Stephen A. Smith walks out during TV segment about government shutdown
Stephen A. Smith, the well-known talk show host, walked out during a televised town hall discussion about the ongoing federal government shutdown, which had lasted two weeks at the time.The event, hosted by NewsNation, featured various political figures including Bill O’Reilly, former Senator Joe manchin, and Representatives jim Jordan, ro Khanna, and madeleine Dean. During the town hall, an air traffic controller named Jack, working without pay due to the shutdown, shared how he was supplementing his income by working as a food delivery driver to pay for his daughter’s tuition. Smith expressed frustration over the fact that while government workers like Jack go unpaid, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. Citing this disparity, Smith abruptly left the stage, though he later returned. Smith, known for his political commentary and recently launched political talk show, remains open to pursuing a future political career.
Stephen A. Smith walks out during TV segment about government shutdown
Talk show host Stephen A. Smith left a televised town hall Wednesday during a discussion about the ongoing government shutdown.
The federal government has been shut down for two weeks and counting. NewsNation hosted a town hall featuring Smith, journalist Bill O’Reilly, former Sen. Joe Manchin, Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA).
Among the attendees was a man named Jack, an air traffic controller from the Dallas, Texas, area. Since there were current house members present, Jack asked them how much longer the shutdown will be, as he is currently working without a paycheck. In the meantime, Jack said he was working as a food delivery person.
“We’re listening to this kind of stuff while a young man walked up to the microphone and said that he had to leave here to go and work on DoorDash to help pay for his daughter’s tuition. Meanwhile, everybody up here getting paid, but he ain’t,” Smith said in response to Jack’s question.
Smith was referring to the representatives, who continue to get paid during government shutdowns per the Constitution.
“It’s this kind of stuff right here,” Smith said, referring to the example of Jack.
“A man has to work on DoorDash when he’s really an air traffic controller … and we’re up here talking about how much some money is going to cost, and the only person that don’t have a check coming is him,” Smith added.
“You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to take a break.”
Smith got up to leave the stage.
NewsNation anchor Chris Cuomo, who was moderating the town hall, stood in front of Smith’s empty chair and continued taking questions from the crowd. Later on during the town hall, Smith returned to the stage.
IT’S GROUNDHOG DAY ON CAPITOL HILL WITH NO SHUTDOWN SOLUTION IN SIGHT
Earlier this year, Smith started a political talk show that includes Republican and Democratic guests. The ESPN host has long claimed to be an independent as he became increasingly critical of the Democratic Party since the 2024 election.
According to Smith, he is “leaving all doors open” to a political career.
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