During his show, "Straight Shooter," Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized the Democrats for their behavior at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. He argued that their decision to either boycott the event or not stand during key moments was a calculated move by Trump to set them up. He emphasized that Trump anticipated this reaction, which allowed him to assert that Democrats are so consumed by their disdain for him that they fail to act in the best interests of the American people.

Smith pointed out that Trump's lengthy address featured moments crafted to provoke a response from the Democrats, highlighting their absence and lack of support as evidence that they are driven by emotion rather than by what is best for the country. According to Smith, this theatrics not only failed to provide a counter-narrative to Trump's claims but actually reinforced the president's arguments that the opposition is incapable of putting aside personal grievances for the greater good.

The implications of this critique go beyond merely political commentary; they suggest a broader divide between political parties in the U.S. Smith's observations underscore a critical view of the effectiveness of the Democrats' opposition strategy in the current political climate, questioning whether their tactics will resonate with voters who may seek more substantial engagement over mere performance art in political discourse.