Podcast host Stephen A. Smith has expressed frustration, stating that several well-known Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have declined his invitations to join his show.
During his recent show on Friday, he mentioned the criticism he faced from friends after voicing his views on Democratic politicians like Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Smith maintains that he reached out to numerous Democrats, including Crockett, Ocasio-Cortez, Newsom, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, but hasn’t received any responses.
He articulated his disappointment, saying, “Jasmine Crockett has been on this broadcast and has been invited to be on the show for four months. AOC has been invited to be on this show for four months. Gavin Newsom has been invited to be on this show for longer than that.” Smith also acknowledged Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat who has been on his show before, stating, “I respect him. Chuck Schumer has been invited to be on this show. He won’t show up. Where are they?”
He continued, noting, “Every single Republican that I asked to be on this show said yes or would come. Not the Democrats. Why?”
As for Democratic responses, only Jeffries has accepted an invitation recently, participating in an interview with Smith last October. Smith also met with other Democratic figures like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month.
On the Republican side, Smith had recently interviewed members like Ohio Representative Jim Jordan and House Speaker Mike Johnson. This month, he also met Texas Congressman Chip Roy.
Additionally, last month, Smith voiced criticism of Crockett for what he deemed as performative politics, which sparked backlash from other media personalities. He later issued a public apology to Crockett for his comments.
