Prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has publicly expressed second thoughts about his vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. During an appearance on The Rubin Report with host Dave Rubin, Smith discussed his frustration with both Harris’ campaign and former President Barack Obama’s rhetoric.
Stephen A. Smith Shares Regrets Over 2024 Election Choices
“When you hear people talking about practical, practical things, and then I saw folks on the left basically trying to guilt me into voting for you, you know, it bothered me,” Smith candidly shared. He admitted to voting for Harris over Donald Trump, citing dissatisfaction with Trump’s behavior but noted, “I didn’t call him a racist. I didn’t call him a Nazi.”
Smith reflected on his prior relationship with Trump before the presidency, saying, “I knew Trump before he ran for president. We talked on the phone. We talk at basketball games or boxing events. I knew this man, and so some of the things that were being said about him I knew were not true.”
Obama’s Comments Spark Controversy
Smith also took issue with remarks made by former President Obama during the election. Obama had suggested that misogyny was a reason Black men were not supporting Harris. This, Smith said, nearly caused him to reconsider his vote entirely. “That rhetoric offended me,” Smith explained. “You can’t do that to [Black men].”
The First Take host went on to criticize Democrats for their focus on identity politics. According to Smith, this strategy has alienated many Americans and driven some toward right-leaning ideologies. “I acknowledge racism exists,” he stated. “But if a white American is struggling to make ends meet, I can’t knock them for not focusing on race when choosing a political candidate.”
Smith’s remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction among some voters who feel disconnected from the Democratic Party’s messaging. His reflection on the 2024 election underscores the challenges both political parties face in addressing a diverse electorate’s concerns.