Stephen A. Smith Discusses Hasan Piker’s Influence on Democrats

Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN personality, recently expressed concern about the possible impact of far-left streamer Hasan Piker on the Democratic Party during an interview with POLITICO host Dasha Burns. Smith argued that Piker’s growing influence could be detrimental to Democrats in general elections and could serve as fuel for Republicans opposing candidates who associate with the streamer.

Smith commented, “It’s a negative because I think over the long haul from a general populist perspective, it’s going to contaminate the electorate on the left side of the aisle. It’s going to come back to haunt them.” This statement reflects his belief that Piker’s association with Democratic candidates could be a liability beyond the party’s progressive base. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

The Republican National Committee (RNC) is already leveraging Piker’s influence against Democrats. RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre remarked that Democrats are avoiding confronting Piker’s rhetoric, especially as Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faced criticism over campaigning alongside him. Baldassarre stated, “El-Sayed is a terrorist sympathizer and an America-hating socialist. His refusal to distance himself from Hamas-hugging radicals like Hasan Piker reaffirms his true allegiance is to terrorist groups, not America.” She condemned the Democrats for either sharing Piker’s ideology or being too afraid to challenge it.

Smith’s comments coincide with Piker’s increasing involvement in Democratic politics, which has become contentious in key Senate races. A Fox News poll conducted in Michigan found Republican nominee Mike Rogers leading El-Sayed 51%-47%, within the margin of sampling error. While El-Sayed has substantial support from Democratic Socialists of America, his backing among non-DSA Democrats and independents was significantly lower.

El-Sayed defended his engagement with Piker’s audience, stating, “What I’m saying is there are three million people who listen to Hasan. I want to offer them a pathway into an electoral movement where, rather than sit outside of the electoral system, they see a pathway around the things that they agree with that he says that I agree with, and a pathway that disavows the things that I disagree with. And so it’s important.” He clarified his strategy as an attempt to gain votes from Piker’s audience without personally endorsing him.

Smith summarized El-Sayed’s approach as focusing on garnering support from Piker’s followers rather than aligning with the streamer himself, stating, “So, you’re not thinking about him. You’re not thinking about him. You’re thinking about the three million people that support him, and you’re trying to get those votes. That’s what you’re saying?”

Fox News Digital reported that El-Sayed tried to distance his campaign from Piker after backlash due to controversial statements from the streamer involving American Jews and Israel. Piker had previously endorsed El-Sayed and participated in his campaign events.

Piker has been a controversial figure, notably retracting his 2019 statement that “America deserved 9/11” and more recently facing criticism for comments regarding Israel and American Jews.

Fox News Digital reached out to Piker, the DNC, and the RNC for comments but did not receive immediate responses.