ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith issued a sharp rebuke of Black Americans’ political loyalty to the Democratic Party, stating that their unwavering support has led to self-imposed disenfranchisement. Speaking at the Front Office Sports Tuned In Summit, Smith argued that Black voters give their votes away “no matter what,” removing any incentive for parties to address their needs.
Smith criticized the political strategy of voting Democrat by default, saying, “We told the Republican Party, you ain’t getting our vote no matter what. We told the Democratic Party, you got our vote no matter what. So they didn’t have to do anything.” He compared this to how Latino voters are courted by both parties because their support cannot be taken for granted.
According to CNN exit polls from the 2024 election, President Trump received 13% of the Black vote, including 21% of Black men and 7% of Black women. Smith noted that while these numbers represent a minority, they show a shift in political attitudes among segments of the Black population, particularly Black men.
Smith also took aim at Democratic leadership for ignoring concerns he said resonate deeply with Black men, including rising crime and the impact of illegal immigration. He argued that these issues are often dismissed or minimized by liberal politicians who assume continued support without delivering meaningful change.
Smith’s comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among Black voters with the Democratic Party’s leadership and policy priorities.
