Longtime ESPN host Stephen A. Smith stunned viewers by suggesting that one high-profile conservative could persuade him to become a Republican. Smith offered unusually strong praise for Byron Donalds (R-FL), calling the Trump-backed Florida gubernatorial candidate “the real deal.” He also said his growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party has caused him to lose interest in it “in a lot of different ways.”
The remarks came during an episode of Smith’s “Straight Shooter With Stephen A. Smith” podcast featuring Donalds, who is seeking the Republican nomination to succeed popular but term-limited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The two discussed affordability, housing, property taxes, insurance, education, black voter outreach and Donalds’ association with President Donald Trump. Smith, who has described himself as a registered independent with fiscally conservative and socially liberal views, was candid about his personal respect for the congressman.
“And I ain’t no damn Republican, but I mean if anybody could make me one, it would be him,” Smith said. He told his audience that he was “just going to keep it a buck. I’m just letting you know” about his view of Donalds. Smith then pointed to the Florida Republican’s knowledge of the issues and his willingness to defend his positions during confrontational appearances.
“He’s the real deal. Make no mistake about it,” Smith said, according to Trending Politics. Smith said he had watched Donalds battle Democrats and other political opponents without backing down. He also revealed that the two speak frequently and said he had nothing negative to say about the congressman.
The exchange then shifted to the Democratic Party and its longstanding relationship with black voters. Smith defended asking what Democrats have actually delivered for those voters, declaring, “I ain’t apologizing for it.” He added, “I’m very skeptical about them,” before acknowledging that he has lost interest in the party in several respects while still trying to evaluate candidates fairly.
Smith pressed Donalds on whether his close association with Trump could make some black voters skeptical of his campaign. Donalds answered that voters should judge elected officials by examining their policies and results rather than relying on familiarity or partisan promises. He argued that politicians from both parties have spent years making sweeping promises to black Americans and said the real question is whether voters will verify what those policies actually accomplish.
Watch the exchange here:
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Donalds currently represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District and serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in the state’s August 18th primary, where he faces Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and political newcomer James Fishback. President Trump has endorsed Donalds, who has maintained a commanding advantage over his Republican rivals.
A July 31st Quantus Insights poll placed Donalds at 49.6% among likely Republican primary voters. Collins finished a distant second with 15.7% support, leaving Donalds with a lead of nearly 34 points. Donalds’ campaign has also reportedly raised more than $90 million over the course of the election cycle, giving him an imposing financial advantage as primary day approaches.
Donalds later responded to Smith’s praise during an interview with Just the News, saying the two had gotten to know one another over the previous year. He argued that Smith’s remarks reflected a broader desire among voters for competent government and practical policies. “Republicans, independent voters, even Democrats — they just want this country to work,” Donalds said. “They want common sense to reign.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.