Stephen A. Smith: Mamdani's Inauguration, Minnesota Fraud + Iran Protests RAGE | PBD Podcast | 711
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Stephen A. Smith would 'definitely consider' running for president in 2028 if he had a legitimate chance to win, motivated by a belief that politicians have 'sold us out' by prioritizing culture wars over affordability and safety.
- ❖He believes he could beat most listed Democratic candidates, including Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, but respects Wes Moore and Josh Shapiro.
- ❖Chamath Palihapitiya tweeted that $500 billion in net worth left California on December 31st due to a proposed 'asset seizure tax,' indicating a significant wealth exodus driven by policy fears.
- ❖Stephen A. Smith experienced California's state, city, and county taxes, finding them more painful than New York's, and was advised by estate planners to leave the state on weekends to avoid further taxation.
- ❖Michelle Obama compared ESPN to 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta,' a comment Stephen A. Smith found inaccurate but used to address her past implication that men wouldn't vote for Kamala Harris because she's a woman.
- ❖A recent report indicates that automated traffic (bots) has surpassed human activity online, with bad bots making up 37% of all internet traffic, leading to widespread manipulation of public opinion.
- ❖The Minnesota Somali daycare fraud scandal, involving millions in fraudulent funds, is seen by some as a critical test for the American justice system, with a lack of arrests potentially signaling the 'beginning of the end of the American Empire.'
- ❖New York City's new mayor, Mamdani, swore in on the Quran and declared a shift from 'rugged individualism' to 'compassionate collectivism,' a move seen by critics as a dangerous embrace of socialist and Islamist ideologies in the heart of capitalism.
- ❖The economic situation in Iran is dire, with average workers earning less than $140/month and banks preparing for a 'meltdown,' fueling widespread protests and a potential organic regime change.
- ❖NFL player DK Metcalf received a two-game suspension for an altercation with a fan, despite having filed a complaint against the same fan a year prior, sparking debate on player accountability versus league inaction.
- ❖Stephen A. Smith criticizes Mike Tomlin's coaching record, noting the Steelers haven't won a playoff game in 10 years and have been outscored 73-0 in the first quarter of their last six playoff losses, suggesting it might be time for a change despite Tomlin's overall success.
Bottom Line
The Democratic Party is currently 'devoid' of a nationally resonant centrist figure who prioritizes economy, affordability, and safety, creating a 'massive opportunity' for an outsider candidate in 2028.
This political vacuum suggests that a candidate who can bridge the gap between progressive and moderate viewpoints, focusing on practical issues rather than culture wars, could gain significant traction and potentially win the presidency.
Individuals or movements aiming to influence the 2028 election should focus on identifying and supporting centrist candidates who can articulate a clear vision for economic stability and public safety, appealing to a broad base of disillusioned voters.
The pervasive presence of online bots (over 51% of web traffic) fundamentally alters public perception and political discourse, making it difficult for average citizens to discern genuine sentiment from manipulated narratives.
This digital manipulation can lead to societal division, 'brainwashing,' and a distorted understanding of public opinion, impacting everything from political elections to social movements.
Developing and promoting tools or educational initiatives that help individuals identify and critically evaluate online information, distinguishing between human and bot-generated content, is crucial for fostering informed public discourse and resisting manipulation.
The Minnesota Somali daycare fraud scandal, if left unaddressed with accountability, could severely erode public trust in the justice system, signaling a broader decline in American governance.
A failure to prosecute high-profile fraud cases reinforces the perception of a 'two-level justice system' and government inaction, leading to widespread cynicism and potentially civil unrest.
Advocacy for transparent investigations and robust prosecution of financial crimes, regardless of political affiliation or community, is essential for restoring public faith in institutions and upholding the rule of law.
Lessons
- Critically evaluate online information and social media trends, recognizing that over half of internet traffic is non-human and designed to manipulate narratives.
- Research and understand the tax policies of different states, as these can significantly impact personal and business wealth, influencing decisions on residency and investment.
- Engage with political discourse by focusing on candidates' stances on core issues like affordability, safety, and economic stability, rather than being swayed by identity politics or 'free stuff' promises.
Notable Moments
Stephen A. Smith states he would 'definitely consider' running for president in 2028, outlining his motivation to challenge politicians on national division and misplaced priorities.
This reveals a prominent media personality's serious political aspirations and his critical view of the current political establishment, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with traditional politicians.
Discussion on Chamath Palihapitiya's tweet about $500 billion in wealth leaving California due to a proposed 'asset seizure tax.'
This highlights the immediate and significant economic impact of proposed tax policies on wealth migration and state budgets, serving as a real-world case study for other states considering similar measures.
The host presents data showing over 51% of all web traffic is non-human (bots), leading to a discussion on online manipulation and 'brainwashing.'
This statistic underscores a critical threat to informed public discourse and democratic processes, as artificial entities increasingly shape opinions and create division online.
The panel discusses the Minnesota Somali daycare fraud scandal, with guests emphasizing the need for accountability to maintain trust in the justice system.
This case exemplifies concerns about government fraud and perceived unequal application of justice, which can erode public faith in institutions and fuel political polarization.
Stephen A. Smith shares a personal story about a potential firing from ESPN in 2005 due to an emotional outburst towards fans, and how his boss's compassion taught him a valuable lesson in professional conduct.
This anecdote illustrates the personal and professional responsibilities that come with public platforms, highlighting the importance of self-control and the impact of leadership in managing high-pressure situations.
Quotes
"I think our politicians have sold us out. I think that they've really, really done tremendous damage to this country. And more so than actually being in office, the reason why I don't poo-poo it definitively is because I cannot tell you how badly I would love to be on a debate stage against these politicians."
"People I know with a collective net worth of $500 billion dollar scrambled and left California for good yesterday. Folks, a half a trillion dollar left on December 31st. These are friends of his. He knows these people. He's invested in a lot of these companies. They took no risk because of the proposed asset seizure tax introduced as a billionaire tax."
"Automated traffic has surpassed human traffic. Fake accounts officially are more than human beings. So you and I can be looking at something you're like, 'Oh my god, why does half the country feel this way?' It's a freaking bot. And we fall for it."
"We will replace the fragility of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism."
"I'm not speaking. There is rare in a moment where I believe I'm speaking for all men. This is the closest I've ever been to speaking for all men. I can't think of any man who would want that as his woman, who would want to touch that woman or who, God forbid, would want their daughter, sister, mama, aunts, cousins. No."
"The standard is the standard. And as long as we're making sure that as a nation we're equally distributing that level of punishment, then we're good."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
A major shift is happening right now
"Donald Trump is losing his grip on the Republican party and movement, evidenced by internal dissent and a broader political landscape grappling with a collapse of accountability and truth."
PBS News Hour full episode, March 24, 2026
"A multi-front global conflict, domestic policy battles, and environmental crises are reshaping geopolitics, urban landscapes, and economic stability, demanding urgent reevaluation of policy and infrastructure."
🚨 OMFG!! TRUMP F*CKING SNAPPED!! 🚨
"The host argues that Trump's aggressive military actions against Iran are a necessary pre-emptive strike against a long-standing terrorist threat, while simultaneously exposing a domestic terror threat in NYC linked to legal immigration and a 'globalist left' agenda."
Trump's Trade War Derailed By SCOTUS w/ Mark Joseph Stern | MR Live
"The Supreme Court significantly curtailed former President Trump's sweeping tariff authority, ruling his use of an emergency statute for broad taxation was unlawful, yet the financial benefits of these illegal tariffs are unlikely to reach the public."