2/11: Clemens, Obama and the G.O.P.

I couldn’t wait for this weekend to end. Don’t get me wrong. I know I’m getting old because I love chilling out at the crib to watch movies and just relax instead of hanging out at 40/40 in New York City the way I used to. But there’s a particular reason I wanted this weekend to end quickly.

The quicker the weekend ends, the quicker we can all get to Roger Clemens. That’s right! The man who got older, yet still got bigger than he was before, better than he was before, stronger than he was before and unquestionably more productive. Clemens is expected to sit before Congressional members this Wednesday and swear he’s never tainted himself with Human Growth Hormones or performance enhancement drugs.

As long as he’s forced to do so under oath, I’ll label this occasion a celebration.

Contrary to what people surmise from hearing me on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on ESPN Radio every weekday, I couldn’t care less about Clemens’ guilt or innocence. If he cheated, he should be treated like any other lying, arrogant, self-righteous phony. But if Clemens is telling the truth, then shame on those who convicted him in the court of public opinion.

All I care about is equal justice. Not just under the law, but in the court of public opinion.

If everyone swore Barry Bonds was excoriated because of the combination of an acerbic personality, name cache and his pursuit of the coveted all-time home run record once held by the great Hank Aaron, then what excuse is there to become passive when it comes to a seven-time Cy Young Award winner with 354 career victories, who happens to be, arguably, the greatest pitcher of the modern-day era?

The answer would be….THERE IS NONE!

In a world full of phonies and apologists, though, you know folks will find a way. They’ll point out how Bonds admitted to using The Cream and The Clear, but swore under oath he didn’t knowingly do so. They’ll point to his oversized head, his body mass and bloated numbers shortly after Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris’ single-season home-run record.

Those same apologists were nowhere to be found when Roger Clemens was piling up his numbers as his birth certificate collected more dust. As his salary escalated. As he transformed himself into baseball’s preeminent mercenary, working part-time over the past couple of seasons, without one single implication of questionable behavior, let alone steroid use, until the LA Times falsely reported last year that former Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitcher, Jason Grimsley, had implicated Clemens to the Feds.

This is Webster’s Dictionary of Hypocrisy, folks! Where is all the screaming and shouting now? Where is this unwavering, rigorous effort to convict Clemens in the court of public opinion – not just withhold judgment until he’s head pleading his case on Capitol Hill. I know….I know. There’s no denying, with his emphatic denials, that Clemens’ actions resembles that of an innocent man.

Clemens has denied. He’s filed a lawsuit against his accuser, Brian McNamee, his former Strength and Conditioning coach. But Clemens also made it a point last week to go door-to-door, meeting with Congressional members to reiterate his innocence.

Why?

Doesn’t anyone find this behavior suspicious? I mean, where does Clemens think glad-handing with elected officials is going to get him? It’s certainly not going to prevent them from asking him to raise his right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help him God!

Either way, I’m glad we’re about to hear from Clemens. Not just him mouthing off, but mouthing off under oath.

If this country is truly in pursuit of fair and equal treatment under the law, part of the process is making sure one is exposed to the heavy hand of the law. Specifically so they can be held accountable if, dare I say, Clemens decides to tell a fib or two.

America the Beautiful, remember?

On to Politics for a second:

It looks like Barack Obama and John McCain will compete for the presidency. Although Hillary Rodham-Clinton can easily take over with a couple of good primary showings in the next few days, I’m shocked to admit I actually believe America will support a black man over a white woman for the Democratic nomination. I must confess I didn’t think that was possible a few months ago.

(Note: the reason I felt this way is because white women – not African-Americans – were the biggest beneficiaries of Affirmative Action.)

But I do want to send this quick message to all the African-American voters out there: We need to stop just giving the Democrats our vote and start making them earn it.

For years black folks have virtually handed our votes to the Democratic Party. To me, it’s foolish to do such a thing without actually hearing the issues, what policies are being geared for implementation, and who is really the individual best suited to run our country.

If it’s a Republican like John McCain, so be it. The man is honest, considered a moderate conservative by most of his naysayers, and has served this country more honorably than almost any American alive. And I’m saying this although I’ve never voted for a Republican in my life. Needless to say, that could change.

BTW…here’s a little tip for members of the Republican Party, aspiring to increase support from African-American voters: Perhaps if you stopped identifying yourself as the GOP….it just might help.

