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In recent years, Stephen A. Smith has become more outspoken on political matters.
He typically avoids discussing politics on ESPN, but hasn’t been afraid to weigh in on his own podcast and other media outlets.
Taking sides in a political debate can have a cost, but Smith actually believes that his political discussions have increased his audience.
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Stephen A. Smith appears as a guest on “The View.” (Lou Rocco/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images)
When a listener asked him if he thought talking about politics might hurt his popularity, he said he wasn’t “worried about it.”
“First, this is politics, this is not sports. Second, I’m not talking about this 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 about politics is what I do when I do everything. I let you know how I feel and where I stand based on the facts that I’ve presented to myself. But I’m open-minded to corrections, which means I’m willing to engage in dialogue. And I’m willing to talk with people and hear what they have to say.”
Stephen A. Smith on “ESPN NBA Countdown” taking place at the Intuit Dome on October 23, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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Smith said his open-mindedness “encourages people” to do the same and listen to his thoughts.
“I’m not one of those stubborn, rabid ideologues who’s stuck in one position, and I don’t budge, and I don’t care what other people feel…that’s not who I am,” Smith continued. “All I do is research my information, I tell you what I have learned, what I know, what I think I know. I express these thoughts to you with the honesty and sincere position from which I come, and then I let the chips fall where they may.
“When you have that attitude, it encourages people, it doesn’t put 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 capable of beating the Vance/Rubio presidential ticket in 2028. (Para Griffin/Getty Images)
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Smith criticized both sides.
He recently insinuated that he felt “dumb” for voting for former Vice President Kamala Harris last year.
