Stephen A. Smith has criticized Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for employing what he describes as off-putting “street language,” which he believes alienates voters and inadvertently benefits the Republican Party.
The well-known ESPN analyst chastised the Texas representative for her frequent use of slang and intense rhetoric in her public addresses, arguing that it detracts from her reputation as an “educated, brilliant Black woman.”
“In her role, that approach won’t lead to success,” Smith commented on his SiriusXM program, “Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith.”
Crockett has previously faced backlash for her remarks about Republican figures, such as calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, “Governor Hot Wheels.”
Smith described such language as “street rhetoric” and cautioned that it ultimately aids Trump and his Republican supporters in dismissing her criticisms.
“This educated, brilliant Black woman—representing over 750,000 constituents—is resorting to language used on the streets, which is acceptable in that context,” he stated.
‘How many of y’all bring the streets to the table when you at the negotiating table trying to get a deal done? How many of you are able to think that for a second that you able to bring street verbiage to Capitol Hill and that’s going to work for you?’
Smith said Republicans often use Crockett’s words against her, adding: ‘Why would they do that? Because they know it wins for them.’
Stephen A Smith tore into Democrat Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for using ‘street language’ in her attacks on Republicans in a blistering rant on his show this week
Crockett has come under fire in the past for remarks she has made about her Republican opponents, including calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, ‘Governor Hot Wheels’
Smith’s remarks are not the first time he has condemned Crockett. Last week he came under fire for saying that her persistent attacks on Trump and Republicans are not helping her constituents.
‘Aren’t you there to find a way to get stuff done as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?’ he said.
Following backlash to those remarks, Smith devoted his most recent episode to explaining why he went after the Texas congresswoman.
The sports commentator insisted that he respects Crockett and said he ‘believes her heart is in the right place’ with a ‘damn good resume’, but felt her outspoken nature would make her an ineffective legislator.
‘All I’m saying is that, at some point in time, when you want to get things done, you got to walk across the aisle and deal with people that you don’t want to deal with,’ he said.
Smith said he faced calls for his show to be axed after his previous attacks on Crockett, which he said were uncalled for.
‘Everybody has their thoughts and opinions, and I get that. But to call for a rally for me to be canceled? That’s shameful. It’s immature,’ he said.
Smith said Crockett’s inflammatory language was ‘rhetoric for the streets’, and warned that it only serves to help Trump and his Republican allies in brushing off her attacks
Smith has frequently waded into politics this year, with his name floated as a surprise contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028
Smith said if Crockett hopes to continue rising in Democrat politics, she should focus on running for a committee chairmanship or unseating a Republican senator rather than engaging in petty squabbles.
‘And what I was saying was I appreciate her passion, her intellect, the fact that her heart and her willingness to be courageous and all of those things are in the right place,’ he said.
‘But, my God, isn’t it about winning, too? Isn’t it about getting it done?’
Smith has frequently waded into politics this year, with his name floated as a surprise contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
The ESPN star initially laughed off the notion, but said in August that he was flirting with the idea of mounting a campaign.
In an appearance on Bill Maher’s Real Time, he said a run for the White House was ‘possible’, and said he only considered it because of his disappointment with Democrats.
‘Listen, life is good, man. I mean, I leave the door open,’ he said at the time.
‘I can’t imagine myself doing it, but I haven’t ruled it out, because I’m disgusted with what I’m seeing on the left.’
