Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism from sports broadcaster turned political commentator Stephen A. Smith after remarks she made at a memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Kamala Harris’ comment jokingly referenced warnings she said she gave about the policies of President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign.
The exchange has sparked debate online about Harris’ messaging following the 2024 presidential election and the broader political conversation within the Democratic Party.
Remarks at Jesse Jackson Memorial
Harris spoke last week during a memorial service for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at House of Hope Baptist Church in Chicago.
During her remarks, Harris referenced predictions she said she made about political developments following Trump’s return to office in January 2025.
“I predicted a lot about what’s happening right now,” Harris told the audience, receiving applause. She added, “I’m not into saying I told you so, but we did see it coming.”
Harris also reflected on the absence of Jackson, who had long been a prominent voice in American civil rights and political advocacy.
“What I did not predict is that we would not have Jesse Jackson with us right now to help us get through this,” she said.
Smith’s Reaction
On his podcast Straight Shooter with Stephen A., Smith said the comments frustrated him and suggested they implied voters had ignored Harris’ warnings during the presidential campaign.
“If I see that lady figuratively speaking in our face one more time talking about she told us so…it’s pissing me off,” Smith said.
Smith argued that many voters—including a large number of Black voters—supported Harris during the election, noting that millions cast ballots for the Democratic nominee.
He also criticized aspects of Harris’ 2024 campaign strategy, saying she should have taken a more assertive approach in distinguishing her policies from those of then-President Joe Biden.
Broader Political Debate
Smith’s comments reflect a wider discussion among political analysts and voters about the Democratic Party’s messaging following the 2024 election.
Harris became the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the race, launching what many observers described as a historically compressed 107-day presidential campaign. Despite raising significant campaign funds and mobilizing support across key constituencies, she ultimately lost the race to Trump.
Since leaving office, Harris has continued speaking publicly about the political climate in the United States and the policies of the current administration. Supporters say her warnings about democratic institutions and policy changes have proven prescient, while critics argue that post-election messaging should focus more on future political strategy.
While Harris has not responded directly to Smith’s remarks, they have also been slammed as a provocative strategy to gain media traction by taking on influential Black women (especially) and men. Commentator and broadcaster Joy Reid has said in the past that Smith has been paid by the White conservatives to take on Black liberals.
