The Stephen A. Smith Show – THE UPCOMING STATE OF THE UNION; DEAN WITHERS; WES MOORE
Date: February 19, 2026
Overview
In this episode of Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith™, Stephen goes "beyond the world of sports," diving into American politics and social issues in the lead-up to the 2026 State of the Union. He critiques both parties’ dysfunction, interviews Gen Z political influencer Dean Withers and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and takes calls from listeners about party divisions, political strategy, and notable recent political events. Stephen A. brings his trademark straight-talk—often impassioned, sometimes fiery, always candid.
Key Discussions & Insights
1. The State of the Union & Partisan Dysfunction
[02:00–22:00]
- Stephen discusses the looming State of the Union address and rumors of a possible Democratic "walkout" or boycott.
- He condemns both the potential Democratic protest and the pettiness of current politics.
- Quote:
“At some point, ladies and gentlemen, there’s got to be an adult in the room. If you're going to act as juvenile, as petulant, as petty as you accuse the President of the United States to be, how are you ever going to hold a high moral ground?” —Stephen A. Smith [03:45]
- Critiques of both parties for lack of maturity and decorum.
- Encourages both sides to “get it together” and serve the American people rather than stray into performative politics.
- Refers to polling showing Democratic disunity following Trump’s 2024 victory and Kamala Harris’s loss, and critiques party frontrunners Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom for failing to energize the base.
2. Interview: Dean Withers – Gen Z’s Progressive Voice
[22:26–47:55]
Background [22:26]:
- Dean Withers, 21-year-old political commentator and progressive social media influencer (over 9M followers), joins from Colorado.
Withers’ Political Journey & Motivations
- Grew up in a conservative town; pivoted after watching the events of January 6th (J6), 2021.
- Quote:
“The branch off to liberalism for me really started first on J6 when I watched ... the president, ... caused his followers to go raid our capital ... which kind of in my mind sparked this thought of sparking division across the country.” —Dean Withers [23:45]
- Quote:
On Critiquing Trump & Systems of Abuse
- Claims authoritarian practices from Trump, but insists the problem is compounded by enablers in Congress and the Cabinet.
- Quote:
“Trump is the same man today in 2026 that he was in 2017 ... that capitulation from his cabinet and ... in Congress definitely emboldened those behaviors.” —Dean Withers [27:06]
- Quote:
Weaponization of Justice System—Is There Reciprocity?
- Stephen asks: Did Democrats “bring it on themselves” by pursuing Trump in court?
- Withers rebuts:
- “If wanting to hold a criminal accountable for their crimes is now something the right is outcasting ... I would seriously doubt the speculative basis that those on the right have been screaming and shouting about law and order.” [29:31]
Why Did the Democrats Lose in 2024?
- Withers cites economic dissatisfaction and late campaign transition after Biden stepped down.
- Stephen challenges whether party mismanagement was to blame for not prepping a stronger nominee.
On Political Content Creation & Influence
- Withers explains motivation: combatting lack of critical reasoning and right-wing misinformation among youth.
- Rejects label as "the Democratic Charlie Kirk":
- “I think I'm a lot better at doing what I do than Charlie Kirk was at what he did. ... I want people to be smarter. I don't want people to be sheep.” [35:17]
Willingness to Dissent from His Own Side
- Asserts he regularly critiques Democrats (esp. on Israel, immigration, timing on executive actions).
- Cites role of progressive voices in pushing the party left, changing policies over time.
Immigration Policy
- Calls for pragmatic pathways to citizenship, condemns mass deportations.
- Grades Biden/Harris "C–" on immigration—credits some effort, but faults poor timing and executive inaction.
Advice for Democrats to Reach Young Men
- Democrats need to "invest more in the deconstruction of the beliefs that a lot of young men in America already have, that have them firmly on the right." [43:22]
- Warns about influence of right-wing culture on youth (gym culture, cars, social media).
Who Can Beat the GOP?
-
Withers: It’s too early to say; he’s inspired by AOC and James Talarico but recognizes the party needs to progress past its traditional guard.
- Quote:
“When I listen to AOC talk ... there’s this feeling I haven’t gotten since Obama ... of intellect, of high levels of education, of legitimate care for other people.” —Dean Withers [45:10]
- Quote:
3. Listener Calls & Commentary
[49:15–52:57, 77:35–98:37]
- Listeners reflect on Kamala Harris’s prosecutorial record and the Democratic Party’s credibility.
