ESPN host Stephen A. Smith delivered a scathing critique of the Democratic Party's behavior since President Donald Trump assumed office, during a conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Smith implored the Democrats to fulfill their duties as elected officials, a responsibility bestowed upon them by the American electorate.
As reported by Daily Caller, Smith expressed his disappointment with the Democrats' lack of participation and enthusiasm during Trump's 99-minute address on March 4. Even when Secret Service Director Sean Curran introduced Devarjaye D.J." Daniel.
Daniel, a 13-year-old Houston resident battling brain cancer, to receive his credentials, the Democrats remained largely unresponsive. Smith argued that the Democrats should be seeking opportunities to negotiate with Trump, rather than maintaining a stance of opposition.
Smith stated, I dont consider myself a part of the Democratic Party. Im very ashamed of what Ive seen from them over the last several years, and Ive stated that in front of your face and that of many others on many occasions." He went on to describe the behavior of some Democrats during Trump's address as disgraceful, adding, "I thought before Hannity interjected, questioning, Some? Who stood for the First Lady? Who stood for Laken Rileys mother?
Footage from the speech revealed that many Democrats did not stand or applaud Daniel, with social media accounts alleging that Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan rolled her eyes when Daniel was introduced by Trump. Smith responded, No, Im sorry, I was just talking about Representative Green getting put out and censured. I was talking about them not standing for Laken Riley. I was talking about them not standing for the young boy who was a cancer patient. I mean, my God, its just absolutely pathetic."
Smith also criticized the Democrats' messaging strategies, including a March 5 video that influencer Sulhee Jessica Woo posted on Instagram, which was reminiscent of the character selection screens from the Street Fighter video game franchise.
He expressed his confusion and disappointment, saying, I dont know who the hell came up with the dancing videos. I dont know who the hell came up with, you know, 22 representatives at the same time saying the same message, nothing innovative, nothing authentic whatsoever. It was just the same old, same old. It was an absolute disgrace."
Despite his criticisms, Smith offered a glimmer of hope, stating, But heres why there is hope, Sean Hannity. Im going to tell you why there is hope. Because you got people like me, and I dont think that Im alone, thats ready to purge the damn party." He argued that the current strategies of the Democrats were no longer effective, and that they needed to demonstrate their readiness to fulfill their duties as elected officials, regardless of the administration in power.
Smith also pointed out the Democrats' opposition to a continuing resolution that would fund the government through September, with only Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania publicly stating his intention to vote for the measure.
Smith concluded, I know they dont like the fact that Donald Trump is in office, but the 47th President of the United States of America, his name is Donald Trump. And as you have told me on many occasions, if nothing else, the man is all about making deals. Find deals that he is willing to make and make it happen. Figure it out.
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