There’s something about the “Grand Ole Party” that doesn’t necessarily resonate with most black American voters, reminding us of a time we would rather forget.

If the Republican Party can’t understand that, I really don’t know what to tell them.

Comments

[lozo]

the best part of the primaries is, if obama loses the race on third down, he can just try to win the nomination on fourth down.

[nolesrule]

Stephen,

Why do you even comment on politics? You diminish your fine writing on sports. The Democratic Party fought the Republican Party for years on a Civil Rights Bill. The only reason one was ever passed was because of the Republican Senators and Republican Representatives. Democrats like George Wallace from Alabama are the type of people that made the U.S. look like idiots in the 50' & 60's. Check the history books before making sweeping comments about one party or another.

[Ben60657]

Well said nolesrule, well said (except for the part about 'fine writing on sports').

SAS, in case you haven't noticed, there are articles and blogs all over the internet basically saying that Clemens is a douchebag and a cheater and he has been more or less convicted in the court of public opinion, same as Bonds.

[SlavaMedvedenko]

Chilling at the 40/40?
Do they serve CHEEZ-DOODLES there?
NO GRAMMY ANALYSIS FROM STEPHEN A? ARE THE GRAMMY'S NOT IMPORTANT?

[the great bambi]

i can see how the "Grand Ole Party" wouldn't resonate since it was created by anti-slavery activists who split from the Democratic Party and whose first President was Abraham Lincoln, the guy who issued something called the Emancipation Proclamation. Who'd want to associate with that?

[ChezDoodlet]

The court of public opinion refuses to hate Roger Clemens BECAUSE HE IS A WHITE WOMAN

[PurdueMatt]

Quite Frankly, I think you are riled up about Clemens because you are racist and you want to see a white man go down. I am a white male, and I hate Bonds and Clemens equally. They both cheated and they both lied about it.

[third down kicker]

"And when you look at the internet business, what’s dangerous about it is that people who are clearly unqualified get to disseminate their piece to the masses."

[Rendwich]

You totally reversed the situation with Roger Clemens and the press. Everyone hates Roger. Everyone knows he cheated and then lied. Peter Gammons was on ESPN radio this morning saying that the "hatred for Roger Clemens in the press was over the top" or somesuch.

Choosing between SAS and Peter Gammons, on what's happening with baseball reporters, is no choice at all. Stand aside, SAS.

Then there's politics, where you somehow manage to call the GOP racist. Just to review fourth grade for you: Abe Lincoln was a Republican. Everyone opposing civil rights legislation was a Democrat. The KKK was 99 percent Democrat.

Republicans set your great-great-grandfather free, SAS, so maybe you could consider throwing them a "thank you" vote every now and again, instead of spending your lifetime propping up the political descendants of your great-great-grandfather's slavemaster.

Or not. Your call.

Anyway, you're 0-2 on this post, totally bass-ackwards on both issues you address. Great to see you keeping the streak alive.

[Pyreezy]

Rendwich, while the Republicans were against slavery back in Civil War times, they have since changed as a party, instead of pushing for change, they try to preserve the status quo. The Democrats, who used to be a 'stay the course' type of party, are pushing for reform.

And I agree with Steven A. From the coverage I've seen, Clemens isn't made out to be the villain Bonds was. And yes, race factors into it for me. Clemens, a White man accused of the same crime, is having an easier time of it than a Black man. That's very upsetting to me.

Steven A, how you feel about them Denver Nuggets?

[victordamone]

I think a few of you guys who have left comments need to go back and re-read history again. But this time, don't go as far back as the Civil War.

Just go back to The New Deal, and then you'll begin to understand why blacks began to shift their political alliance from Republican to Democrat.

As for SAS, Roger Clemens is digging a whole, and frankly he's about ready to bury himself.

On the election: I'm a self-confessed Obamaholic, and I can't quite say that this race is over. He's gotta grab Ohio and Texas to convince me that he can put Hillary away.

On "giving the democrats our votes,": SAS, I'm not sure that you should make a statement like that. I watch a healthy dose of FOX News and CNN. I listen to Limbaugh a few minutes a day as well. I think most black adults stances tend to align with the platform of democratic issues. For instance, most members of the GOP would love to do away with Affirmative Action, which is a mechanism in place to right some of the wrongs that thrown on Blacks and Women over the course of the last, let's say 400 years.

There are other issues, but there aren't too many black people who are going to join the GOP with that one issue out there looming. McCain is a good man, an intriguing candidate.

