Stephen A. Smith: Trump 'annihilation' of Harris ‘a referendum on the Democratic Party'

Sports commentator Stephan A. Smith reflected on President-elect Trump’s victory over Vice President Harris this week, saying the “annihilation” is a larger call for “a referendum on the Democratic Party.”  

“I know a lot of people are trying to label it, ‘You know, [Trump] won a little bit in a lot of different places.’ I don’t want to hear that,” Smith said in a Thursday evening appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”

“He won and he won in absolutely convincing fashion, so much so that I think that in light of those results, we have to look at this election as a referendum on the Democratic Party.” 

Trump’s decisive victory this election has led to larger conversations about the future of the Democratic Party. Strategists and operatives say the Harris campaign relied too much on an old playbook that isn’t working in 2024. 

“America’s saying, ‘We’re not feeling where you are. We’re not feeling where you tried to go. We want no part of it. We’re not having it,’ and they made their choice and we have to accept it,” he added.  

In the past, Smith has hinted at a White House run, but said he’d only consider launching a campaign for president if he had a “legitimate shot” at winning. 

If he were to run for president, Smith said on ABC’s “The View” on Thursday that he would do so as an independent “because I don’t like either side, and I’m not going to be bought and paid for.” 

“I’m going to do what I believe is in the best interest of the American people, whatever that may be, and I’m going to make my decisions and I’m going to stand on them.”