(NewsNation) — Political commentators Stephen A. Smith and Ben Shapiro joined NewsNation’s “CUOMO” on Wednesday to analyze the Trump’s administration’s current controversies, debating whether allegations against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military operations in Venezuela will impact the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.
Shapiro dismissed concerns about reported allegations involving Hegseth, citing conflicting reports between The Washington Post and The New York Times regarding a potential war crime involving a “double tap” strike.
“I frankly don’t think that Americans care very much about what is being reported,” Shapiro said, indicating the controversy is a distraction from economic concerns.
Smith agreed the focus on Hegseth parallels past controversies, drawing comparisons to criticisms of Hillary Clinton’s email practices.
Shapiro said Democrats have abandoned their weakest 2024 issues, no longer emphasizing immigration, diversity initiatives or transgender rights. Instead, the party focuses on affordability and national security, with figures such as Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., leading the charge.
“Democrats are basically abandoning all three of those,” Shapiro said. “You have Mark Kelly, a former member of the military, who’s talking national security.”
Smith countered that Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in American cities still remind voters of Democratic border positions, though the party attempts to distance itself from those stances.
Stephen A. Smith: Marco Rubio better candidate than JD Vance for 2028
Looking ahead to 2028, Smith predicted Trump would remain influential by endorsing his successor, likely Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I think that Marco Rubio is the adult in the room,” Smith said, though he acknowledged Vance’s willingness to emulate Trump’s style may appeal more to the Republican base.
Smith expressed skepticism that any current Democrat could match Trump’s social media and messaging skills.