But his alliance with the GOP, however screwed up it is right now, potentially serves to continue setting American and Black America back for another four years... do we really want that?

[adambrookland]

You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You said "All I care about is equal justice. Not just under the law, but in the court of public opinion." And "shame on those who convicted him in the court of public opinion."

If you took the time to read your own garbage, I'm sure you'd recognize your second paragraph is in fact a conviction against Clemens in the court of public opinion. And I don't even like Clemens.

The problem is that you don't mean what you said. What you mean is that Bonds is black, Clemens is white, and therefore Clemens should be vilified in the same way Bonds was. But Bonds wasn't vilified for his skin color, but rather the content of his character: the guy is an asshole.

The difference between Bonds and Clemens is that Bonds admitted to use. Obvious guilt as far as cheating goes. Clemens has an unreliable source talking about injecting his wife. That's about as credible as Vince Carter caring about basketball.

And if Clemens turns out to be guilty, he deserves the same punishment as every other player who was guilty of cheating. Again, I really don't even like Clemens.

On another note, very insightful political commentary.

If you can’t understand that's sarcasm, I really don’t know what to tell you.

[MrDieselRepair]

Hey,, Mr. Stephen A Smith.. ( don't mind i call you that because i really respect you) i like you commone on the sport and girl thing,, you are funny and good. i am a sport guy, i love sport because they are fair to seperate how good you are. i can sit down in front of the tv watch the whole day nfl game day. i am not even feel tired to watch and i can't wait for the next day to hear what you going to say about the sport day. i am a chinese and a crazy sport fan. if i have time i will show you my wall, all my wall in my room is the Sport player jersey, hats and poster. that is the way i like show how i like sports.
any way,, good job and keep it up.
by the way, it is chinese new year, i like to wish you have a good year in 2008.

[Rendwich]

@Pyreezy and Victor Damone:

What the hell does the New Deal have to do with anything? It had no racial component whatsoever. You're drunk?

What about "Dr." King (who ripped off his doctoral dissertation - in Divinity school!)? Did you forget that it was all Southern Democrats who opposed integration? Did you forget that it was all Southern Democrats who opposed the Civil Rights Act? That's a hell of a long time after the New Deal.

Then there's affirmative action, the program where *you can never tell what you've actually earned". Does that make you feel good at night, not knowing if you deserve your job, or if you are *displacing someone who did deserve it*? Do you like that feeling? Or better yet, how about getting into a Universtiy with crap grades and test scores *because you're black*? Do you like being the stupidest person at University? Is that a big accomplishment for Black Americans?

The Republican party is the party of fair chances. You're Democrats because they promise you something for nothing. Here's what it's gotten you so far:

Black families have disappeared, 70% of black children are born out of wedlock, and half the people in prison are black. Black men are the most likely people to murder other black men. Black drug abuse is 50% above the national norms. Black houshold income is $10,000 less per year than the average.

You keep voting Democrat, it's working great for you!

[PurdueMatt]

Well said Rendwich.

[Pyreezy]

Rendwich: First of all, after the New Deal the Republicans began to lose the Black vote, that's the racial component you apparently cannot see.

Second, the Southern Democrats had different views than the rest of their party, and the term Dixiecrats was used to highlight their differences.

Third: Affirmative Action was created to right the wrongs done to minority groups (and women) in the past. It is meant as an extra boost, not as a magic promotion policy. As for being the stupidest person at my university, I didn't need affirmative action to get into college, as I am smarter than most of my peers, including the White ones, and I daresay even you. And how many situations have you seen where a White man doesn't get a job he was qualified for simply because his closest rival a lesser qualified Black man? Cuz I've seen the reverse happen at least twice.

Fourth: Do you honestly think that those statistics are directly reflective of New Deal consequences? What about the 2-3 hundred years of being treated as second class citizens? In forty years, do you expect that to just be wiped blank from the psyche of a people? That's just foolish.

Keep voting Republican, it probably works better for you. However, I'm voting Democrat, because I don't like the way things are going, and I sure don't expect an old rich White guy to see my point of view.

PS: What did insulting DR. Martin Luther King add to your post? Was it just for kicks? I thought so.

