Stephen A. Smith claps back at Sean Hannity over Harris-Trump debate
A fiery showdown on Fox News
In a heated appearance on Fox News’ Hannity this Thursday night, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when confronting Sean Hannity regarding Kamala Harris’s role in the Biden administration and her alleged policy shifts as a candidate. Smith reiterated his staunch opposition to ever voting for Donald Trump.
Hannity began by reminding viewers of his long-standing friendship with Smith. Despite their personal connection, Smith admitted he disagrees with Hannity “75 percent of the time” and humorously remarked, “I feel bad for you half the time with some of the takes you give.” This set the contentious tone for their discussion.
The role of Kamala Harris
As the conversation shifted to Kamala Harris, Hannity asserted that she struggles to defend her past statements, likening her position to being “tied up as a pretzel.” He argued that Harris can no longer afford to revisit her previous stances now that she is running as a candidate.
However, Smith challenged this perspective. “The bottom line is this: as vice president of the United States, it wasn’t her job to lead. She has to go along with the program. You are a support base. You support the person that is in charge, who happens to be Joe Biden,” Smith explained. He also questioned Hannity’s praise of Trump’s clarity, implying that they couldn’t be judging the same criteria if Hannity found Trump’s rhetoric commendable.
Trump’s tumultuous oratory
Donald Trump has faced criticism for veering off-topic during rallies, making bizarre statements, and causing some attendees to leave events early. His speeches often lack structure, drifting from one topic to another, a style that contradicts the clarity Hannity attributed to him.
When Hannity mentioned Harris’ supposed dishonesty about Biden’s mental state, Smith shared his observations from a year prior, noticing a “slippage” in Biden’s cognitive abilities. Nonetheless, Smith argued it is unrealistic to think Harris would publicly acknowledge such issues given the political dynamics.
“A year earlier, I was saying this slippage, there’s something that ain’t there. He ain’t gonna make it to the election. Y’all better get with the program, do something about it,” Smith recalled. He emphasized that, had he been part of the Biden administration, disclosing such concerns wouldn’t have been an option.
Harris as the candidate
Smith reasoned that now, as a candidate, Harris is adopting a more collaborative and inclusive approach. “What she’s doing now is saying, ‘Excuse me, I’m open to compromise, I’m willing to work across the aisle, I’m willing to listen and make things happen,’” Smith stated.
Voters’ perceptions of Trump
Smith then addressed the belief held by many Trump supporters that Trump’s background in business and entertainment would serve as a positive disruptive force in Washington. He posed a critical question regarding the potential impact of Trump’s return to office.
“The question is, will it be for better, or will it be for worse?” Smith asked. He alluded to Washington D.C. as a “cesspool” and expressed concerns that if Trump’s focus were solely on a personal “revenge tour,” it would be detrimental to effective leadership and governance.
A firm stance against Trump
The interview concluded with Hannity predicting Smith would ultimately vote for Trump. Smith’s response was unequivocally firm.
“No!” Smith firmly retorted. “And I told you on the record: I’d have voted for any Republican but him. Nicki Haley, Chris Christie … but not him!”
Stephen A. Smith’s candid and articulate arguments on Hannity underscore the complex nature of political allegiance and the scrutiny of public figures’ roles. This exchange is a stark reminder of the vibrant and often contentious discourse shaping today’s political landscape.
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