Smith unloads on democratic socialists, declares ‘this ain’t Denmark’ in fiery defense of the American dream

Stephen A. Smith delivered a forceful defense of capitalism and the American dream Thursday on his SiriusXM program, "Straight Shooter with Stephen A.," accusing the socialist wing of the Democratic Party of portraying the United States as the source of Americans' economic struggles.

"This ain’t Denmark. This ain’t Finland. This ain’t Sweden. This is the United States of America!" Smith said.

The ESPN commentator argued that the United States remained a destination for people who believe hard work and individual ambition can provide opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

"You roll over to these borders with the vision and the fantasy and the passion that, ‘Yo, here I can achieve anything,’" Smith said.

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Smith said that belief in economic mobility remained central to the country's identity despite concerns about inequality and the difficulties facing working-class Americans.

"That’s what this is about in America!" Smith said.

The "First Take" host accused socialist activists of blaming the country and its economic structure instead of holding specific politicians, corporations and lobbyists responsible for policies that hurt Americans.

"We don’t talk about that enough when it comes to the socialists, because they’re convincing folks that rather than individuals being a problem, rather than lobbyists being a problem, they’re trying to convince you America’s a problem," he said.

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Smith also accused prominent advocates of socialism of condemning capitalism while personally benefiting from the wealth, audiences and opportunities available under the American economic system.

Smith’s criticism came one day after Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, released a joint 2025 federal tax return reporting $686,069 in total income and $675,246 in adjusted gross income. El-Sayed has been endorsed by democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Smith warned at the time that socialist policies that resonated with younger voters in New York might not appeal to suburban and general election voters elsewhere in the country.

"If it resonates within the Democratic Party, but it doesn’t have a snowball’s chance of resonating in a general election, then you’re basically handing the presidency to the GOP as well," Smith said.

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He acknowledged the economic concerns that have helped New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other democratic socialists attract support, including the widening divide between wealthy Americans and people struggling with housing, food and other basic expenses.

"That wealth gap is real, y’all. It’s very, very real," Smith said. "There are two Americas in this country, no matter what way we slice it. The haves and the have-nots."