Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN commentator, has chastised prominent supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris, such as Oprah Winfrey and former First Lady Michelle Obama. He argues that their campaign strategies may have distanced voters in the 2024 presidential election.
A New York City native, Smith built his career on an often controversial and passionate approach to sports commentary. After attending Winston-Salem State University on a basketball scholarship, an injury cut his playing career short. He subsequently earned a degree in mass communication and began his journey as a sports journalist. Smith joined ESPN in 2003 and quickly became a familiar face on shows like “First Take” and “NBA Countdown.”
Smith’s comments have frequently sparked controversy and debates across social media. His opinions on issues such as domestic violence, athletes’ use of recreational drugs, and his candid criticism of certain sports figures have often gone viral.
Smith suggested that the attempts of wealthy celebrities to sway voters through guilt and moral lecturing may have been counterproductive, contributing to Harris’s loss to Donald Trump in the presidential race.
“They’re worth hundreds of millions if not billions,” Smith said of the celebrity supporters. “They’re incredibly detached from [voters’] way of life and their quality of life.”
Smith particularly pointed out comments by Obama that suggested voting for Trump was against women’s interests. He argued that such messaging alienated male voters. He also questioned Winfrey’s forewarning about the future of voting rights under Trump’s administration.
“If we don’t agree with you, we’re against you – that kind of rhetoric doesn’t work,” Smith stated during his political commentary.
Smith described the election results as a “referendum on the Democratic Party” and a thorough defeat of Harris by Trump. He noted that voter concerns about several issues, including the economy, border policies, and transgender rights in sports, coupled with celebrity messaging, led to the Democrats’ electoral loss.
Smith’s increasing political commentary coincides with his ongoing contract negotiations with ESPN, where he is reportedly pursuing a nine-figure deal. His guest appearances on conservative host Sean Hannity’s show have included discussions about Trump’s age and mental sharpness, along with broader political issues.
While Smith has criticized both major political parties, he recently shared his political ambitions, stating he would consider a presidential run if he thought he had a real chance of success. However, he stressed that he would take different stances on key issues, especially immigration policy. Regarding immigration, he would oppose Trump’s extreme approach, particularly the denial of citizenship to children born in the United States to immigrant parents, he stated.
