Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith was frustrated to learn that his teenage daughter supports New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. On a Thursday episode of Trevor Noah’s “What Now?” podcast, Smith joked that he had a way to change her mind.
Noah had asked Smith to make the case for America’s free-market system. Smith said he opposed socialism partly because he gives up roughly half his income to taxes while feeling the government doesn’t work well. Then he brought up his daughter’s support for Mamdani.
“My daughter loves Mamdani. And I know exactly why: ’cause she ain’t pay a damn bill yet,” Smith said, prompting Noah and co-host Eugene Khoza to laugh.
Smith said his daughter, Nyla, was about to turn 18 and would soon get a job. He wants her to work in New York, he explained, so she can see how much of a paycheck disappears before it reaches her.
“I want to see what you say then,” he said. “Yeah, Nyla, I’m talking about you. I can’t wait because I ain’t having it!”
The exchange was playful, but Smith and Noah also argued about socialism and capitalism. Noah suggested that some of America’s most significant contributions to the world had socialist qualities. Smith defended the free market and criticized socialists who, he said, talk about helping communities without delivering for the people they represent.
Smith also voiced deep distrust of politicians, saying he sees them as one reason to oppose socialism. He said he didn’t believe any of them.
He added that he had abandoned the idea of running for president in 2028. Smith said he believes he could win, but was told he would have to leave his broadcasting job as soon as he announced a campaign because of FCC rules—and give up his paycheck.
