Nationwide — Stephen A. Smith pushed back on The View and questioned why Democrats highlight cultural issues like protecting Black women. He said the party should focus on winning voters with practical concerns such as affordability and safety.

Smith joined the hosts to talk about what he sees as the party’s struggles, as reported by Fox News. He often criticizes Democrats for leaning too heavily on cultural messaging instead of building a strategy that can regain power.

The View host Whoopi Goldberg challenged him after he said Democrats go too far with certain narratives. She argued that the party needed to show clear support for the LGBTQ community, for women, and for Black women. She said these groups needed to know they weren’t being abandoned.

Smith disagreed and said the problem wasn’t concern for those groups, but the way Democrats delivered their message. He said most Democratic candidates already care about poor and vulnerable communities, but the campaign messaging failed to appeal to a broad base of voters.

He also argued that Democrats wasted time attacking Trump on things that never mattered to his voters. He said they should instead focus on a path that actually works and wins elections.

When asked what issues could carry a winning strategy now, Smith pointed to affordability and safety. He added that showing a willingness to work across the aisle would also help reduce political chaos.

Joy Behar disagreed, saying Democrats already try harder to cooperate than Republicans. Smith questioned that claim and said he wasn’t convinced.