In a recent interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed concerns about the potential of a Donald Trump victory in the 2024 presidential election, suggesting it could be so polarizing that it might lead to a civil war. While acknowledging some positive aspects of Trump’s policies, particularly in relation to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Smith emphasized Trump’s perceived divisiveness as a major worry.
Smith questioned the Republican party’s commitment to Trump, suggesting that other potential candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley might enact similar policies but with more decorum and decency. He urged Republicans to consider alternatives who could implement similar policies without causing the level of division that, in his view, might lead to a civil war.
“What I would ask to Republicans is this: somebody like (Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis) would vote right along how (Trump) votes,” Smith said. “They’d try to implement policies just like he’s implementing. Nikki Haley, as well. I mean, what are you talking about? They would do the things that Trump does. They would just do it with considerably more decorum and — dare I say — decency as opposed to being so divisive where you ultimately cause civil war in this country.”
Regardless of who Republicans choose, Smith emphasized the need for a new president.
“On the other hand, there’s (President Joe Biden),” he continued, “and there are a lot of people with the Democratic Party — that I won’t give their names — but they made sure to contact me because they didn’t like the fact that I said this, Clay. We need a new president. The man is gonna be 82 years of age in the year 2024. There’s no way around it.”
Regardless of the party’s choice, Smith stressed the need for a new president, pointing out President Joe Biden’s age and suggesting that, at 82 years old in 2024, there is a need for fresh leadership. Smith’s comments highlight concerns about the impact of divisive politics and the need for leaders who can implement policies with a more unifying approach.
