On his "Straight Shooter" podcast, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith publicly challenged California Governor Gavin Newsom to address pressing state issues, particularly those surrounding homelessness, crime rates, and the state's financial troubles. Smith expressed frustration at Newsom's absence from the show and suggested that these issues warrant urgent attention, indicating a disconnect between the governor's responsibilities and the experiences of Californians.

Smith further commented on the political landscape, noting that former Vice President Kamala Harris leads the Democratic Party's polling with 31%, while Newsom is significantly lower at 22%. He implied that Harris's prominence in the race highlights a lack of strong contenders within the party, emphasizing that the current situation reflects poorly on Democratic leadership. By calling out these issues, Smith is not just engaging in sports commentary but is inserting himself into a broader political discourse about leadership and accountability.

As California grapples with significant challenges related to homelessness and crime, Smith's demand for Newsom to respond publicly highlights the pressures on politicians to engage with pressing societal problems. This may resonate with voters who feel overlooked and could potentially influence the dynamics of the upcoming presidential nomination race as Democrats seek a viable candidate. The ongoing challenges in California can attract national attention, especially if they are tied to the ambitions of prominent political figures like Newsom and Harris.