ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith discussed his White House interview with President Donald Trump during an appearance Thursday on “Hannity,” warning that Democrats face pressure from the party’s progressive wing.
Smith said their roughly 40-minute conversation covered the Republicans’ heavy midterm losses. He challenged Trump over whether he was willing to accept any responsibility, but said the president would not budge.
Trump had urged voters during the campaign to treat the midterms as a referendum on him. In the interview, though, he reportedly argued that he wasn’t on the ballot. Smith said he reminded Trump that he had encouraged people to vote with him in mind, then asked whether that might have contributed to the losses.
According to Smith, Trump rejected that possibility and blamed the Republican candidates, suggesting the outcome would have been different if he had been running himself.
Smith disagreed with that assessment. He said he believes voters were reacting to Trump’s presidency and, in particular, what some saw as a lack of focus and a sense that he was detached from their concerns.
They also discussed the Iran war and tariffs, Smith said, including how both might affect voters and the economy. He brushed off speculation that Trump had offered him the White House press secretary job, joking that the salary would be a steep cut and adding that he would consider such a change only for the presidency.
Smith, who has criticized politicians in both parties, said Democrats have a problem with internal divisions. Party leaders may describe the party as a big tent, he argued, but some on the progressive left appear unwilling to make room for people who do not fully share their views.
He also criticized Democrats who have declined interview requests and said Trump deserved credit for agreeing to speak with him. Smith said Trump answered his questions, even when he strongly disagreed with the premise.
