Stephen A. Smith

“It's a negative because I think over the long haul from a general populist perspective, it's going to contaminate the electorate on the left side of the aisle,”

Stephen A. Smith · said 2026-09-03 · reported 2026-09-03

Smith told POLITICO host Dasha Burns that Piker's influence could hurt Democrats beyond its progressive base.

“It's going to come back to haunt them.”

Stephen A. Smith · said 2026-09-03 · reported 2026-09-03

Smith warned that Piker's growing political footprint would ultimately hurt Democrats in general elections.

“So, you're not thinking about him. You’re not thinking about him. You’re thinking about the three million people that support him, and you're trying to get those votes. That's what you're saying?”

Stephen A. Smith · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-03

Smith summarized El-Sayed's strategy as an effort to win over Piker's audience rather than an endorsement of the streamer personally.