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In recent years, Stephen A. Smith has been more outspoken about politics.
He typically steers clear of discussing politics on ESPN, but hasn’t been afraid to weigh in on his own podcast and other outlets.
It can be costly to take one side of a political argument, but Smith actually believes that his political discussions have increased his audience.
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Stephen A. Smith makes a guest appearance on “The View.” (Lou Rocco/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images)
When a listener asked if he felt that talking about politics might dampen his popularity, he said he didn’t “worry about that.”
“First, it’s politics, it’s not sports. Second, I’m not bringing it to ESPN. Third, and most importantly, I think it’s important to remember that I’m a reasonable human being,” Smith began. “What I do when I talk politics is what I do when I do everything. I tell you how I feel and where I stand based on the facts presented to me. But I’m open to being corrected, which means I’m willing to engage in dialogue. And I’m willing to talk to people and hear what they have to say.”
Stephen A. Smith on “ESPN NBA Countdown” at the Intuit Dome on October 23, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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Smith said his openness “encourages people” to do the same and listen to his thoughts.
“I’m not one of those stubborn, rabid ideologues who get stuck in one position and I don’t move and I don’t care how anybody else feels … I’m not like that,” Smith continued. “All I do is I research my information, I tell you what I’ve learned, what I know, what I think I know. I articulate those thoughts to you from the honesty and heartfelt attitude that I’m coming from, and then I let the chips fall where they may.
“When you have that attitude, it encourages people, it doesn’t turn them off because you’re willing to say what you feel… It helps make the world a better place.”
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said Thursday that he doesn’t think there is a Democratic candidate who could beat a Vance/Rubio presidential ticket in 2028. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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Smith has been critical of both sides.
He recently insinuated that he felt like a “fool” for voting for former Vice President Kamala Harris last year.
