raiders), and Calvin Ridley (Titans) have been mimicking the President-Elect’s iconic moves, sparking debate.

Smith criticizes the NFL for feeling the need to respond, questioning why such celebrations typically wouldn’t warrant a league statement. He asserts, “celebrations usually don't warrant that it doesn't require a response from the league” ([01:50]). He believes the necessity of the statement highlights the ongoing cultural divisions, attributing the NFL’s overreaction to a society where “people still living with their heads in the cloud acting like they get to protest every little damn thing” ([03:15]).

2. Acceptance of Trump's Electoral Victory

Timestamp: [05:10]

Transitioning from the NFL incident, Smith delves into the broader political landscape, particularly Donald Trump's convincing victory in the recent election. While he openly states that he did not vote for Trump, Smith acknowledges the clear mandate from the American electorate: “He won convincingly. So to me, that says that the American people have made their choice” ([06:25]).

He emphasizes respect for the democratic process, noting, “Football players are usually American people. So are basketball players. So are UFC fighters. They got a right to support who the hell they want to” ([07:40]). Smith contrasts the NFL's response with the UFC's non-reaction, praising Dana White for not engaging in unnecessary apologies: “Dana White wouldn't entertain that. Dana White would not entertain that because he don't play that nonsense” ([09:00]).

3. Impact of Woke and Cancel Culture on the Election

Timestamp: [10:15]

Smith attributes Trump’s electoral success to a combination of factors, including inflation, the economy, border issues, and notably, “woke culture” and “cancel culture” ([10:40]). He argues that the pervasive fear of expressing differing opinions, especially regarding pronouns and political correctness, alienated many voters. This cultural tension, according to Smith, pushed voters towards Trump as a reactionary force against what he perceives as societal overreach.

4. Kamala Harris’s Campaign Expenditures and Oprah Winfrey’s Involvement

Timestamp: [12:05]

Shifting focus to Vice President Kamala Harris, Smith critiques the revelation that her campaign paid Oprah Winfrey’s production company approximately $2.5 million for support, significantly higher than initial reports of $1 million ([12:30]).

He scrutinizes Oprah's historical support for Democratic candidates, mentioning her past donations to Cory Booker and Stacey Abrams: “Oprah is usually doling out money, but now your production company is getting a piece which is pennies to Oprah Winfrey” ([13:45]). Smith questions the transparency and intent behind these financial dealings, suggesting potential ulterior motives: “When you have a history spanning decades of giving, not taking, is it possible that you were taken because you had to be sold on supporting Kamala Harris?” ([14:20]).

5. Critique of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and Media Accountability

Timestamp: [14:50]

Concluding his political discourse, Smith addresses MSNBC’s "Morning Joe," specifically host Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough. He praises their work but demands accountability regarding their prior criticisms of Trump. Smith voices disappointment that after endorsing narratives labeling Trump as racist and comparing his actions to Nazis, the hosts proceeded to meet with him without any public retraction or clarification: “Could you give us some information? Because I didn't hear that” ([15:10]).

He underscores the importance of owning one's statements and maintaining trust with the audience: “What I try, what I strive to avoid. You gonna know where the hell I stand come hella high water” ([15:30]). Smith calls for transparency and consistency from media figures to rebuild trust and avoid contributing to the erosion of legacy media credibility.

6. Supporting Freedom of Expression in Sports

Timestamp: [15:50]

Wrapping up, Smith praises the NFL players who dared to celebrate in support of Trump, framing it as an exercise of free expression. He emphasizes the need for America to return to a state where individuals can “believe what we want to believe, feel what we want to feel, and do what we want to do within reason without having to worry about being ostracized” ([16:10]). Smith envisions a future where divisive cultural pressures are alleviated, restoring unity and freedom of expression within the country.

Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith navigates the complex interplay between sports, politics, and cultural dynamics. He critiques institutional reactions to individual expressions of political support, underscores the significance of respecting electoral outcomes, and calls for greater accountability and transparency within both political campaigns and media organizations. Through his passionate discourse, Smith advocates for a more unified and open American society where free expression is honored and respected across all arenas.

