Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Governor Newsom on Podcast
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith expressed his frustration with California Governor Gavin Newsom for not appearing on his show. On a recent podcast, Smith requested that Newsom provide clarity on pressing state issues, such as homelessness, crime, California’s sanctuary policies, and the state’s significant debt.
Smith referred to a recent poll from Real Clear Politics, which showed former Vice President Kamala Harris leading the Democratic presidential nomination with 31 percent, while Newsom lagged behind at 22 percent. He suggested that Harris’s lead was a testament to the Democratic Party’s current struggles, noting that “her name is still there,” which implies a lack of strong challengers.
“Gavin Newsom, 22%. Mr. Governor, we’re still waiting for you to appear,” Smith stated, emphasizing the need for Newsom to address these concerns directly. He added that he wanted the conversation to be engaging rather than confrontational, expressing a desire for a productive dialogue.
Smith also mentioned comments made by former President Barack Obama, who referred to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles as an “atrocity,” especially given the substantial funds allocated to address it over the years.
“I just want answers regarding the homelessness issue that President Obama identified as an embarrassment,” Smith said. He cited various concerns, including crime, defunding the police, and California’s financial situation, questioning where the answers to these pressing matters might be.
Obama, in a recent conversation with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, emphasized the ethical implications of homelessness in a wealthy nation. He underscored the need to view homeless individuals as deserving of dignity and support.
“The public has to realize that a tent city in downtown is not appealing,” he remarked, hinting at the political repercussions of ignoring such issues.
Smith has been vocal in his criticism of Newsom for avoiding his show, particularly with the 2028 presidential election on the horizon. He mentioned that Newsom had received multiple invitations but had not accepted any.
“Why are you running away from me?” Smith challenged. “If you’re aiming for the presidency in 2028, you owe it to the people of California to engage with them.” Despite Newsom’s absence, Smith made it clear that he would continue to discuss the governor’s actions and policies.
In response to Smith’s ongoing requests, a representative for Governor Newsom remarked that the governor has already effectively tackled other political adversaries, implying that his schedule is simply quite full.
