Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
On this episode of Straight Shooter, Stephen A. Smith addresses the current toxic state of American politics, starting with a direct response to highly offensive comments made by Laura Loomer about Black female politicians. Stephen A. defends figures like Ketanji Brown Jackson, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley, and questions Donald Trump on why he keeps advisors who use this kind of divisive rhetoric.
Stephen A. also breaks down a recent Karl Rove op-ed in the Wall Street Journal highlighting Trump's plunging approval ratings, explains how this vitriol alienates crucial Independent and Black voters, and calls for a return to actual policy debates. Finally, Stephen A. shifts his focus to Texas, putting Attorney General Ken Paxton on blast for flat-out refusing to debate his opponent, James Talarico, for an open U.S. Senate seat.
If you want leaders to focus on the real issues - like inflation, the national debt, and healthcare - instead of name-calling, this is an episode you need to hear.
Chapters:
0:00 - Stephen A. on Laura Loomer & the State of Politics
1:16 - Audio: Laura Loomer’s Insulting Comments
3:18 - "How dare you?": Stephen A. Defends Black Female Leaders
6:22 - A Direct Message to Donald Trump
10:27 - Karl Rove, WSJ, & Trump’s Alarming Poll Numbers
14:46 - Why This Rhetoric Pushes Away Independent & Black Voters
17:51 - Other News: Police Surveillance Cameras & An Ohio Tragedy
18:46 - Texas Politics: Ken Paxton is Hiding from Debates
20:12 - Playing the James Talarico Campaign Ad
21:46 - Final Thoughts: Focus on the Real Issues!
sxm.app.link/YouTubeSAS
Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith
Instagram: instagram.com/stephenasmith
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stephenasmith
Facebook: facebook.com/stephena
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194
On this episode of Straight Shooter, Stephen A. Smith addresses the current toxic state of American politics, starting with a direct response to highly offensive comments made by Laura Loomer about Black female politicians. Stephen A. defends figures like Ketanji Brown Jackson, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley, and questions Donald Trump on why he keeps advisors who use this kind of divisive rhetoric.
Stephen A. also breaks down a recent Karl Rove op-ed in the Wall Street Journal highlighting Trump's plunging approval ratings, explains how this vitriol alienates crucial Independent and Black voters, and calls for a return to actual policy debates. Finally, Stephen A. shifts his focus to Texas, putting Attorney General Ken Paxton on blast for flat-out refusing to debate his opponent, James Talarico, for an open U.S. Senate seat.
If you want leaders to focus on the real issues - like inflation, the national debt, and healthcare - instead of name-calling, this is an episode you need to hear.
Chapters:
0:00 - Stephen A. on Laura Loomer & the State of Politics
1:16 - Audio: Laura Loomer’s Insulting Comments
3:18 - "How dare you?": Stephen A. Defends Black Female Leaders
6:22 - A Direct Message to Donald Trump
10:27 - Karl Rove, WSJ, & Trump’s Alarming Poll Numbers
14:46 - Why This Rhetoric Pushes Away Independent & Black Voters
17:51 - Other News: Police Surveillance Cameras & An Ohio Tragedy
18:46 - Texas Politics: Ken Paxton is Hiding from Debates
20:12 - Playing the James Talarico Campaign Ad
21:46 - Final Thoughts: Focus on the Real Issues!
sxm.app.link/YouTubeSAS
Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith
Instagram: instagram.com/stephenasmith
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stephenasmith
Facebook: facebook.com/stephena
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194