Transcript

Greg Rosenthal (0:00)

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report what's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stephen A. Smith (1:03)

I wanted to get to a few political headlines because it involves the intertwining of politics and sports. And I thought it was important to bring this up because to be quite honest with you, I'm pretty pissed off. So I want to discuss it. The NFL says they have no issue with players doing the signature dance of President Elect Donald Trump during their on field celebrations. Players like Nick Bosa from the Niners, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Titans receiver Calvin Ridley are just a few of the players that have mocked the President Elect's signature moves. Now, ladies and gentlemen, in case you haven't seen Donald Trump's signature move, even though he's the one doing it right there, right now at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden this past weekend, one of, if not the greatest MMA fighter in history. Jon Bones Jones did it after defeating Stipe Miocic in the third round there with Trump sitting ringside. You saw it right there. Let me tell you something. Here's why I'm pissed off that the NFL had to even issue a statement about it. Because celebrations usually don't warrant that it doesn't require a response from the league. So why was it necessary this time? You know why? Because we got a bunch of people still living with their heads in the cloud acting like they get to protest every little damn thing. This is America. Donald Trump won the election rather convincingly, I might add. Now, I didn't vote for him and I've been on the record stating that I'm not backing up from that. I didn't vote for him because I don't think he's presidential. I don't think his behavior rather is presidential. I think the presidency is a statesmanship position. I think it's important to galvanize folks and to bring them together as opposed to contributing to divisiveness. But he won. And I have no problem accepting the fact that he won fair and square, in romp like fashion, I might add. And he's worthy of being the President of the United States. According to the voters. They have spoken. They spoke emphatically. Not just in red states, but in blue states as well, in battleground states as well. In he won. There's no debate. There's no controversy. There's no anything. He won convincingly. So to me, that says that the American people have made their choice. I got news for you. Football players are usually American people. So are basketball players. So are UFC fighters. They got a right to support who the hell they want without the league needing to send in a response. I didn't see a response from the ufc. From the ufc. You know why? Because Dana Wall, Dana White wouldn't entertain it. Dana White would not entertain that. Because he don't play that nonsense. He's going to support who he's going to support. He's not going to apologize for it, as most American citizens should feel free to do. And why am I ticked off? Because it was emblematic of the climate that we've been living in for years now, which is why I believe Donald Trump was really elected. Yeah, it was inflation, that was an issue. The economy, that was an issue. The border, that was an issue. But woke culture. Cancel culture. Oh, hell yes. That played a role where you got people walking around wondering whether or not they're echoing the right pronoun, wondering whether or not that was going to cost them their job or being PC. Because God forbid, your opinion is different than the average folk walking around in America. Lord knows what would happen to you. That's what America regressed to. And because of that, I believe, is a big reason why Donald Trump on January 20, will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America. I'll continue with that opinion in just a second, but I wanted to move on to this right here because did y'all see this report that Vice President Kamala Harris paid Oprah Winfrey's production company nearly two and a half million dollars for her support during the campaign? Initial reports said the Harris campaign shelled out $1 million. However, two sources told the New York Times that Winfrey's production company was actually paid closer to the $2.5 million. That number pales in comparison to the estimated $1.5 billion that Harris and the Democrats spent in their failed campaign to win the White House. Why would that piss me off? Why does Oprah Winfrey, we talk about. What the hell is your production company doing getting anything from the Harris campaign? This is the same Oprah Winfrey that has donated to Cory Booker's campaign in the past. Remember Senator Carol Mosley Braun? Oprah Winfrey donated to her campaign when she was running for the US Senate. Remember when Barack Obama won the presidency in 2008? They said at the time, reportedly, that Oprah Winfrey's impact equated to more than 1 million votes in his favor over Hillary Rodham Clinton in a Democratic primary. So here you are, donating to Democrats all over the place, which, by the way, Oprah Winfrey has done for decades. You given money. You given money. Think about this. Remember Stacey Abrams in Georgia? According to reports, Oprah Winfrey gave her over $10 million. I've got the news right in front of me. The donations highlighting the things that she has done for candidates she has supported. What's the theme here, ladies and gentlemen? Oprah is usually doling out money, but now your production company is getting a piece which is pennies to Oprah Winfrey, and she issues the statement talking about it wasn't to her, it was to her production team. And by the way, they had to be paid. End of story. That is not the end of the story. That is not the end of the story. The fact of the matter is your production company took. When you have a history spanning decades of giving, not taking, is it possible that you were taken because you had to be