Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is urging Democrats to stop assuming they own the Black vote and instead make a serious effort to earn it through concrete policies and real results.
According to Fox News, Smith, who has openly mused about entering politics himself, spoke bluntly to his audience about the way presidential choices are framed every election cycle. "I keep reminding y'all, I don't want us falling into fearmongering and all of this other stuff to decide who our commander in chief is going to be every four years," he said, rejecting the now-familiar tactic of scaring voters away from Republicans rather than persuading them on substance.
He argued that the country would be far better served if candidates were judged strictly on what they intend to deliver, not on emotional manipulation or identity politics. That, he said, would allow voters to demand that, "We make sure that they cater to America's interests first, but just as importantly, as a Black man, the Black community. I want us to stand up and say, Hey, flatter me! Work for my vote! Don't think that it automatically comes your way! You got to earn it!"
Smith criticized Democrats for fixating on boutique causes that appeal to a sliver of the electorate while neglecting broader concerns of working families and long-loyal constituencies. "We've been giving the Democratic Party our vote above 80% since the '60s. I'm not saying that should change," he said. "I'm saying let them earn it, as opposed to not doing anything for us, focusing on even smaller constituents than us."
Highlighting the imbalance, he pointed to the demographic reality that Black Americans are a significant share of the nation, not a fringe group to be taken for granted. "We make up 13.6% of the population. Stop concerning yourself with 1% of the population, if not less, when it comes to the interests of this country and the interests of communities that fall under the purview of this country."
Smith further contended that Democrats must move beyond the lazy accusation that Republicans, including supporters of President Donald Trump, are simply racist and therefore disqualified. "Look out for us, and don't just be in our face saying that the other side is racist, so don't vote for them. Like I'm supposed to believe you're not. Nah," Smith said.
Drawing a comparison to everyday decisions, he noted that no prudent person would buy a house, car, or suit without careful inspection, and political loyalty should be no different. "I ain't giving you anything. Earn it," he said. "It's all I'm saying."
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