Stephen A. Smith Rooted for Democrats, Then Warned It Could Cost Them the White House

Stephen A. Smith has never been shy about sharing his opinions, but this week he took his commentary off the court and straight into election politics. On his“Straight Shooter”podcast the night before the midterms, Smith said he was rooting for Democrats to take the House because he despises one-party rule. It sounded like a straightforward endorsement, until he pivoted and warned that the win could cost Democrats the presidency in two years.

Smith predicted culture wars and woke ideology would resurface under Democratic leadership, and he called a possible third Trump impeachment the“stupidest thing”Democrats could do. The timing raised eyebrows, especially since Smith dined with Trump at the White House in October alongside Kid Rock and Bill Maher. Once Democrats swept both the House and Senate, social media users fired back at Smith, criticizing his timing and his both-sides framing.

The whole episode raises a bigger question about celebrity political commentary: does it help the conversation, or does it just add noise? Smith clearly has strong views, but whether his audience wants those views on politics remains up for debate. Where do you land on this one?