Stephen A Smith blasts Jasmine Crockett for using 'street language': 'Doesn’t help Democrats win'

WASHINGTON, DC: Sports commentator Stephen A Smith has launched a scathing critique of Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket, accusing her of using “street language” that alienates voters and plays directly into the Republican Party’s hands.

Speaking on his SiriusXM show 'Straight Shooter with Stephen A Smith', the ESPN star said Crockett’s rhetorical style undermines her credibility and distracts from her strengths as an “educated, brilliant Black woman."

Stephen A Smith slams Jasmine Crockett’s political tone

“When you’re in her position, that’s not going to get you anywhere,” Smith said, referring to Crockett’s habit of using slang and combative phrasing in her speeches.

Crockett, who represents Texas’s 30th Congressional District, has previously faced criticism for mocking her Republican rivals, including calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, “Governor Hot Wheels.”

Smith said such language “might play well on social media, but it doesn’t help Democrats win votes.”

“This educated, brilliant Black woman representing over 750,000 people is engaging in verbiage and rhetoric for the streets, and that’s fine when you in the streets,” Smith said. “But how many of y’all bring the streets to the table when you at the negotiating table trying to get a deal done?”

He continued, “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?”

Criticism that plays into Republican hands

Smith warned that Crockett’s fiery outbursts are being weaponized by conservatives. “Republicans often use Crockett’s words against her,” he said. “Why would they do that? Because they know it wins for them.”

He argued that while Crockett’s passion resonates with younger voters, her delivery gives her opponents easy ammunition. “She’s got the brains, she’s got the education, she’s got the courage but she’s also giving them the footage they want,” Smith added.

Stephen A Smith doubles down after backlash

Smith’s remarks follow a wave of backlash from Democrats after he previously said Crockett’s relentless attacks on Trump and the GOP were “not helping her constituents.”

“Are you there to get things done,” Smith asked, “or just to be an impediment to what Trump wants?”

After his comments drew outrage online, Smith devoted his latest episode to clarifying his stance. “Everybody has their thoughts and opinions, and I get that,” he said. “But to call for a rally for me to be canceled? That’s shameful. It’s immature.”

Stephen A Smith urges Jasmine Crockett to focus on results

Despite the harsh tone of his critique, Smith emphasized that his issue is strategic and not personal. “I respect Jasmine Crockett,” he said. “I believe her heart is in the right place, and she’s got a damn good résumé. But at some point, when you want to get things done, you got to walk across the aisle and deal with people you don’t want to deal with.”

He urged Crockett to channel her influence into leadership roles within Congress, such as running for a committee chairmanship or taking on a Senate challenge.

“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,” Smith said. “But, my God, isn’t it about winning, too? Isn’t it about getting it done?”

Stephen A Smith hints at his own political ambitions

Smith’s deepening involvement in political debates has fueled speculation about his own political future. Earlier this year, his name was floated as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, a suggestion he initially dismissed.

But in August, during an appearance on 'Real Time' with Bill Maher, Smith admitted he was “flirting with the idea.”

“I can’t imagine myself doing it,” he said, “but I haven’t ruled it out because I’m disgusted with what I’m seeing on the left.”