Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has stated he regrets his vote for former Vice President Kamala Harris, citing a growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party. He shared these sentiments during Wednesday’s episode of ‘The Sage Steele Show’.

Initial Belief in Compromise

Host Sage Steele prompted Smith to revisit his previous comments made on Dave Rubin’s show regarding his vote for Harris. Smith confirmed he did vote for Harris, but now expresses regret. He initially believed Harris possessed the ability to work across the political aisle.

Loss of Faith in Democratic Strategy

“I also believed that she was the kind of person that… could work across the aisle,” Smith said. However, he later concluded that the Democratic Party remained unable to understand the reasons behind their electoral losses. “And then when I saw how things were unfolding and how out in the clouds the Democratic Party was even after they lost the election, I just said, ‘There’s no hope.’ I said, ‘I don’t know what the hell I was thinking about believing that you all would get it, because you still don’t get it.’”

Preference for Divided Government

Smith emphasized his strong opposition to one-party rule, advocating for a system of divided government where different parties control the White House and Congress. He believes this structure fosters more responsible governance. He is “completely and adamantly against one-party rule.”

Harris vs. Trump

While Smith initially saw Harris as someone Congress could influence towards consensus-building, he contrasted this with former President Donald Trump, whom he described as uniquely powerful and difficult to restrain. “I knew that they would be able to compel her to do that,” he said of Congress, “Which would make the American people feel comfortable about whatever decision was being made because we’re understanding that things are being run from a consensus perspective.”

Alternative Republican Candidates

Smith indicated his vote might have differed had the Republican nominee been someone other than Donald Trump. He specifically mentioned he would have voted for Marco Rubio or Nikki Haley. “If it was Marco Rubio in there, I’d have voted for Marco Rubio in a heartbeat,” he stated. “I would have voted for Nikki Haley in a heartbeat without question.”

Calls for Biden to Step Aside

Steele questioned Smith’s criticism of Democrats despite voting for Harris. Smith responded by highlighting his previous, public calls for President Biden to step aside. “Who was the person that went on the air a year and a half ago and said we need a new president. Biden’s got to go. That was me,” he said.

Smith acknowledged the influence of his identity and community ties, stating, “That’s fair,” when Steele pointed out a potential pull to represent the Black community. He added, “People need to be able to admit that that pull that exists. It’s human.” Fox News Digital reached out to Harris for comment but did not receive an immediate response.