During a recent episode of “The Culture Table,” podcast host Stephen A. Smith revealed that former President Barack Obama placed a private call to him before the 2024 election. Smith said Obama wanted to discuss his impact on the race but chose not to appear on Smith’s program.
Smith, who recently received a “thumbs-down” award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) at an Atlanta gala, explained that the conversation will remain confidential out of respect for the trust placed in him. He added that the call came after he publicly suggested that President Joe Biden was “clearly done” and that a new president was needed.
In the same interview, Smith named several other high‑profile Democrats who also declined his invitation, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D‑TX), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑NY). He suggested that these figures fear his ability to influence voters.
Smith noted that Harris had reached out to meet with him for two hours, but she never appeared on his show before the election. He characterized the pattern as “smaller resistance” from Democratic leaders who prefer to avoid his platform.
The former president’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Harris’ office also declined to comment.
Context and reactions
Smith defended his right to speak freely about the NABJ award, calling it a “personal hit job” and accusing the organization of failing to engage in genuine journalism. He said he had attempted to discuss the matter with NABJ President Errin Haines, but the conversation never materialized.
Fox News media analyst Joe Concha compared the reluctance of Democratic figures to appear on Smith’s show with the willingness of President Donald Trump to engage with non‑traditional media outlets, such as podcasts hosted by Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and others. Concha argued that Trump’s openness to these platforms helped him reach younger and less‑propensity voters, while Democratic leaders remain risk‑averse.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions between mainstream media personalities and political figures, especially as the 2024 election approaches.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
