Stephen A. Smith has admitted he regrets voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, citing his disappointment with the Democratic Party’s response following the loss. Appearing on The Sage Steele Show with Sage Steele on April 1, 2026, Smith confirmed his vote and acknowledged his change of heart.
Referencing his earlier comments on Dave Rubin’s show, Steele asked, “You went on his show, and you said that you voted for Kamala Harris?” Smith replied, “Yes.”
When she followed up, “And that you regretted it,” Smith responded, “Yeah.” Smith explained that his initial support for Harris stemmed from his belief in her ability to unite across party lines. The basketball pundit explained, “I also believed that she was the kind of person that… could work across the aisle,” he said.
However, his perspective shifted after observing the party’s conduct post-election. “And then when I saw how things were unfolding and how out in the clouds the Democratic Party was even after they lost the election, I just said, ‘There’s no hope.’”
He added, “I said, ‘I don’t know what the hell I was thinking about believing that you all would get it, because you still don’t get it.’”
Smith ultimately framed his decision within his broader political philosophy, emphasizing his preference for divided government. He reiterated his opposition to one-party control, explaining that he had expected Harris to be more receptive to congressional pressure and to prioritize consensus-driven governance.
Related: Kenny Omega Breaks Silence On Cody Rhodes’ Massive Street Fighter Role
Smith also acknowledged that his vote could have gone the other way if Republicans had nominated a different candidate. Pointing to alternative options within the party, he said, “If it was Marco Rubio in there, I’d have voted for Marco Rubio in a heartbeat.”
He added, “I would have voted for Nikki Haley in a heartbeat without question,” highlighting his openness to backing either candidate.
Stephen A. Smith Defends Pre-Election Criticism Of Joe Biden
During the same interview, Stephen A. Smith pushed back on criticism that his post-election stance conflicted with his earlier vote. He said he had publicly urged then-President Joe Biden to step aside well before the election.
“Who was the person that went on the air a year and a half ago and said we need a new president. Biden’s got to go. That was me,” Smith said.
Steele suggested Smith may have felt a broader personal or community connection influencing his decision. Smith acknowledged that factor, responding, “That’s fair,” and adding, “People need to be able to admit that that pull that exists. It’s human.”
In Case You Missed: How Iman Shumpert And Teyana Taylor Are Redefining Post-Split Success
The interview reflects Smith’s evolving political stance following the 2024 election and outlines his reasoning for both his vote and subsequent regret.
