Stephen A. Smith for president? Try to be more of an FDR than a DJT

Los Angeles Times - Apr 12th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

The article draws parallels between President Franklin D. Roosevelt's use of radio for his 'fireside chats' during the Great Depression and today's political landscape dominated by podcasts and mass media. Roosevelt's first chat, addressing the banking crisis in 1933, aimed to restore public confidence amidst financial turmoil. His ability to communicate complex economic policies clearly and empathetically was pivotal in gaining public support and stabilizing the economy, showcasing the powerful role of media in politics.

The narrative extends to modern times, highlighting the evolving relationship between media and politics, referencing the potential presidential aspirations of Stephen A. Smith. It contrasts Roosevelt's substantive communication with contemporary political discourse often characterized by vague slogans, drawing attention to the need for real solutions to persistent issues. The article underscores that while media is a powerful tool for political engagement, effective governance requires more than just media presence; it demands genuine political acumen and policy depth.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging comparison between historical and contemporary political communication strategies, focusing on FDR's effective use of radio and the speculative political aspirations of Stephen A. Smith. While the historical analysis is accurate and well-presented, the piece relies heavily on speculative claims regarding Smith, which are not substantiated by concrete evidence. The article's clarity and readability are strong, making it accessible to a general audience. However, it would benefit from more balanced perspectives and a broader range of sources to enhance its credibility and impact. Overall, the piece offers valuable insights into the intersection of media and politics, but its speculative elements limit its potential to drive significant public discourse or policy change.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately recounts historical events such as FDR's use of 'fireside chats' during the Great Depression. It correctly states that Roosevelt used radio to communicate effectively with the public, addressing the banking crisis and other issues. However, the article's claim that Stephen A. Smith is considering a presidential run requires further verification as it is based on social media posts rather than concrete political declarations. Additionally, the narrative comparing Smith's potential political approach to FDR and Trump needs more evidence to substantiate the parallels drawn.

6
Balance

The article attempts to balance historical analysis with contemporary political commentary. It presents FDR in a positive light, emphasizing his effective communication and policy clarity. In contrast, it critiques modern political figures like Trump and Smith for allegedly lacking the same depth. The piece could benefit from more balanced perspectives, including potential positives of Smith's approach or Trump's use of media, to avoid favoritism towards historical figures.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a logical flow that transitions smoothly from historical context to contemporary analysis. The language is clear and engaging, making complex historical events accessible to a general audience. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly when discussing the implications of Smith's potential candidacy.

5
Source quality

The article references historical facts and quotes from FDR's speeches, which are reliable sources. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, particularly when discussing Stephen A. Smith's political intentions. The reliance on social media for Smith's potential presidential run and the absence of direct quotes or interviews with him weaken the source quality. Including more authoritative sources or expert opinions would enhance credibility.

5
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the basis for some of its claims, particularly regarding Stephen A. Smith's political aspirations. There is little explanation of the methodology used to draw comparisons between historical and contemporary figures. Transparency would be improved by providing more context on how conclusions are reached and acknowledging any potential biases in the analysis.

Sources

  1. https://www.inquirer.com/sports/stephen-a-smith-president-polls-chances-espn-20250408.html
  2. https://qresear.ch/?q=washington&amp%3Bp=2
  3. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/07/espn-host-stephen-a-smith-election-00277722
  4. https://qresear.ch/?q=washington
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D4WFygKdr0