Stephen A. Smith Faces Criticism for Comments on Kamala Harris

On a recent podcast, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was repeatedly challenged for expressing regrets about his vote for Kamala Harris. Hosts Cari Champion and Jemele Hill questioned Smith’s remarks that the Democratic Party aimed to place Harris in the presidential race as Joe Biden’s successor.

Smith referred to Harris’s October 2024 appearance on ABC’s ‘The View’, where she couldn’t identify any actions she’d take differently than Biden. Smith believed this was a missed opportunity to assert herself. He emphasized Harris’s loyalty to Biden, considering her background as a former state attorney general, senator, and vice president.

“This is not a dumb woman,” Smith stated. “Her loyalty to Joe Biden usurped everything else.”

Smith spoke at Fanatics Fest in July 2026 in New York City. He expressed frustration with Harris’s approach. Hill defended Harris by acknowledging Biden’s achievements and Champion urged an explanation for Smith’s regret.

Smith admitted, “I supported her leading up to the election… I was honest about how I felt afterward.” Champion accused Smith of targeting Black women, arguing he could have voiced his critiques without expressing regret.

Smith contended his comments were disagreements rather than disparagements. Champion disagreed as the discussion shifted to Smith’s disagreement with Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

According to Curtis Houck from NewsBusters.org, Smith’s openness is uncommon and needed from commentators. Houck praised Smith’s success in exploring different ideological areas.

Smith, interviewed by Sage Steele in April, confirmed regret for his vote, believing Harris could negotiate across political lines. He concluded the Democratic Party was disconnected even after losing the election.

In January 2025, Smith told Bill Maher that voting for Harris left many feeling deceived. If primaries occurred, Harris likely wouldn’t have been the nominee.