Stephen A. Smith’s recent foray into political discourse has drawn the ire of Democratic strategist James Carville, who launched a scathing critique of the longtime ESPN host during his podcast on Thursday. Carville took particular issue with Smith’s complaints about the Democratic Party, urging him to stick to sports commentary and berating his political expertise with an expletive-laden tirade.
“When it comes to politics he don’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. He’s running his g**damn mouth about how he may have to run as a Democrat, because there’s nothing left in the Democrat party, there’s no talent,” Carville said on his Politicon podcast War Room. “Stephen A, are you s****ing me?” He continued to assert that before discussing politics, Smith should consider seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals rather than letting his perceived ignorance cloud his views on the matter.
In response, Smith addressed Carville’s comments on Friday’s edition of The Stephen A. Smith Show, suggesting that Carville’s arrogance might explain why Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump in the 2024 Presidential election. “Sir, do you have to be so rude?” Smith remarked. “Dropping F-bombs and going off like that. I could be that way too, but my mom taught me to respect my elders. And you are 80 years of age if I remember correctly. I’m trying to be respectful so I’m not gonna come at you the way you came at me. I thought that was completely unnecessary.”
Smith acknowledged that he is not a political expert but emphasized that he is a conscientious observer of the news. He rhetorically questioned Carville about being a voter and suggested that Carville’s attitude could be a reason for the party’s losses, describing him as an old curmudgeon stuck in the past. “That is not Stephen A. Smith’s fault sir. That’s that damn Democratic Party that I was talking about,” he asserted.
Smith has joked about running as a presidential candidate lately, claiming that “something needs to be done to bring America back to where it always should have been.” Whether this intention is genuine or merely a strategy to engage in political discussions as a media figure, it’s clear that Smith has no plans to cease his political commentary anytime soon, irrespective of Carville’s opinions.
