Stephen A. Smith, the prominent sports media personality, revealed that former President Barack Obama called him privately before the 2024 election to discuss Smith's influence. Smith stated on "The Culture Table" podcast that while Obama wanted to speak about his impact, he declined to appear on Smith's podcast publicly.
"What I never told y'all, and I never brought up, is that Barack Obama called me too," Smith said on the podcast. "The content of that conversation will remain private because I will not violate trust."
Smith made these remarks while defending himself against a "thumbs-down" award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). He suggested that public figures often engage in private conversations with him but avoid public appearances on his platform.
"It was after I said that we need a new president because Joe Biden clearly was done. You know, he clearly looked done," Smith explained. "So the point is, folks like to talk to me privately, but then when I ask them to come on camera and to have a fruitful discussion, now they go elsewhere."
Smith also claimed that other high-profile Democrats, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also reached out to him privately. He mentioned a two-hour meeting with Harris, though he noted she did not appear on his show before the election.
"I think the Democrats fear my footsteps," Smith stated. "I think they know that they have a legitimate fear that I can influence the election potentially."
In response to the NABJ award, Smith characterized it as a "personal hit job." He questioned why the NABJ president did not contact him directly regarding their criticisms. The NABJ previously issued a statement indicating their concerns extend beyond any single individual and address broader issues within the journalism industry, such as editorial independence, diversity in newsrooms, and the treatment of Black journalists.