“This ain\u2019t Denmark. This ain\u2019t Finland. This ain\u2019t Sweden. This is the United States of America!” Smith said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“You roll over to these borders with the vision and the fantasy and the passion that, \u2018Yo, here I can achieve anything,\u2019” Smith said.<\/p>\n
SOCIALISM VS CAPITALISM: HOUSE DEMS CLASH OVER WHAT NY ELECTION RESULTS MEAN FOR PARTY<\/a><\/p>\n Stephen A. Smith blasted the socialist wing of the Democratic Party for portraying America as the problem while benefiting from its economic system. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “That\u2019s what this is about in America!” Smith said.<\/p>\n The “First Take” host accused socialist activists<\/a> of blaming the country and its economic structure instead of holding specific politicians, corporations and lobbyists responsible for policies that hurt Americans.<\/p>\n “We don\u2019t talk about that enough when it comes to the socialists, because they\u2019re convincing folks that rather than individuals being a problem, rather than lobbyists being a problem, they\u2019re trying to convince you America\u2019s a problem,” he said.<\/p>\n STEPHEN A SMITH WARNS DEMOCRATS EMBRACING SOCIALISM IS ‘HANDING THE PRESIDENCY TO THE GOP’<\/a><\/p>\n Smith defended the American dream and argued the United States remains a place where people can arrive believing they can “achieve anything.” (AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Smith\u2019s criticism came one day after Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democratic candidate<\/a> 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<\/a> Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “If it resonates within the Democratic Party<\/a>, but it doesn\u2019t have a snowball\u2019s chance of resonating in a general election, then you\u2019re basically handing the presidency to the GOP as well,” Smith said.<\/p>\n SWING-STATE POLL SPELLS TROUBLE FOR FAR LEFT AS SCHUMER-BACKED CANDIDATE DOMINATES WITH CRITICAL VOTING BLOCS<\/a><\/p>\n Stephen A. Smith drew a sharp contrast with European nations, declaring, “This ain\u2019t Denmark. This ain\u2019t Finland. This ain\u2019t Sweden.” (Lou Rocco\/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images)<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE<\/a><\/p>\n He acknowledged the economic concerns that have helped New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other democratic socialists<\/a> attract support, including the widening divide between wealthy Americans and people struggling with housing, food and other basic expenses.<\/p>\n![\"SAN](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2260278778.jpg\")
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