Stephen A. Smith Challenges Dave Rubin on Trump Policies, Conservatives the Future of MAGA

Dave Rubin, who is gay, asserts that the progressive left has 'no use' for him because he does not consider his sexuality an 'oppression' and refuses to be a Democrat. He claims the 'bulk of the hate' he receives related to his sexuality comes from the left, which demands that he conform to their political ideology, framing gay identity within a victimhood narrative.

Rubin states, 'Because I don't view my sexuality as an oppression, the left has really no use for me... The bulk of the hate that I get related to my sexuality is from the left because they demand that I be a Democrat.' He contrasts this with Donald Trump being the first incoming president for marriage equality, even before Obama.

Rubin explains his political shift by stating that his defense of classical liberal principles—individual rights, small government, logic, and reason—has ironically become a conservative stance in today's political climate. He argues that modern liberalism has been co-opted by 'progressivism' or 'wokeism,' which prioritizes immutable characteristics and identity hierarchies.

Rubin says, 'Defending my liberal beliefs has become a conservative position. And that's why generally, people think of me as a conservative because I hang out with all of these conservatives and Republicans... and generally agree with them on some things.' He cites his support for pro-choice and marriage equality as examples of his classical liberal views.

Rubin argues that progressive ideology, when implemented in 'blue cities' and states, leads to decline. He points to San Francisco and Los Angeles's homelessness and drug crises, and New York's high taxes causing an exodus of residents and businesses, contrasting this with Florida's booming economy and quality of life under conservative governance.

Rubin states, 'Everything Newsom touches turns to crap except his bank account.' He describes San Francisco as an 'absolute nightmare' and Los Angeles with 'people smoking crack and cooking drugs... in broad daylight at 8:00 a.m.' He contrasts this with Florida being 'number one in education,' having a booming economy, and being safe and clean.

Rubin defends Donald Trump's controversial rhetoric, framing it as a deliberate 'negotiating tactic' and part of his 'showmanship' as a former reality TV star. He suggests that this approach keeps ideological enemies 'unsure of their footing' and is not to be taken literally, hoping the Republican party can return to more 'statesmanlike' figures post-Trump.

Rubin states, 'Donald Trump in terms of the decorum thing... do I love it? No. But do I accept... that it is part of what he does, it's part of his negotiating tactic, it's part of how he keeps his kind of, you know, ideological enemies a little bit unsure of their footing... I just accept it is what it is.'

Stephen A. Smith expresses strong disapproval of Florida's slavery curriculum, which suggested some slaves learned trades that were positive, viewing it as insensitive and an attempt to whitewash history. Rubin defends the curriculum's intent, arguing that acknowledging positive outcomes (like learning a trade) does not excuse the horror of slavery, drawing a parallel to Holocaust survivors finding success.

Stephen A. Smith states, 'I don't give a damn what traits you learn or whatever. It's it's so it was so iniquitous, so insidious. The you know, the issue of slavery. Why even touch that?' Rubin responds, 'Is it possible that some slaves learned trades that ultimately were positive? I think the answer to that is yes and and I don't think that makes slavery good.'

Stephen A. Smith relays a sentiment from a black liberal that the GOP cannot get black votes because their agenda appeals primarily to white voters and has 'cast black folks aside' since 1964. Rubin counters by asking what the Democratic party has achieved for the black community despite decades of overwhelming support, suggesting that consistent voting for one party without results is counterproductive.

Stephen A. Smith quotes, 'GOP can't get black votes unless they appeal to black voters. They will never do that because their entire agenda is to appeal to white voters.' Rubin responds, 'If you look at the last, let's say, four or five decades, what did the Democrats do for the black community? The black community basically has voted around 90 plus percent for the Democrats. And show me the fruits of that.'