(NewsNation) — Stephen A. Smith is never one to back down from controversial comments on ESPN or his podcast, and now, that apparently includes discussion of former President Donald Trump.
Smith half-jokingly said on “The Howard Stern Show” recently he would “eat him alive” in a debate.
Expanding Thursday on “CUOMO,” Smith said Trump doesn’t discuss any substance in debates but just dishes out insults.
“He doesn’t want any part of me. I actually, I absolutely positively meant it,” Smith said. “I’m not questioning the intelligence of the former president of the United States … (but when) talking about strictly debating, he doesn’t discuss information. He doesn’t bring up anything. Everything’s insults.”
Smith hosts a debate show of his own, “First Take” on ESPN. Outside of cable television, the sports media personality has his podcast “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” where discussions go beyond the world of sports.
Trump hasn’t appeared on a debate stage during the primary election, a strategy that so far appears to be working in his favor. He remains the front-runner in polling and he secured victories in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.
Trump does frequently employ personal attacks against his GOP rivals, for example calling Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis “Ron DeSanctimonious” and mocking Nikki Haley’s birth name.
“He throws out insults and some folks are a bit too dignified to engage in that kind of debate, others are not quick footed enough to respond to him when he does do those things, neither of which would be my problem,” Smith said. “You don’t have to be substantive in a debate against Donald Trump.”
Smith isn’t one to shy away from political discourse and has criticized both the Republican and Democratic parties.
He said it’s “embarrassing” Democrats have no other to another candidate to offer than President Joe Biden, who would be 82 at the time of his second inauguration. His approval rating is largely underwater, and many voters have said in polls they are concerned about his age.
“I think the Democratic Party should be ashamed of itself,” Smith said. “You’re asking him to give you four more years because he is your best candidate to beat a former president who’s been impeached twice, has four indictments against him, 91 counts, and could end up being a convicted felon by the time the election rolls around.”