- Skepticism about voter fraud allegations and party unity.
- Debate over whether young progressives (AOC, Mamdani) can win broader national support.
- Lively exchange over whether Trump's criminal/civil cases matter now that he is President:
- Stephen A.: “If you think that it's beneficial to call the President of the United States a criminal ... I think it's counterproductive because he's in office. ... I hope he far, far more benefits this country than he hurts this country.” [95:00]
- Defense of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and her credentials.
4. Interview: Governor Wes Moore (Maryland)
[52:57–76:29]
On Leadership & Collaboration
- Moore touts hope for the future but stresses need for leaders to “work together” and not get “into the Washington food fight.”
- Quote:
“As long as we don’t give up on each other, we’re going to be just fine.” —Wes Moore [54:04]
- Quote:
Responding to Presidential Criticisms (Sewage Crisis)
- President Trump blamed Moore for D.C. sewage spill; Moore forcefully rejects, calls the claim "absurd and offensive."
- Quote:
“We are talking about the breakage of a DC Pipe on federal land. Maryland has nothing to do with this ... Mr. President, please do your job so I don’t have to do it for you.” —Wes Moore [55:19, 56:48]
- Quote:
On National Economic Policy & Local Impact
- Moore blames Trump’s tariffs for increased costs in agriculture, food, and goods.
- Outlines state measures: anti-price-gouging legislation, focus on protecting working families.
Fiscal Responsibility in Maryland
- Despite a significant revenue shortfall, Moore claims to balance the budget, maintain reserves, and avoid tax increases.
- “In Maryland, you can do more with less ... we did it and have not raised taxes nor fees.” [62:55]
Redistricting & Fairness
- Moore establishes a bipartisan redistricting commission—contrasting Maryland’s process with GOP-led gerrymandering in other states.
- Stresses the importance of an open, democratic process:
- “Let democracy win ... that's my only ask in this moment, is do not let democracy die in the Free State.” [63:53]
Trump's Treatment of “Non-Trump” States
- Moore alleges the administration withholds disaster relief from states that didn’t support Trump.
- Shares personal anecdotes of being denied federal aid even for GOP-leaning counties.
- “He’s not giving any aid ... he’s only being a President to some Americans.” [66:44]
Moore’s Future: No Presidential Run (For Now)
- Moore repeatedly says he’s focused on Maryland, touts progress on crime, jobs, and population growth.
- Teases, with a grin, possible ambition if the presidential field doesn't improve.
On Reverend Jesse Jackson (Tribute)
- Moore credits Jackson with paving the way for black leaders, calling him “a giant” who helped change America’s trajectory.
5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Stephen A. Smith on Democratic “moral high ground”:
- “How you going to hold a high moral ground if you act no better?” [04:15]
- Dean Withers on youth outreach:
- “We need to be talking more about how maybe men are also hurt by toxic masculinity ...” [43:22]
- Wes Moore on the Potomac Dispute:
- “Mr. President, you weren’t there when they actually did need help. We were. You did not do your job. We did your job.” [56:48]
- Stephen A. to a caller on late-night political comedy:
- “These are brilliant ... late-night hosts ... but you got to hit everybody when you’re a comedian. Nobody is supposed to be safe.” [80:30]
- Moore on unity:
- “If you’re a Marylander, you’re good with me ... that’s all I need to know.” [67:31]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & Upcoming State of the Union Commentary: 02:00–22:26
- Interview: Dean Withers: 22:26–47:55
- Listener Calls – Kamala Harris & Dem Disunity: 49:15–52:57
- Interview: Governor Wes Moore: 52:57–76:29
- Listener Calls – AOC, Political Rhetoric & Candidacy Debates: 77:35–98:37
Conclusion
This episode showcases Stephen A. Smith’s unfiltered analysis of the 2026 political landscape, focusing on party dysfunction, generational divides in political communication, and the intersection of local and national leadership. With sharp, pressing questions for both young influencer Dean Withers and established leader Wes Moore—and with a lively stream of listener feedback—Stephen dives into the heart of contemporary American political anxiety, demanding accountability and maturity at every turn.
For listeners:
This comprehensive discussion offers sharp insight into the rifts facing American politics in 2026, with candid views from insiders young and old—and the direct, pointed style only Stephen A. Smith can deliver.