Stephen A. Smith Dunks On Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Chances, Jabs Governor For Avoiding His Show: ‘Still Waiting’

Stephen A. Smith dunked on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) chances at a successful 2028 campaign while also jabbing the governor for avoiding his podcast.

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith dismissed Newsom winning in 2028 for Democrats as unlikely because of issues in California like the cost of living, homelessness, and crime.

Newsom’s name has been thrown around in discussions about 2028 as he’s launched a new podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, where the governor has spoken to right-wing figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk and been willing to criticize his own party. He’s even distanced himself from some in his party on issues like transgender athletes and the term “Latinx” — which he has previously used.

Smith himself has discussed his own name being thrown into some polls as a possible Democratic Party contender for 2028. The sports commentator has argued his name has only been mentioned because the party lacks leaders. He made it clear on his podcast that he doesn’t see Newsom filling that gap.

Smith’s criticism followed Newsom calling the Democratic Party’s brand “toxic” during a recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher.

Smith said:

There is no doubt, respectfully, Mr. Governor of California, that your record won’t hold the muster. That’s why you got a podcast. We keep inviting you on this show — still waiting, still waiting. Because here’s the reality, sir. With the homelessness, with the crime, with the cost of living in California, I can’t imagine Gavin Newsom winning a presidential election with what is going on in the state of California. Period.

Smith then knocked Newsom over the Palisades fires this year, specifically the governor pointing to “local folks” when being asked about dry fire hydrants.

Smith also argued that many Californians don’t trust Newsom:

Even though it may not have been your mistake — because natural disasters happen — the first words out of your mouth can’t be, “It’s a local problem, not a state problem,” when you’re confronted by it. And then you show up on Real Time with Bill Maher months later, and you’re saying, “Hey, we got to own up to our mistakes.” Californians don’t believe you. I’m not one of them. I’m not a Californian, I’m not talking about myself. But I know plenty of Californians that do not believe you at all!

Watch above via The Stephen A. Smith Show.