sold on supporting Kamala Harris? That the level of fervor that you have for all of those other candidates that you contributed to in the past far eclipsed the level of support that you really, really felt towards her. Why would I bring that up? Play that sound for me again with what Oprah Winfrey said the day before the election on the campaign trail for Kamala Harris. Could you play that sound for me again, please, to refresh everybody's memory? Play it again. If we don't show up tomorrow, it is entirely possible that we will not have the opportunity to ever cast a ballot again. And let me be very clear. If you do not make sure that the people in your life can get to the polls, that is a mistake. Deciding not to decide that is most definitely a vote to let other people control your future. See that? Did you see it? Yes. She was trying to get people to go out to the polls, but we know who she wanted us to go to the polls to support. That was a scare tactic. Let's call it what it is. It was a scare tactic. We're suddenly going to be deprived of our right to vote if Donald Trump gets into office instead of this candidate, no problem. Sounds like a very fervent, passionate argument in favor of. Of Kamala Harris. Then what the hell you need two and a half million dollars for, for your production company when you worth billions? Take your time. I wait. You see, bullshit is bullshit. I'm not in any way questioning the contributions that Oprah Winfrey has made to the black community, to black people, to our society as a whole. She is the epitome of the American dream. She is marvelous. The problem was she tried to convince us somebody else was marvelous without taking into consideration how her actions would look once we got a hold of this information. Which now brings into question how marvelous did you really think Kamala Harris was? That's why people have a problem trusting not just politicians, but celebrities who come out in the open to support them. Had you, your Oprah, you're worth billions. It's a horrible look for you to take a penny for you or your production company if you really supported her. And oh, by the way, speaking of things that don't look good, did you really think I was going to forget about Morning Joe on msnbc? Now, ladies and gentlemen, let me preface my comments by saying I respect the hell out of Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. They've done a phenomenal job. I'm not here to cast any aspersions, but I am here in the interest of fairness. Because if we're going to move forward, we have to be fair. I did not vote for Donald Trump. I am going to be fair to the 47th President of the United States. I'm simply saying I'm not going to be hypocritical. Morning Joe, do you remember some of the things they entertained about Donald Trump? Racist. Along with other incendiary things. When people were bringing up Donald Trump's name and mentioning Nazis and stuff like that, there was nothing said on that program to quell that momentum. They were all in. Donald Trump wins the election. And then they come on TV and they tell us that they've met with him at Mar a Lago. I appreciate that, but could you tell us whether or not you told him to his face that you thought he was a racist or that you apologized for calling him that, that you thought his name should be associated with Nazis or anything like that, or that you retracted those statements to his face. Could you give us some information? Because I didn't hear that. All we heard is that you're mad. That ain't good enough. Why? Because of what you said on the airwaves. See, here's what Stephen A. Is about. If I say it publicly, I'm going to own it. If there's a retraction that needs to be given, I'm going to own that, too, because that helps trust. And that's what we're lacking in today's day, which is why you have people looking at, quote, unquote, legacy media. That's what they're talking about these days, and they're saying, yo, legacy media is dead. It's not because folks are stupid. It's not because journalists are incompetent. It's not because pundits and commentators and journalists and editors and producers and all of this other stuff don't know what the hell they're doing. It's because we do. But we leave wiggle room for our intense to be questioned. And that is what I try, what I strive to avoid. You gonna know where the hell I stand come hella high water. And if I'm wrong, I'm a man up and own it. If I was wrong in a public platform, I'm gonna say I was wrong in a public platform. If I was bold enough to say it to you publicly or about you publicly, I'm gonna own it in private and in public. That's all I'm asking for. Morning Joe. Mika Brzezinski. Morning Joe. That's all I'm asking for, Oprah. That's all I'm asking for. By the way, I could get into where the hell was Stacey Abrams, who ran for the gubernatorial race in Georgia years ago, lost, and we really haven't heard from her since? Because she made. She helped Biden get elected in 2020 and for some strange reason, dipped from the spotlight. Don't think I didn't notice that either. And I'm not blaming her. I'm blaming the Democratic Party. What the hell happened with her? Nobody took care of her. Nobody looked out for her. These are legitimate questions, but I'll save that for another day. Just wanted y'all to know where I stand and to piggyback off of what sparked this conversation to applaud those NFL players who felt free enough and were bold enough to do their Trump dance. It ain't about Trump, it's about them reminding everybody this is America and we should be allowed to believe what we want to believe, feel what we want to feel, and do what we want to do within reason without having to worry about being ostracized, demonized, and ultimately excoriated to the point where we got to go into hiding. Those days need to be over, and when it is, we'll know that we're gearing back towards America being what it used to be and what it should, should be.