Don Lemon Takes Aim at Stephen A. Smith’s Politics
In a recent episode of “The Don Lemon Show,” the former CNN host Don Lemon expressed his frustration over commentator Stephen A. Smith’s outspoken political views. Known for his vibrant personality and fiery takes, Smith’s foray into political commentary has sparked debates and controversies—much to the dismay of Lemon, who has chosen to address Smith directly.
The Disappointment in Political Discourse
Lemon didn’t hold back when sharing his opinion about Smith. During a chat with hosts Reecie Colbert and Clay Cane, he remarked, “Stephen A. Smith has just been a disappointment.” This sentiment encapsulates the frustration that many in the Black community feel about Smith’s recent trajectory, where his comments often veer into territory that lacks foundational knowledge and insight.
Lemon emphasized, “I try not to criticize, especially Black men or Black people in general, but Stephen A. Smith goes off and talks about sh-t that he has no idea about.” This statement highlights a critical point in the ongoing conversation: the importance of responsibility and accuracy in media commentary, particularly when addressing issues that are sensitive and impactful to marginalized communities.
The Critique of Credibility
When discussing Smith’s impact, Lemon pointed out a troubling trend—Smith has made appearances on various platforms, including “white boy, right-wing podcasts,” to express opinions on issues concerning Black individuals without substantial facts to back them up. This lack of grounding in reality prompted Lemon to critique the authenticity of Smith’s arguments.
Through humor, Lemon imitated Smith’s signature loud delivery, generating laughter among his guests, but also revealing a serious undertone. “He thinks because he’s doing it like this that people will listen to him!” This mimicking highlights the performative nature of Smith’s commentary, suggesting that volume doesn’t equate to credibility.
Cozying Up to Controversial Figures
Lemon expanded on his critique, expressing concern over Smith’s relationship with certain figures in media. “It’s just shocking to me, this sort of cozying up to white people, and it’s gotta be for the money,” he said. This statement underscores a concern in the Black community about authenticity and the motivations behind public figures’ actions. Lemon’s provocative comment—that becoming a Black conservative could lead to great financial reward—implies a troubling trend where some commentators may prioritize profit over community integrity.
Support from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
In a notable reaction to Lemon’s comments, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett weighed in, aligning herself with Lemon’s sentiments. Responding on Instagram, she declared, “All I have to say is Stephen is synonymous with the modern-day Django… don’t be a Stephen A… ESPECIALLY RIGHT NOW!” This statement resonates with many who critique Smith’s approach, indicating a larger movement among Black commentators and public figures to hold each other accountable.
The Broader Commentary Landscape
Lemon’s critique comes amid rising tensions in media commentary about race, especially regarding Black individuals. Former MSNBC host Joy Reid has previously given Smith a similar roasting, emphasizing that Smith’s platform benefits from sensationalist statements about Black people. Reid stated, “They’re paying you [Stephen A. Smith] not for your numbers… They’re paying you because you are willing to say the nasty things about Black people that they want to say.” This comment speaks to a broader issue in media of how Black voices are sometimes exploited for views and ratings, raising ethical concerns about portrayal and responsibility.
In summary, the ongoing dialogue about Stephen A. Smith’s political commentary is not just about individual disagreements. It reflects deeper issues within the media landscape and the intricate ties between ownership, representation, and responsibility. Whether through humor or serious critique, figures like Don Lemon and Joy Reid are not merely calling out their contemporaries but sparking reflections on what Black representation should look like in today’s society.