Stephen Smith grills politicians on lack of leadership at Real Time with Bill Maher
Stephen Smith raised his voice on Real Time with Bill Maher to criticize both Democrats and Republicans in government. It’s a voice that comes from frustration, but he rightfully points out the lack of leadership from the two parties.
Bill Maher, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Laura Coates, and Stephen Smith were discussing current issues regarding the war and the economy. Maher complained about the lack of wealth distribution in America. Despite paying so many taxes, Maher believes that his money doesn’t “get to the people.”
“The problem I’m having with this conversation right now is that we’re accusing the politicians of not knowing. They know,” Smith started.
“$39 million plus trillions in debt. You can’t pay TSA workers a billion dollars over the past month, but you can spend $800 million to $2 billion a day, and somehow, some way, you find the money to finance the war,” Smith states. Reports stated that the United States is bleeding through at least $800 million per day in its ongoing war with Iran.
“You know how you win an election right now? All you gotta do is look the people in the face, be straight up with them, and let them know that you’re about them. You got a shot,” he argues. Perhaps this is the best case for politicians like Zohran Mamdani, who placed citizens and communities at the center of his campaign. Although Smith and Maher had criticized Mamdani in the segment, it’s still worth noting that the most effective way to win an election at this moment is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of the public.
A power vacuum
“Where’s the leadership? Look at the Republican Party right now. It’s Trump—you do know that he’s leaving in 2028, right? Unless he circumvents the 22nd Amendment and runs for a third term, he’s leaving. JD Vance? You ain’t him, don’t think you are. Marco Rubio? Thank god he doesn’t try to be,” Smith lambasts the possible presidentiables on the GOP side. There have been fears of Trump running for a third term. However, the Constitution is solid in that it does not allow for presidents to run for a third term.
Putting aside the possibility of a Trump dictatorship, the next GOP candidates have to be as charismatic as Trump. It’s too early to discount their possible run for presidency, but without Trump, none of them would be relevant at the moment. When Trump is deposed or finishes his term, people will tie whatever mistakes his administration made to both Vance and Rubio.
“And the Democrats? My god, please find somebody who can lead,” Smith starts his criticism of the Democratic Party.
“Gavin Newsom is out here in California—he’s been known more for trolling Trump on his podcast or in other interviews than for what he’s actually doing in his state of California. They think that’s leadership because they don’t have it,” Smith said about Newsom. The California governor is a speculative runner for the 2028 presidential election. Despite this, even other Democrat-leaning voters expressed concern over his lack of stance on important issues.
Essentially, Newsom shouldn’t just yell at a mic or put all his energy into opposing Trump. Highlighting programs in his state that directly benefit his constituents would be better for optics.
Smith implies corruption
“These politicians know. They know where the money is, they know how to get some of it too,” Smith says. He directed his criticism to former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. He pointed out, “Because Marjorie Taylor Greene came into office, she was worth a couple hundred thousand dollars according to the reports. How the hell do you leave, departing worth $25 million?”
Smith’s statement checks out. Greene entered Congress worth $700,000 but left with a net worth of $25 million. Most Americans will not see $25 million enter their bank accounts by retirement—or in their lifetime. And now with a democracy in decline, there seem to be no leaders in sight to hoist Americans out of the predicament.
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