Following the recent election, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith voiced his disappointment with the Democratic party and Vice President Kamala Harris's performance. Appearing on "Real Time With Bill Maher," Smith expressed regret over his vote for Harris, highlighting her failure to connect with voters during the 2020 primaries and her subsequent nomination despite this. He questioned how someone who couldn't even make it to the Iowa caucuses became the Democratic nominee, leaving many voters feeling misled.
Smith has been openly critical of the Democratic Party's messaging, arguing that they failed to address the core concerns of the American public. He contrasted this with Donald Trump's approach, suggesting that Trump, despite his controversies, resonated with voters by focusing on issues they cared about and positioning himself closer to the political center.
In an interview with Sean Hannity shortly after the election, Smith characterized the results as a clear rejection of the Democratic Party's direction. He further elaborated on this critique on "The Will Cain Show," specifically citing the party's focus on "transgender issues and culture wars and identity politics" as a major disconnect with the electorate.
While Smith has openly considered a potential run for public office, he has also been notably accepting of Trump's victory, a stance that contrasts with many in the liberal media. He has even criticized prominent left-wing figures like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey for their portrayal of Trump. On "The View," Smith reiterated his interest in a presidential bid, stating that he would seriously consider it if presented with a viable path to victory.