Stephen A. Smith Blasts Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey Over Election Messaging
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has levied serious accusations against Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey regarding what he says was their involvement in Kamala Harris' electoral defeat.
In his latest podcast episode, Smith attributes the loss of Kamala Harris in the recent election to the divisive tactics employed by Obama and Winfrey, as the Daily Mail reports.
According to Smith, the rhetoric used by Michelle Obama during the campaign was particularly alienating.
She famously remarked that "a vote for [Trump] is a vote against us," which Smith believes manipulated voters emotionally.
Smith Expounds on Celebrity Influence in Politics
On his show, Smith expressed that such statements do more than just alienate; they actively manipulate voter intention. He criticized these tactics as ineffective and patronizing, especially to male voters.
"'If we don't agree with you, we're against you?' How do you think the men felt about that? So, we have to do what you tell us to do; otherwise, we're anti-you? You thought that worked? Do y'all know anything about most men? You think that's going to work?" Smith argued during his podcast.
This sentiment was echoed in a clip from Winfrey, who on a separate occasion hinted at a dire future if Trump were re-elected, suggesting an anti-democratic takeover.
Celebrity Disconnect from General Electorate
The divide between celebrity lifestyles and the experiences of the average American was a recurring theme in Smith's discussion.
He believes that the wealthy and famous are too detached to understand ordinary lives.
"This is the kind of stuff that alienates an electorate, alienates a voter. Because the freedom that you tell them you have, you try to confiscate morally by letting them know, you ain't worth a damn unless you vote the way we say you should vote," Smith explained.
Smith's political commentary has grown more pronounced recently, as evidenced by his appearances on other media platforms like Fox News, where he also criticized Trump's mental acuity.
Smith's Media Influence and Contract Negotiations
Aside from his political comments, Smith is also making headlines in his professional life. He is reportedly in the midst of significant contract negotiations with ESPN, seeking a deal comparable to top athletes.
"[Dallas Cowboys quarterback] Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million. He's making $60 million a year. Has won two playoff games in eight years. I've been number one for 12 years. I'm sorry; in our respective industries I win, and I'm fully aware of what I'm worth, and I will never apologize to that for anybody," Smith stated, comparing his success to that of high-earning sports figures.
Such statements underscore his view of his value in the media industry, aligning his own negotiations with the high stakes of professional sports contracts.
Broader Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
While celebrity endorsements are common in political campaigns, the effectiveness of such endorsements is increasingly questioned.
Smith's critique highlights a broader skepticism about the impact of celebrity involvement in politics.
The well-known personality's comments suggest a need for a reevaluation of how political endorsements and celebrity involvement are perceived and their actual impact on voter behavior.
This discussion is likely to influence future political campaigns and how candidates interact with high-profile endorsements.