Stephen A. Smith Confronted Over Comments on Kamala Harris

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN commentator, faced scrutiny during a podcast released on Wednesday. Hosts Cari Champion and Jemele Hill questioned him about his remarks regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. Smith expressed regret for supporting Harris in the 2024 election, suggesting the Democrats planned for her to replace former President Joe Biden.

Smith criticized Harris’ appearance on ABC’s ‘The View’ on October 8, 2024. During the show, Harris mentioned she wouldn’t do anything differently than Biden. Smith found this statement surprising, given Harris’ extensive political background. He believed her loyalty to Biden overshadowed her own ambitions.

Because when she went on ‘The View’ and said she couldn’t think of anything to do differently, this is not a dumb woman. This is a former state attorney general, senator, and vice president. There’s a reason she said that; her loyalty to Joe Biden usurped everything else.

Smith questioned Harris’ commitment to winning the presidency. Hill argued that Harris was building on Biden’s achievements. Champion pressed Smith on why he regretted his vote for Harris, emphasizing her efforts.

Smith defended his position, noting he supported Harris during the election and shared his honest feelings afterward. Champion accused him of targeting Black women, suggesting he could voice criticism without expressing regret.

Smith countered with, Can you concede that it’s a disagreement as opposed to a disparagement? However, Champion did not agree.

Smith’s open admission drew comments from Curtis Houck, managing editor of the Media Research Center’s NewsBusters.org. Houck praised Smith’s honesty, asserting that more commentators and journalists should be open about their regrets and mistakes. He encouraged greater ideological diversity in media.

Smith’s earlier interviews shed more light on his views. During an April interview with Sage Steele, Smith confirmed his vote for Harris and expressed regret. He initially believed Harris was capable of bipartisan work but felt the Democratic Party lacked understanding after losing the election.

Smith explained his disillusionment in a January 2025 interview with Bill Maher. He felt misled by supporting Harris, believing she would not have been the Democratic nominee if a primary had occurred.