In a recent segment on his show, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith launched a scathing critique of the Democratic Party’s persistent invocation of “threat to democracy” rhetoric. His blunt directive? “Shut the hell up.”
Smith’s remarks targeted Democratic leaders, particularly their approach to the 2024 nomination process, which he argued sidestepped traditional primaries in favor of a preordained selection of Kamala Harris following Joe Biden’s political downturn.
“When I mentioned my past willingness to support Kamala Harris, I was far from thrilled. She hasn’t earned her position in my eyes; she didn’t endure a primary contest. And the Democrats ranting about a “threat to democracy”—they need to cut it out.
“It’s hypocritical. They didn’t mind trampling the democratic process when they cleared the way for the former vice president to skip the primary and secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States directly.
Smith didn’t hold back in calling out party insiders for their double standards, implying they could have replaced Biden earlier but chose not to, simply because it was “her turn.”
In a notable shift, Smith lauded conservatives for their unwavering support of Trump, emphasizing that it was a choice made collectively by voters, rather than a mere question of timing.
“You had the opportunity to move Joe Biden aside sooner, but you chose not to, looking instead to fulfill a succession plan because it was her moment. In 2016, it was all about ‘Hillary’s turn.’ And recall when Biden struggled in the primaries until Representative Clyburn came to his rescue—still, it was his turn afterward.
“That’s what frustrates me about the Democrats. It’s perpetually about someone’s turn rather than genuine merit. However, I have to give credit to conservatives during Trump’s rise.
WATCH:
NEW: Stephen A. Smith tells Democrats to “SHUT THE H*LL UP” over “THREAT TO DEMOCRACY” rhetoric
“I don’t want to hear that! Because you didn’t care about that when you circumvented the democratic process to make sure that the vice president, the former vice president, would… pic.twitter.com/4KVN9bH9WU
— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) October 9, 2025
Jim Hᴏft is the founder and editor of The Gateway Pundit, one of the top conservative news outlets in America. Jim was awarded the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award in 2013 and is the proud recipient of the Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Journalism from the Americans for Prosperity Foundation in May 2016.
You can email Jim Hᴏft here, and read more of Jim Hᴏft’s articles here.
