ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on Thursday accused Democrats of failing to use the court system against former President Donald Trump, suggesting new tactics are needed to defeat Trump.
President Trump’s latest trial began Monday in New York, where Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges the former president falsified business records during payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Smith appeared on “Cuomo” to discuss the previous call from Democrats. NewsNation host Chris Cuomo began by asking Smith what he thought of the prosecution of Trump, saying there were “concerns” that the former president would go unpunished if found guilty. (Related article: ‘I’m too scared to beat him’: Stephen A. Smith calls for Democrats to try Trump)
“I’m not an advocate of anyone getting away with crime,” Smith said. “I’m a human being when it comes to the law. I believe in following the law. If you commit a crime, you deserve some time. That’s my view. Civil penalties… Or what would you do if no crime was sought? Chris, my problem is this: I don’t think you’re going to catch him. Even if you feel guilty, it will not result in a prison sentence.”
“That is not the same as him being removed from the Republican nomination and the Republican nomination for President of the United States,” he continued. “Then why would you use the courts, use the legal means, as many people call it, to fight this kind of battle to bring him down, instead of preparing to move up as a party? And are you continuing to politicize all of this? “Are you against him?” I think the arguments being made against him in court are: [where the] Politicians are using the courts. Obviously they’re doing it. The arguments being made against him are reckless because they are not working. ”
“Democrats contacted me and said, ‘Well, just be quiet and don’t say anything, because you’re Stephen’s voice and it resonates with people. Please don’t snitch on people. , let us do what we have to do.” Damn, that doesn’t work. You are losing momentum right before our eyes. At least the last time I checked, about a week ago, he was winning six or seven polls — he’s gaining momentum,” Smith continued.
“My point is that despite losing over $454 million in four indictments, 91 counts, two impeachments, and judgments in civil litigation, he is still moving forward. “It’s about looking at it, moving forward and continuing to reap the benefits. There’s momentum,” he said. “What are you going to do about that? I never meant to give the impression that even though he committed a crime, he shouldn’t pay for it. What I’m saying is, you don’t have to. I mean, I can’t seem to get him. It’s like he’s coated with Teflon. So the only way to get him is to defeat him, and to be honest, I can’t seem to do that either. is very tired of it.”
Earlier this week, Smith challenged Democrats on the merits of Bragg’s case against Trump, expressing concern that Trump would win. Some have criticized Mr. Bragg’s case because charges of falsifying business records are generally considered misdemeanors. Mr. Bragg argued that the payments to Mr. Daniels were used to cover up another crime and argued that the charge should be upgraded to a felony.
