Stephen A Smith harshly criticized ‘neutral’ politicians in fiery interview: ‘I’m not running away from this conversation’
Legendary sportscaster Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back on American politicians during a recent interview with Sean Hannity.
“I don’t like it when anyone acts like they’re neutral. You’re not. You know you feel something, tell us! It’s okay,” Stephen A. Smith expressed during an intensive interview on Fox Nation’s new two-part special, “Sean.”
Hannity weighed in on Smith’s exasperation with cable news anchors, asking him, “Are most cable news anchors and network news anchors journalists?”
Sportscaster Stephen A. Smith pictured with Fox News’ Sean Hannity during his recent appearance on his new Fox Nation show, ‘Sean’. (Fox News)
Before giving his answer, Smith assured Hannity that he was “not running away” from this conversation and that he had “a lot to say.”
“They are experts, they can be journalists. They choose when they want and when they don’t,” he explained.
FOX NEWS DOMINATES VIEWERS IN 2024, BREAKING CNN AND MSNBC COMBINED IN UNPRECEDENTED NEWS YEAR
“They’re in a game they’re trying to win. Now anybody who watches cable news knows that Fox News is number oneMSNBC is number two and CNN is number three. It’s just a fact.”
“When you’re trying to win, and there’s an audience that’s already locked in on the right and there’s an audience that might be locked in on the left, and you’re trying to find your way… In an effort to find your way, you can deviate from the norm to discover winning formula.” he claimed.
Smith went on to challenge his longtime friend Hannitysaying that he “gets[s] bothers” when he calls other media “fake news”.
“You know what it is, it swings down. You don’t have to do that,” he added. “You don’t have to do that, Sean Hannity, because of what you’ve done—first with Colmes, God bless his soul—and what you’ve done yourself over the years. Ratings, in terms of the success of your show. Radio, television, everything you’ve touched , you’re here,” Smith said as he waved his hand above his forehead.
STEPHEN A. SMITH, SHANNON SHARPE FLASH TO ESPN COLLEAGUES AFTER ‘FIRST SNAP’ COMMENTS
Hannity went on to share the moment his broadcasting career went from “0 to 100.” In 1989, Hannity quit his construction job to pursue a career in broadcasting.
“I was working in construction. I was listening to the radio all day. One day I’m in Santa Barbara, California, and I find out that the local college has a radio station. And I can’t explain it,” Hannity said. “Gee, they gotta let community members on the air, right? They let me in. That light went on and it was game, set, match. It’s over, right? I wasn’t going to do anything else I was going to do. I never thought I’d be successful.”
Seven years later, in 1996, he was hired by Fox News, where he stepped in as co-host of “Hannity & Colmes.” Hannity has since remained with Fox News and continues to maintain his role as a primetime anchor and one of the most prominent faces in all of cable news.
Stephen A. Smith pictured with Fox Nation host Sean Hannity during a recent chat about the new ‘Sean’ special. (Fox News)
Likewise, Smith is one of the most famous faces in all of sports media.
As one of sports’ most outspoken broadcasters, Smith is all too familiar with receiving backlash on and offline. However, he told Hannity that he avoids attacking “contemporaries or colleagues.”
Hannity concluded by praising Smith, saying, “You’re peerless, you’re a brand. You’re ESPN. I honestly think you’re the most talented person on the network.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
