In a recent episode of his “Straight Shooter” podcast, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith issued a direct challenge to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Smith expressed his eagerness for Newsom to join the show and discuss pressing state issues such as homelessness, crime, California’s sanctuary status, and the state’s financial challenges.

Smith highlighted that Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, is currently leading the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination race with 31% in the Real Clear Politics polling average, while Newsom stands at 22%. He criticized this scenario as a reflection of the party’s issues, suggesting that Harris’s frontrunner status indicates a lack of standout candidates willing to step up.

“Gavin Newsom, 22%. Still waiting for you to come on the show, Mr. Governor,” Smith reiterated, emphasizing his invitation for Newsom to join him on air.

Smith assured, “It’ll be far more pleasant than you might expect,” explaining his intent is purely to ask questions and listen to Newsom’s responses, rather than create a tense or confrontational atmosphere. He reassured the governor that his goal isn’t to put him on the spot or engage in a heated debate.

Referencing a statement by former President Barack Obama, Smith pointed to Obama’s remarks on Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis, which Obama labeled an “atrocity” despite substantial financial efforts to address it over the years.

“I just want you to address these issues facing your state,” Smith said, citing Obama’s description of the homelessness situation as an embarrassment. He listed several concerns for Newsom to address: crime rates, the defund the police movement, sanctuary policies, and the state’s financial woes. “Where are the answers to these pressing questions?” he asked.

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Obama was speaking with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen on Saturday when he touched on criticism local residents and business owners have voiced for years.

“I think it is morally — ethically speaking — it is an atrocity that in a country this wealthy, we have people just on the streets, and we should insist on policies that recognize their full humanity — people who are houseless — and be able to provide them with the help and resources that they need,” Obama said.

“We should recognize that the average person doesn’t want to have to navigate around a tent city in the middle of downtown,” he added. “That’s a losing political strategy.”

Smith has been consistent in criticizing Newsom for not appearing on his show to discuss the current state of California and his potential 2028 presidential campaign. 

In late January, Smith pointed out that Newsom had been invited onto the show on “numerous occasions” but never accepted the invitation, calling out the governor for declining to do so.

“What the hell you running from me for?” Smith asked. “I just want to ask questions. I want to give you an opportunity to answer to the people of California and to the American people if you’re going to be a presidential candidate in 2028. Gavin Newsom not appearing on this show doesn’t stop me from talking about him and his record.” 

“I don’t know all about his record. He does. And he has the platform here anytime he wants to make sure that the record is set straight,” he added.

When reached for contact by Fox News Digital, a representative for Newsom responded with the following statement: “The Governor crushed Hannity and DeSantis head-on. He’s not ducking anybody, he’s just busier than Stephen apparently is. But we’re still planning to do his show.”

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.