Stephen A. Smith has sparked debate within Democratic circles, warning that the party could hurt its national chances if it fully embraces democratic socialism.
In a resurfaced clip, Smith argued that while a few democratic socialists may succeed in certain areas, the broader country is different.
"America is about capitalism! America is about dollars and cents! America is about an economy, a flourishing economy!" he said.
Smith's comments are not new, but the clip has gained fresh attention following recent Democratic primary races in New York.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and former New York State Assembly member, has become a prominent figure in New York City politics.
His influence has continued to grow, with several candidates backed by Mamdani scoring notable victories over incumbents in recent primaries.