[Lorris]

Hey Stephen, I really enjoyed your show today, as I do most days. U had on my favorite NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins. He is the reason I am such a fan of the sport. I would watch him play, and be so amazed at what he could do. That was when I realized the NBA was defiantly not my dad’s NBA anymore. In my opinion he was definitely robbed in the 89 Slam Dunk. Boy was I surprise to hear he had new baby. What a spring chicken.

What is it that has been keeping the Suns out of the later rounds? If Shaq can answer this question he will be able to be effective. Never the less I’m looking forward to watching the development of all the trades, and just enjoying the games. Basketball is a joy to watch these days. What do you think about Webber’s return to my Warriors so far!

I’m concerned about the outcome of the Clemens’s case because now it my tax dollars and as Congressman Issa stated on the Michael Kay show probably not the best way of utilizing it. My court of public opinion is costing me plenty, and I think he is guilty of something, and I want to know what it is.

I must admit…when you first came on the scene, I was like who is this loud mouth acting like he knows basketball, but the more I listened to what were saying, and how you were saying it, u further more showed me that this was not my father’s NBA. Gone are the days of the all white panel with the old commentating ways. You keep it real, and u do know your basketball, your swagger is not to bad either.
Keep up the good work.

Lorris.

[johnglass]

It's true. The Republican Party fought hard for the Civil Rights Bill in the 1960's. Has Stephen forgot about all those racist Southern DEMOCRATS during the 50's and 60's?

There are plenty of black conservatives out there, and I mean, plenty. It is shameful if black Americans just keep voting Democrat on reflex just because they have always done so. And I think most honest black Americans would agree with this.

So, again . . . spare us the race bit, Mr. Smith.

[JPage]

Let me first start by saying I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Glad that one of our own is running for president and has a Great shot. Now I just don't agree with anything he is saying. First let me say that He can not say what he would have done about the Iraq war, not knowing all that the president knows and secondly I hate that we have a hate for the rich and if the truth be told all of us are wanting to be what they are so does that mean that you are going to hate yourself when you become rich? Thirdly and I will have to finish this later but I don't want anyone to have to pay taxes rich or poor!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BSimpson]

First I'd like to say that I agree that Clemens hasn't been scrutinized as harshly or fiercely as Bonds was in my opinion as well. The "court of public opinion" does not consist of the press, but of the general public. If I were to ask any random person about Barry Bonds, I'd hear a mouthful of hate about him. The same cannot be said about Roger Clemens.

Secondly, why have there been any comments about race here? I see no reason why people have jumped onto this bandwagon of "if a black man says it, it's because of race". There was absolutely nothing to do with race regarding the Bonds/Clemens issue and I feel it is willful ignorance to spout off about something that you merely percieved as said.

Regarding the politic issue, I also agree there. We as African-Americans need to educate ourselves not only about the issues that each party supports, but about the stance each candidate has on those issues. No one should "reflex vote", as another commentor put it. That being said, I feel that right now, the Republican party has far more ground to cover as far as earning the African-American vote. Their stance as of now, is to aid and benefit wealthy W.A.S.Ps and maintain that status quo. That is a stance that I feel is hurtful to the middle and lower class and is a disincentive to small businesses.

To all those arguing over the party racism line: There was never a mention of the Republican Party being racist. Please stop inferring race from everything Mr. Smith posts. He said that he is proud of being black, that does not mean he closes his mind and eyes to equal treatment to all other races. As for telling him to open a history book, you'll find a bit of a suprise if you had done the same. The Democratic party was split into the Democratic Party and the State's Rights' Democratic Party(Dixiecrats). Strom Thurmond opposed the Democratic Party selecting Harry Truman, and ran against him. The Democrats who lived in the Northern States were not the same as those of the Southern states. It would serve you all better if you didn't open your mouth and vehemently argue with someone if you don't know all the facts. The personal attacks on Mr. Smith are uncalled for and you all should be ashamed of your behavior. Maybe next time try rational and articulate arguments based in fact.

Lastly, I am excited about Shaquille and the Phoenix Suns. I am hoping that the physical trainers are as good as they claim and that the Diesel can get back into his game without anymore injury concerns. I'd love to see Shaq vs. Kobe with both on top of their game. Keep up the good work Stephen Smith. I'll be seeing what you have to say when the game comes up.

[jacksonj]

I heard you on Steve Harvey this morning and I have to say I like what you said about the Shaq trade and Bill Walton's pot-addled commentary on Shaquille. Like Shaq said, Walton should look at his own career if he's looking to blast someone for being hurt.

