Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith took aim at Democratic lawmakers following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, arguing their response handed the president a political advantage.
According to Fox News, while speaking on his show “Straight Shooter,” Smith said Trump anticipated the reaction from his opponents and used it to his benefit.
“Donald Trump, when he asks the question about cheering and asking about protecting American citizens and prioritizing them ahead of migrants, he set you up! He knew you weren’t going to stand. He knew 73 of y’all were going to show up to other places and not show up to the State of the Union,” Smith said.
Trump delivered a record-length speech on Tuesday while some Democrats skipped the event and attended a counter-program instead.
Smith argued that the optics reinforced Trump’s narrative about his critics.
“And he’s making the claim that you hate him so much you’re devoid of objectivity, and you’re devoid of thinking about what’s in the best interest of the United States of America because you’re too busy thinking about your own personal feelings and animus towards him,” Smith continued.
He warned that the reaction allowed Trump to frame the moment on his own terms.
“And every time you do that, he smiles and mocks you and has a field day. You played right into his hand,” Smith added. “Don’t come back at me and say ‘F Stephen A. Smith,’ or ‘Stephen A. Smith is selling out,’ or ‘Stephen A. Smith is this way or that way.’ I’m just telling you what it is. Don’t kill the messenger!”
Smith urged Democrats to focus on strategy rather than emotion.
“Shape the message in a fashion that benefits you for once. The man has been playing y’all like a fiddle for 11 years now, and you still can’t beat him! Damn! You keep falling right into his hands, and it’s a damn shame.”
He also questioned whether confrontational rhetoric helps the party politically.
“Who do you think is affected when we see Rep. Omar screaming at him the way that she has? When you see James Carville going off the way that he does? Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not knocking them. I’m not denigrating them. Please don’t take it that way. I’m saying, when are you going to get committed to what works?” Smith said.
Smith contrasted the political messaging with what he said voters prioritize.
“That’s what they care about. They don’t give a damn whether they like them or not. When are we going to get that? What the hell is wrong with people? I cannot believe this,” he said, referring to issues such as healthcare, housing costs, job security, and gas prices.
Although Smith often aligns with Democrats, he has publicly criticized the party on several occasions. He recently called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to address homelessness, crime, and state finances during an appearance on his show.
“I simply want you to answer for your state about the homelessness that Obama just alluded to, which he labeled an embarrassment,” Smith said. “About the crime. About defund the police, about being a sanctuary city and state. About billions in debt. About homelessness. Where’s the answer to those questions?”
Smith framed his comments as political advice rather than an attack, saying Democrats need to adopt tactics that resonate with voters rather than reactions that benefit Trump.
