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June 18, 2025 58 mins

Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.

This episode of The Stephen Smith Show features a high-profile, extended interview with conservative commentator Candace Owens. The conversation spans a wide range of political, social, and cultural issues, including:

  • U.S. foreign policy and military involvement in the Middle East
  • Owens’ criticism of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Her views on antisemitism, censorship, and media bias
  • The MAGA movement and her disillusionment with Donald Trump
  • Immigration policy and domestic priorities
  • Her Christian faith and its influence on her political stance
  • Personal experiences with threats and public backlash

Stephen Smith maintains a probing but respectful tone, allowing Owens to elaborate on her controversial views while occasionally pushing back or seeking clarification.


🔹 Analysis Tone & Structure

  • The interview is structured like a long-form podcast, blending political commentary with personal reflection.
  • Owens is assertive, articulate, and unflinching in her views, often invoking religious and moral frameworks.
  • Smith plays the role of a curious, sometimes skeptical host, offering balance without overt confrontation.

Political Positioning

  • Owens positions herself as a truth-teller, unafraid of backlash from political elites, media, or activist groups.
  • She criticizes both major political parties, though her strongest critiques are aimed at neoconservatives, pro-Israel lobbyists, and the Biden administration.
  • She expresses admiration for figures like Tucker Carlson and Thomas Massie, whom she sees as principled and anti-war.

Media & Influence

  • Owens discusses being deplatformed and caricatured in the media, yet notes her growing influence and audience.
  • Smith acknowledges her reach and promises to feature opposing voices in future episodes.

🔹 Key Themes 1. Foreign Policy & Israel

  • Owens is sharply critical of U.S. support for Israel, particularly under Netanyahu.
  • She argues that American military policy is overly influenced by Israeli interests.
  • She draws a distinction between criticizing the Israeli government and antisemitism.

2. Media, Censorship & Free Speech

  • She claims that accusations of antisemitism are being weaponized to silence dissent.
  • She criticizes figures like Dave Portnoy for emotional manipulation and hypocrisy.
  • Smith raises concerns about rising antisemitism, offering a counterbalance.

3. MAGA & Trump

  • Owens expresses disappointment in Trump’s recent alliances and foreign policy stances.
  • She contrasts “America First” with “Israel First” and criticizes neoconservatives.
  • She praises Thomas Massie as a true representative of MAGA values.

4. Immigration & Domestic Policy

  • Strong support for deportation of undocumented immigrants, including families.
  • Criticism of sanctuary cities and federal inaction.
  • Emphasis on prioritizing American citizens over foreign aid.

5. Faith & Morality

  • Owens frequently invokes Christianity as her moral compass.
  • She criticizes Christians who support Israeli military actions as hypocritical.
  • She frames her activism as a spiritual mission.

6. Personal Risk & Resilience

  • She discusses threats to her life, including an FBI-confirmed plot.
  • Despite this, she refuses to increase security, citing faith in God.
  • She sees herself as a martyr-like figure for truth.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith

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