Stephen A. Smith Enters Politics: “I’ll Spare No One — Not Biden, Not Trump”

NEW YORK CITY —
In a move that’s already shaking up the talk-show landscape, sports media icon Stephen A. Smith has officially entered the political arena. The outspoken ESPN personality — known for his electric presence on First Take — announced the launch of his new SiriusXM program, Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith, set to debut on September 17, 2025.

“I will spare no one,” Smith declared in a recent interview. “Democrat or Republican — if you’re wrong, you’re wrong.”

With those words, the veteran broadcaster made it clear that this isn’t just another celebrity podcast — it’s a bold leap into America’s most volatile arena: politics.

From Courtside to Capitol Hill

For over two decades, Stephen A. Smith has dominated sports media. His signature cadence, quick wit, and unapologetic opinions have made him one of the most recognizable voices in television. But Smith’s ambitions have always gone beyond the sidelines.

His new SiriusXM show aims to bridge the worlds of sports, culture, and politics, offering what he calls “barbershop honesty” in a media landscape often filtered by partisanship. The weekly program will air on the POTUS channel, traditionally known for political discourse and news commentary.

Smith said the show will feature guests “from every side of the aisle” — including politicians, athletes, and cultural figures — and that he intends to foster real conversations rather than rehearsed talking points.

“If I can challenge LeBron James, I can challenge Congress,” Smith quipped.

A Voice for the Disconnected

Smith’s move into politics arrives at a time when public trust in traditional media is at a low point. Many Americans — especially younger voters and working-class audiences — feel alienated from political commentary that seems detached from everyday life.

Analysts say Smith could change that dynamic. His crossover appeal, authenticity, and cultural fluency give him a rare platform to reach Americans who don’t usually engage with political content.

Media scholar Dr. Lydia Chen of Columbia University observed,

“Stephen A. Smith’s influence transcends sports. He speaks to audiences who feel politics doesn’t represent them — and that’s where his power lies.”

Indeed, Smith has long blurred the line between sports and social commentary. Whether defending Colin Kaepernick’s right to protest or calling out athletes for poor accountability, he’s demonstrated a willingness to tackle complex moral and political issues head-on.

The Political World Reacts

The announcement of Straight Shooter immediately drew responses from both political camps — some enthusiastic, others skeptical.

Republican Reaction: “We Welcome Honest Debate”

A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee (RNC) offered a measured welcome, saying the party “encourages open dialogue from all corners of the media.”

Conservative commentator Matt Schlapp echoed that sentiment on social media:

“Stephen A. Smith entering politics? Good. We need more voices outside the D.C. bubble — as long as he’s fair, I’m listening.”

However, not all on the right were as optimistic. Some critics pointed to Smith’s past criticisms of former President Donald Trump and his outspoken support for athletes who engaged in social activism. They questioned whether his promise of neutrality would hold once the debates heated up.

Still, many conservatives acknowledge Smith’s influence — and see potential in his commitment to engaging audiences who rarely tune in to traditional political shows.

Democratic Response: “A Fresh Voice for Accountability”

The Democratic Party response, in contrast, leaned heavily positive. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared a clip from Smith’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it simply:

“Accountability with style. Let’s go.”

Several liberal commentators praised Smith for emphasizing principles over party. Political strategist Angela Rye noted that his entry into the field could “humanize political discourse” and encourage voters to think critically about integrity rather than ideology.

“Stephen A. doesn’t need to play for a team,” Rye said. “He’s already got an audience that listens because they trust his consistency.”

A New Kind of Political Talk

According to SiriusXM, Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith will combine unscripted interviews, audience interaction, and real-time commentary — with Smith leading every segment himself.

Early reports suggest that potential guests for the first season include Senator Cory Booker, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and journalist Megyn Kelly — a lineup that reflects Smith’s intention to host people from across the political spectrum.

Producers describe the show’s tone as “authentic, spontaneous, and courageous.” Unlike most political programs that rely on heavy scripting or partisan panels, Smith’s format encourages debate in a conversational style — more locker room than lecture hall.

Not Without Risk

But this leap comes with undeniable risks. Political commentary has become one of the most polarized spaces in American media. Crossing from sports into politics could alienate part of Smith’s fanbase, particularly those who prefer him as an entertainer rather than an advocate.

Veteran media consultant Brian Stelter remarked,

“The same charisma that made Stephen A. a star could make him a lightning rod. When you step into politics, every sentence is a headline — and every headline divides someone.”

Nevertheless, Smith appears undeterred. He has emphasized that he’s motivated not by politics itself, but by a sense of civic responsibility.

“I love my country,” Smith said. “I’m tired of people being afraid to say what they really think. If I can get one person to listen differently, I’ve done my job.”

Why It Matters

In an era dominated by algorithms, political tribalism, and media distrust, Stephen A. Smith’s move represents a rare bridge between entertainment and civic dialogue. His style — fast, fiery, and passionate — may be exactly what political conversations need to re-engage the disillusioned and apolitical.

And while critics may question his depth on policy, few can deny his influence. Smith commands millions of followers across social media, his podcast consistently tops streaming charts, and his TV presence remains magnetic.

That combination of cultural capital and communication skill could make Straight Shooter one of the most-watched political debuts in years.

A Sign of the Times

As traditional journalists struggle to maintain relevance and younger audiences seek authenticity over authority, figures like Stephen A. Smith might represent the future of political commentary.

His move reflects a growing trend: entertainers entering the civic conversation not to preach, but to provoke — not to divide, but to demand honesty.

“People don’t need another pundit,” Smith said in a recent SiriusXM teaser. “They need someone who’ll say what everyone else is thinking — without checking who’s watching.”

Final Thoughts

Whether Straight Shooter succeeds or fails, Stephen A. Smith has already changed the conversation. His entry into the political sphere isn’t just another celebrity experiment; it’s a reminder that passion, integrity, and truth-telling still have a place in public life.

In the end, Smith’s promise sums it up best:

“I’ll spare no one — not Biden, not Trump, not anyone hiding behind politics.”

For now, America’s most outspoken sports analyst has a new field to play on — and this time, the stakes are higher than ever.