Stephen A. Smith, one of ESPN’s most prominent commentators and host of “First Take,” has publicly expressed regret over his vote for then-Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a significant shift in his political stance. Smith, known for his outspoken commentary and commanding presence on sports television, made these remarks during a December 2024 appearance on Fox News.
“I voted Democrat, and I’ve got to tell you something right now: I don’t like the fact that I did,” Smith told Fox News during an appearance on “Life, Liberty & Levin,” expressing particular frustration with what he perceives as a shift in Democratic Party priorities since the election.
The sports analyst, who had previously been one of Trump’s most vocal critics during the 2020 election season, has dramatically reversed his position. During that campaign, Smith had consistently challenged Trump’s rhetoric and leadership style, often expressing concerns about the former president’s impact on national unity.
Smith specifically criticized what he characterized as Democratic “fearmongering” tactics and expressed dissatisfaction with several party policies. “I’m not interested in the fearmongering,” Smith stated, advocating instead for politicians to focus on addressing the needs of all Americans, including those he described as “desolate and disenfranchised.” He emphasized his disappointment with the party’s messaging strategy since the election.
Smith indicated openness to backing Trump while emphasizing that he would need to demonstrate significant improvements to gain his full endorsement. His earlier hesitation about Trump stemmed from concerns about prioritizing personal loyalty above effective governance. Still, he indicated these worries have become less significant than his dissatisfaction with the current Democratic administration.
The ESPN commentator highlighted policy disagreements with the Democrats, focusing on opposition to police funding reductions and concerns about border policies. He also disapproved of President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, viewing it as representative of larger problems in the current administration. Smith emphasized his concerns about the Democrats’ handling of inflation and economic challenges.
Smith indicated openness to supporting other Republican candidates in the future as well, specifically mentioning JD Vance, Byron Donalds, and Marco Rubio as potential options. He emphasized that any future support would be contingent on candidates presenting concrete plans for addressing national challenges, particularly economic issues and border security. Smith noted that his shift in perspective comes from observing policy outcomes rather than partisan loyalty.
In discussing his evolution on these issues, Smith emphasized that the Democratic Party needs to move beyond what he describes as “blame game” politics. He argues that the party has spent too much time criticizing opposition figures rather than developing substantive policy solutions. Smith stressed that his primary concern is finding leadership capable of addressing the practical challenges facing American citizens, regardless of party affiliation.
