Stephen A. discusses Dr. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before Congress on the federal government's COVID-19 response, progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s primary, and the growing calls from lawmakers for a Pentagon investigation into at least 15 Trump-supported companies that have collectively received more than $3.2 billion in federal contracts, investments, and loans. Emmy Award-winning media expert, veteran political strategist, and former DNC Chair Donna Brazile joins the show to discuss the future of the Democratic Party, the shifting political landscape, and the upcoming midterm elections. Former West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and his daughter, Heather Manchin, also join the program to discuss the launch of their new organization, the Independent Leadership Council, and its mission to recruit, support, and elect independent candidates to Congress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special edition of Straight Shooter with Stephen A., CNN Chief Legal Analyst and anchor Laura Coates steps in as guest host to tackle a fiery week of political showdowns on Capitol Hill. At the center of the episode is Dr. Anthony Fauci’s contentious appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights—over 100 times—when questioned by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson about his private 1,000-page "daily diary" from the COVID-19 pandemic, gain-of-function research, and his presidential pardon. Coates breaks down the collision of political theater, legal strategy, and public accountability. She delivers her own "Dear Diary" monologue on America's exhaustion with partisan scapegoating and circular firing squads, before bringing on expert guests to dissect the legal ramifications of Fauci's testimony and the political stakes for Democrats with less than 100 days until the midterm elections. Guest Norm Eisen, Co-founder & Board Member, Democracy Defenders Action; former U.S. Ambassador & Defense Attorney, explains why a figure with a federal presidential pardon would invoke the Fifth Amendment (state-level exposure, civil liability, and avoiding perjury traps), the difference between public statements and private contemporaneous diaries, and how courts are handling congressional subpoenas. Karen Finney, Democratic Strategist; former DNC Communications Director & Campaign Advisor, discusses how Democrats can navigate voter frustration over economic affordability and healthcare, avoiding internal party finger-pointing ahead of the midterms, and why delivering tangible results matters more than political theater.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. reacts to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s $67 billion request to restock arms for the Iran War and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s announcement that a review found that 6,600 noncitizens were registered to vote in New Jersey due to a software error. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson joins the show to discuss his split from Donald Trump and the Republican Party, the Iran War, the state of race in the U.S., and the prospect of a third political party. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. explains why all factions of the Democratic Party must unite to win the midterm election and beyond. Republican Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna joins the show to discuss insider trading, working across party lines, the state of affairs within the GOP and her support for President Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CNN's Laura Coates guest hosts for Stephen A. Smith this week. In this jam packed episode, she interviews Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, CNN International Reporter Josh Rogin, and Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. discusses President Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure forms, which revealed he earned over $1 billion since returning to office through his cryptocurrency ventures. CNN Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates joins the show to break down the landmark Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes in women’s sports, and mail-in ballots. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. discusses the political deadlock in Washington and President Trump’s refusal to sign bipartisan housing legislation unless Congress approves the SAVE Act. He examines the financial dealings that have enriched the Trump family’s business empire, raising questions about who truly benefits. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin joins the show to talk about the U.S.-Iran agreement, rising tensions in the Middle East, why she thinks the Democratic Party needs fresh leadership, and the growing influence of the progressive movement in American politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. discusses the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, the latest U.S.-Iran agreement, and growing signs that President Trump is losing support among male voters ages 18 to 29. Former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about her years in Washington, her opposition to U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, calls for the release of the Epstein files, and her life after leaving politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. breaks down the buzz surrounding President Donald Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, including Trump’s reaction to his comments. In encore interviews, he talks with veteran Democratic strategist and ABC News contributor Donna Brazile and Tennessee Republican Congressman Tim Burchett about political headlines. He also previews an upcoming YouTube panel featuring progressive civil rights advocate Gary Chambers Jr. and conservative commentator Officer Brandon Tatum, who debate some of today’s most divisive issues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. reacts to the surprising results of the California gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral race. YouTube host Dave Rubin joins to talk about why he abandoned the left and Senator Ted Cruz breaks down his co-sponsored bill, The Protect College Sports Act. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.