Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has sharply criticized ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, advising him to avoid political commentary and stick to his area of expertise, sports.
The rebuke comes after Smith recently dismissed the notion of a presidential run, suggesting the idea gained traction only due to the Democratic Party's perceived lack of strong leadership. Smith claimed he could "beat any Democrat out there right now" because none are resonating with the public.
Carville, a frequent critic of the Democratic Party's management, acknowledged the party's underutilization of its talent pool. However, he took exception to Smith's remarks, stating that while he appreciates Smith's sports analysis, his political commentary is uninformed.
In a video posted on Politicon's YouTube channel, Carville bluntly assessed Smith's political knowledge, saying, "When it comes to sports, I find him to be really insightful. When it comes to politics, he doesn't know the first thing." He further challenged Smith's claim about the Democratic Party lacking talent, citing Governors Wes Moore of Maryland and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania as examples of capable leaders.
Carville directly addressed Smith, questioning his understanding of politics and urging him to consult with knowledgeable individuals before making further pronouncements on the subject. He highlighted Smith's professed friendships with Governors Moore and Shapiro, emphasizing their political acumen.
Carville's message to Smith was clear: "Keep up your commentary on sports...but don't make a fool of yourself anymore talking about politics." He encouraged Smith to focus on his strengths and avoid venturing into areas where he lacks expertise.