As for McCain, he is a confirmed racist (look it up - he said "I hate the gooks and I always will" in 2000).

I find it more than ironic that you look for racism where it could be, but you don't look for it where it is confirmed to be.

McCain has also said that he wishes to keep the troops in Iraq for 100 years, even as our bridges collapse and our kids go hungry and without anything resembling a decent education.

Obama and Clinton aren't much more attractive choices, given that both of them have entertained the possibility of bombing Iran (as has your boy McCain). How about Ron Paul, Stephen A? No love for an old-school Constitutionalist? A guy who wants our troops home and our citizens free from governmental intrusion into their lives? Or is that too crazy? LOL

[quietmoney]

Mr. Smith,

What is up!! I am glad that you have a website to voice your opinions. I am a black independent voter, and I refuse to give my vote to anyone (I voted for Bush twice ). Both parties has enough racism in its past to go around. (To set the record straight both parties voted equally to past the civil rights bill of 1964 – 199 Democrats vs. 213 Republicans and a Democrat in the White House to sign it into law) I would also like to say that most whites (including 98% of Southern Republicans in the House/Senate) in the south did not want the Civil Rights Bill to pass. But who really cares about race in this upcoming election – It is all about the economy Stupid!!! I really want the best of both worlds a helpful government that does not over spend. I don’t know which candidate can help provide this.

By the way Lakers over whoever in the east in five games.

[jacksonj]

BSimpson, I agree with what you say about people putting words into Mr. Smith's mouth vis-a-vis the Republican Party being racist, but his comments on Bonds and Clemens ARE racially charged. He said as much this morning on Steve Harvey. I'm sure Stephen A. would not argue this point.

And in a way, he's right - but in a way, he's missing a larger issue.

Before 2002, steroids and HGH were not tested for in baseball, despite much bubbling under the surface of the sport and many of its players. Everyone knew who was on the juice. Canseco's name was first associated with steroids in 1988.

1988!

Everyone knew about it. Selig, George W. Bush, everyone. But they had to let it go, because people were watching Sosa and McGuire, and they were forgetting the 1994 debacle. Owners and players made more money than ever, and the sport enjoyed a resurgence.

Now that it's time to pay the piper for all of this rampant crime, whose victims are the fans, the sport itself, as well as the players and their families (just ask Ken Caminiti's family).

Why is nobody looking to put any owners in jail for their complicity in these crimes? Why did Jose Canseco once comment that he didn't want to name any owners? Does he really think he'll have a hit man after him if he does, like he said?

If you're looking for double standards, Stephen A., you ought to do what anyone does when investigating a crime:

Follow the Money!

[lmaze43]

WOW!! MrDieselrepair!!! How racist was that comment and you are a hypocrite. You call Mr. Smith a racist and then say negative,racist things about African American Heroes. Well let me give you a little lesson on being fair & balanced as well as implementing credible points when you do post again. First off, have you kept count of all of the "honorary degrees" given to popular politicans that are not African American?And please, please get it right about affirmative action!!! Not one school in the US will let you enter without the proper grades and you can be blue. Your grades have to meet a certain critiera for affirmative action. And where the hell did you get those stats from about African American families, was it from the 1950's-60. My daughter 16yrs. old annual income was over $10,000,Please read a forbes magazine and check the stats on salaries, kids born out of wedlock does not fall on the african american community any longer.Check your stats!!!! There are more white kids on state health care then African Americans. check your stats, look at the news reports and see what color faces are doing the commentaries/pleas for health care, oh yeah and don't forget to check the stats on divorce rates for the so called affluent america. Drugs, i am glad you mentioned that!!!You seriously need to check your stats, there are more white kids selling, & dying from drugs (mainly the painkiller oxy.)check your stats. One last thing, black on black crime is just as bad as whites killing their spouses & children. check your stats. Last, if you think for any reason you are representing the Republican Party, PLEEEEESe think again. The educated, affluent, even the moderate-upperclass Republicans do not condone such an "a racist outburst"!!. Please do your research, you make Repulicans look duuuumb!

[lmaze43]

JPage,

Thank you for referring to all the racist comments posted & targeted at Mr. Smith as well as other nationalities. this is where we debate, not condone & give all our energy to hatred. I feel sad when i read such hatred in the year 2008. My God, does that set us back as a nation trying to over. We are at war, there is poverty, homelessness, education, terminal illnesses that we need to address and here we are spreading hatred.