Slotkin is talking about the Democratic Party’s leadership and direction, not Stephen A. Smith himself. In her interview with him, she said Democrats need “significant change” and “new leadership,” and she even said that includes the White House, the House, and the Senate.

What she meant

Her point was that the party’s old playbook is not working after the 2024 losses, so people in leadership who can’t adapt should step aside for others who can. She also framed it as a broader debate about “the path forward” for Democrats.

Why it’s getting attention

The comments landed as an internal Democratic fight, especially because some outlets interpreted them as a swipe at current party leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. That is why the clip is being discussed so widely: it sounds like Slotkin is pushing for a reset inside the party, and Stephen A. Smith’s interview gave her a big platform to say it plainly.

In plain English

She’s basically saying: “Democrats need fresher leadership and a different strategy, or they’ll keep losing.” That’s the core of what she was talking about with Stephen A. Smith.

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TopicWhat Slotkin said
Party directionDemocrats need “significant change”
LeadershipThe party needs “new leadership” in Congress and the White House
ReasonOld models are “no longer working” after 2024
TL;DR: Slotkin was using Stephen A. Smith’s show to argue that Democrats need a leadership shake-up and a new political message.