Renowned sports analyst and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back during his recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher. In a candid discussion, Smith admitted that he and many others feel like “damn fools” for voting for Kamala Harris in the last election instead of supporting President Donald Trump.
Smith Questions Kamala Harris’ Legitimacy as a Nominee
Expressing his frustration, Smith slammed the Democratic Party’s decision-making process, pointing out that Harris was not a strong candidate in 2020 and had failed to gain traction in the primaries.
“Kamala Harris, who did not resonate during the primaries in 2020, couldn’t even get to Iowa, suddenly is the Democratic nominee. Then you roll up to the convention in Chicago, and everybody is like, ‘She’s a rockstar!’ So it’s like, ‘How’d that happen?’” Smith remarked.
Smith highlighted the fact that Harris withdrew from the 2020 Democratic primary before the Iowa caucus due to a lack of support. Despite this, she was later elevated to the party’s top ticket—a move that, in hindsight, many voters now regret.
“We Fell for the Okie-Doke”: Smith Blasts Democrats
The outspoken sports anchor didn’t mince words when discussing his regret over voting for Harris.
“Yes, I voted for her, a lot of people voted for her, but in the end, we end up feeling like damn fools because we supported it. We fell for the okie-doke, as they say. If you had a primary, she likely would not have been the Democratic nominee.”
Smith’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among voters who believe that the Democratic Party prioritized identity politics over merit and electability.
Smith Torches Democrats for Their Extreme Leftward Shift
During the discussion with Bill Maher, actor Jesse Eisenberg, and California Congressman Ro Khanna, Smith took aim at the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, arguing that their focus on fringe social issues has alienated everyday Americans.
“The Democrats are obsessed with issues that pertain to less than 1% of the population. Meanwhile, Americans are struggling with real problems—inflation, crime, and national security—but the left is stuck on identity politics.”
“Trump Was Impeached Twice, Convicted on 34 Felonies—And Still Won”
Smith acknowledged that, despite Trump facing two impeachments and a guilty verdict in 34 felony counts, Americans still preferred him over the Democratic alternative.
“Here’s the deal: The man was impeached twice. He was convicted on 34 felony counts, and the American people still said, ‘He’s closer to normal than what we see on the left.’”
This, Smith argued, was a clear rejection of the Democratic Party’s current direction.
Smith Calls Election a Referendum on the Democratic Party
During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Smith doubled down on his criticism, calling the election results a “referendum on the Democratic Party.”
“I think that in light of those results, we have to look at this election as a referendum on the Democratic Party. America’s saying: We’re not feeling where you are. We’re not feeling where you tried to go. We want no part of it. We’re not having it. And they made their choice, and we all have to accept it.”
Smith noted that, while he didn’t vote for Trump, he fully understands why millions of Americans did.
Smith Blames Democrats’ Obsession with DEI, Transgender Issues & Identity Politics
After the election, Smith took a direct shot at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), calling out its failure to address key concerns and its relentless focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“It’s such a strong tilt to the progressive left where we are talking about transgender issues, culture wars, and identity politics. We are sick of all of that.”
While liberals painted the election as a battle for democracy, Smith argues that most voters simply rejected the Democratic Party’s out-of-touch policies.
“That makes total sense to me, and I’m good with it—even though I didn’t vote for [Trump]. I’m not as taken aback and feeling nothing but gloom and doom. The world isn’t ending just because the person I voted for didn’t win.”
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Democrats?
Smith’s harsh critique of Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party, and their progressive agenda highlights the growing dissatisfaction among moderate Democrats and independents. As America moves forward under President Trump, the question remains:
Will the Democratic Party learn from its mistakes, or will it continue alienating voters with radical policies?