Stephen A. Smith on Saying Positive Things About Trump: ‘For that, I Sincerely Apologize, to Be Clear, My Words Were Misconstrued’

Smith: “I wanted to touch om something that I made news about just a few days ago. Let me say this, ladies and gentlemen:
Accountability is where everything needs to begin in this world. There’s something I say quite often. I certainly never hesitate to hold folks accountable when mistakes are mishaps occur, so I’m certainly not about to run from it myself. I’m fully aware that I’ve been in the news over the last few days, paraded all over social media, as well, after comments I made during my appearance on Fox News’ ‘Hannity’ last week with the one and only Sean Hannity himself. And I’m fully aware of the outcry that has ensued because of it. A lot of folks in black America seem pretty pissed at me right now, from friends and loved ones, to colleagues, contemporaries, and dare I say, even the NAACP itself. Quite a few folks were put off, if not flat out offended after my words were interpreted as associating support for Trump from the black community with all the legal issues he’s facing. For that, I sincerely apologize. To be clear, my words were misconstrued. I’m standing right here for the record that my words were taken out of context, misrepresenting and depicting me in a way I found every bit as insulting and disrespectful as folks in black America evidently felt about what they thought I said. But I’ll own it anyway. Because, you know, please know that I know the buck stops with me. I’m in the communication business, I have been here for 30 years, so regardless of whatever interpretation that accompanies any words coming out of my mouth, the responsibility ultimately lies with me first and foremost before anybody else. I’ve always felt that way. I still do. I always will, period. Blacks who refuse to support Trump are aware of his history of issues. And we’ll never forget how Trump claimed Obama, the nation’s first black president, wasn’t even qualified to hold office because he was born in Kenya, although Trump recanted the statement during his 2016 campaign run for the presidency. Yet Trump’s dissenters were not the topic of discussion when I was talking to Hannity. The support he appears to be receiving in the polls was what was being discussed. Five polls — count ‘em, five — Emerson, NBC News, Daily Kos, New York Times and Rasmussen, all big national polls, had Trump leading over the last few weeks. Plus, according to FiveThirtyEight, recent local polls also put Trump ahead in battleground states. He’s up six points in Michigan, Arizona and Georgia each. In so far as Trump gaining support in the black community, well, how about various publications with these headlines? The Chicago Tribune: ‘This time Trump really does seem to be making black voter inroads. Why?’ The Washington Post: ‘Voters of color are shifting right. Are Democrats doomed?’ How about The New York Times: ‘As black voters drift to Trump, Biden’s allies say they have work to do.’ Axios wrote: ‘Big Biden bummer: NY Times/Siena polls shows gaps with key demographic groups.’ Wall Street Journal: ‘Biden loses support among black men.’ The Hill: ‘Biden losing support among black voters in swing states: survey.’ Al Jazeera: ‘Why are black voters backing Donald Trump in record numbers?’ And CBS News: ‘Black voter support for Trump up from 4 percent to 23 percent, poll finds.’ Why did I say all of that? Because I want to show you I didn’t just open my mouth. I read, I listened, and I’ve seen a momentum shift, as we all have. Anywhere I appear, no matter my subjectivity relating to what I feel, is still going to be based on facts being presented into the stratosphere. That is who I’ve always been. It is what I will always continue to be. But it’s never exercised with malice in my heart and soul, certainly never to insult or harm the black community, my community. My thoughts are put out there to present views, I believe are pertinent, that alerts us to was going on, what missteps may be taking place, and how, if at all, they could be corrected. I hope everyone can understand and appreciate my intent if nothing else, as we March forward right here with the ‘Stephen A. Smith Show.’ But just because my intent was harmless, doesn’t mean my words were harm-less, and I know that. I can always do better, and I’ll strive to do just that every single day that I’m alive.”