In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed his discontent with his decision to support the Democratic Party, revealing that he no longer felt aligned with the political choices he had made. Appearing on Life, Liberty & Levin on Saturday, Smith candidly admitted, “I voted Democrat, and I got to tell you something right now, I don’t like the fact that I did. I don’t like what I’m seeing.”
His remarks reflect a broader sense of disillusionment, as both the Democratic Party and its leadership have come under intense scrutiny following the election results.One of the most contentious issues within the Democratic Party has been the aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss. As President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his historic victory in November, the Democratic Party has been embroiled in an internal blame game, with many pointing fingers at various party figures for the defeat. Some critics have pointed to Harris’ performance and lackluster support from key demographic groups, while others have criticized President Joe Biden for his failed re-election campaign and his persistently low approval ratings. Smith, like many others, has been frustrated by what he perceives as the party’s failure to effectively address the concerns of its base.
One of the most prominent points of contention for Smith is the controversial decision by President Biden to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, on December 1, 2024. Smith’s criticism of this move was pointed and direct. “I don’t want to hear about, ‘Oh, we’re about the law. Nobody’s above the law. Nobody’s above the law.’ But then you go out, and you pardon your son, and you try to blame everybody else for it,” Smith said during his conversation with host Mark Levin. The pardon came after Biden had publicly stated on multiple occasions that he would not pardon his son if a jury convicted him, which added a layer of hypocrisy in the eyes of many critics.
However, Smith’s dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party runs deeper than just Biden’s actions. The host also echoed concerns raised by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who criticized the party’s ideological direction. “I don’t want to hear about defund the police. I don’t want to hear about open borders. I don’t want to hear this stuff,” Smith said, highlighting key policy debates that have divided the nation. He expressed frustration with the party’s focus on issues he believes are not in line with the concerns of average Americans. His sentiments were shared by Sanders, who argued that the Democratic Party had “abandoned” the working class, leading to their disillusionment with the party and contributing to Harris’ loss. This critique drew a sharp rebuke from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but it resonated with Smith, who agreed that the party’s shift away from the working class had consequences.Smith’s criticism of the Democratic Party is also fueled by a broader frustration with the current state of American politics. During the interview, he stated that he is
“no longer interested in listening to a bunch of fearmongering to tell us who we shouldn’t vote for.”
Instead, Smith called for a more constructive approach, saying that political candidates should focus on presenting a clear, compelling vision for the future of the country. “Why don’t you come up with a plan that tells us why we should vote for you?” Smith asked, emphasizing the need for political leaders to prioritize the well-being of American citizens rather than relying on divisive rhetoric.
While Smith has made it clear that he is frustrated with the Democratic Party, he also expressed openness to supporting Republican candidates in the future, provided their policies align with his vision for the country. “If Donald Trump, JD Vance, Byron Donalds, Marco Rubio, or a host of other Republican candidates coming down the pike, that’s the kind of message that they’re going to put forth, I’m down for it,” Smith said. His openness to considering candidates from across the political spectrum underscores his desire for leadership that prioritizes the nation’s best interests, rather than political gamesmanship.
Smith also addressed his complex feelings about Trump, acknowledging that he could “quite possibly” vote for the president-elect if Trump were to run again, but only if Trump could “prove a lot” to him. Reflecting on his previous decision to vote against Trump in favor of Kamala Harris, Smith explained that his concern was Trump’s divisiveness and the chaos he believed Trump would bring to the nation. “What concerned me about Donald Trump… was because I felt that he would be divisive. That he would create chaos because he demands such a level of loyalty and fealty to him,” Smith explained. He worried that Trump’s leadership style, which prioritized loyalty over governance, would harm the country’s ability to function effectively.
Ultimately, Stephen A. Smith’s reflections on the 2024 election highlight a profound sense of disillusionment with both major political parties and their leadership. His dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s direction, combined with his cautious consideration of Trump’s potential second term, illustrates a broader frustration with the political status quo. For Smith, the future of American politics will require leaders who prioritize the nation’s needs above partisan divides and offer policies that resonate with the everyday concerns of the American people. As he navigates this complex political landscape, Smith remains open to supporting candidates who share this vision, regardless of their political affiliation.
