Context:

Stephen A. Smith grilled Democrats planning to boycott or counterprogram Trump’s State of the Union, arguing that juvenile tactics undermine credibility and moral ground. Reports indicate Congress members plan to skip the address and host a counterevent, the People’s State of the Union, on the National Mall. Smith urged accountability and warned that such displays could erode political civility, likening the move to an opportunistic halftime-show stunt by TPUSA. He also noted ongoing speculation about a 2028 presidential bid, which he rejected, insisting public leadership should model responsibility and decorum.

Dive Deeper:

• Smith spoke on his Straight Shooter show, asserting that adults are needed in political discourse and criticizing juvenile, petulant behavior by critics of the President.

• Several Democrats in Congress were reported to be skipping Trump’s State of the Union and instead holding a counterprogram called the People’s State of the Union at the National Mall, with Rep. Yassamin Ansari describing Americans’ right to an honest account of the state of the union.

• Smith compared the Democrats’ counterprogram to Turning Point USA’s bilingual halftime show attempts, suggesting the maneuver mirrors a similar political stunt in response to another high-profile event.

• He challenged both sides by asking how principled judgment can be maintained if commentators dismiss decorum while accusing the President of misconduct, framing it as a broader frustration with political posturing.

• The piece notes Smith’s growing involvement in political commentary amid speculation about a 2028 presidential run, which he dismissed, stating he has no desire to be an elected official.

• Throughout, the article emphasizes a tension between protests, counterprograms, and calls for accountability, with Smith urging consistency in conduct from elected officials and political voices.