Stephen A. Smith Critiques Democrats on Fox News
On a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed that the Democratic Party needs to take a hard look at its “extreme left” and perhaps distance itself from those ideologies.
In a discussion about the party’s messaging and climate leading up to the 2026 midterms, he pointed to figures like socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as examples of Democrats who have struggled to resonate with a broader audience since the November 2024 elections. Hannity pressed him on the party’s stance regarding open borders and lenient crime policies, among other issues.
Smith candidly stated, “Let me talk. How many times have I been on this show and said I need to cleanse the party?” He went on to reflect on the changing dynamics, noting that Chuck Schumer seems to have lost his previous influence and that AOC’s prominence could be a concern. He mentioned Jasmine Crockett as another voice emerging in the debates.
“Bernie Sanders got some attention recently at a rally in New York City, sure, but I don’t see that winning over the general election,” he added. “Maybe it plays in California, but the majority of Americans don’t seem to be on board with that.” As the party gears up for midterms, it faces declining voter registration and approval ratings.
According to a New York Times report, between the 2020 and 2024 elections, Democrats lost around 2.1 million voters across 30 states and Washington, D.C., while Republicans gained approximately 2.4 million new registered voters.
Smith emphasized, “Yes, some Democrats lean more centrist and do believe in a bit of government intervention, but we’re not in the business of defunding the police. We understand the need to tackle crime and ensure the economy thrives.” He argued for stronger national security and borders, asserting that the party’s current direction seems dominated by far-left ideologies.
While some party members remain optimistic about flipping the House in future elections, recent polling shows a troubling trend. A CNN poll from March indicated a steep drop in favorable ratings for the Democrats, down to 29%—a decline of 20 points since January 2021. Another poll by Quinnipiac released in July revealed just 19% approval for Democratic Congressional leaders.
As discussions about the party’s leadership and future unfold, opinions differ on potential frontrunners, with some looking to Mamdani, while others consider California Governor Gavin Newsom as a significant possibility.
