In a fiery episode of his “Straight Shooter” podcast, Stephen A. Smith launched a scathing attack on Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. His passionate outburst came in response to Kelly’s recent comments urging military personnel to defy orders from the President of the United States. This strong condemnation resonated as Smith held nothing back in his critique of the Democrats, whom he accused of instigating a seditious conspiracy against Trump.
Smith directed his fury at Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers who advised service members and intelligence officials to disregard “illegal” directives issued by Trump. During the podcast, Smith exclaimed, “Senator, what the hell are you doing, looking into the camera and telling military men and women to ignore the Commander in Chief?” This question encapsulates his outrage, emphasizing a deep concern for proper military order and discipline.
The backdrop to Smith’s rant lies in the recent tragic incident involving two National Guardsmen shot in Washington, D.C. This attack was carried out by an Afghan national, whose entry into the United States was facilitated under Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome” program. In his commentary, Smith did not shy away from linking the actions of Democrats to the broader chaos plaguing the political landscape, asserting that their rhetoric could lead to disastrous outcomes for military morale.
As the conversation unfolded, Smith pointedly criticized the Democrats for lacking concrete evidence to support their claims of Trump issuing illegal orders. “You don’t go in front of the cameras and give military personnel a directive to ignore their commander in chief,” he emphasized. His argument is rooted in an understanding that military protocol must be adhered to, regardless of personal or political disagreements. By urging disobedience, Kelly and his allies cross a critical line, according to Smith.
Smith’s rhetoric intensified as he reminded his audience that senators like Kelly have a responsibility to follow constitutional protocols when they believe illegal actions are taking place. Instead of public defiance, he urged lawmakers to utilize established legislative procedures, such as impeachment, to address their grievances — an approach he pointed out had been employed by the Democrats before. “You impeach the man twice! Where that get you? Got his behind back in the White House?” Smith’s commentary reflected a mixture of frustration and incredulity at the apparent futility of the Democrats’ past actions.
The emotional weight of Smith’s message is heightened by his personal connection to the military. Although he admitted, “I never served in the military; that’s true,” he asserted that many of his friends and family members have. This perspective added depth to his critique, as he spoke from a place of respect for the armed forces. His outrage on behalf of military personnel underscored the severity of Kelly’s comments and the potential danger they could pose to military cohesion.
At its core, Smith’s outburst is about preserving the chain of command within the military. By encouraging troops to defy lawful orders based on unclear or unfounded assertions of illegality, he believes that lawmakers like Kelly abandon their responsibilities to uphold national security. “You crossed the damn line,” he declared, reiterating that accountability should begin and end with adherence to constitutional processes and military regulations.
This episode serves as a reminder of the contentious relationship between military authority and political rhetoric. Smith’s passionate address highlighted the consequences of undermining the trust and discipline required within the armed forces. It raises important questions about the roles that elected officials play in shaping the perceptions and actions of those who serve. As he concluded his fiery defense of military integrity, Smith made it clear: military personnel deserve better than to be caught in the crossfire of political disputes.
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