**Stephen A. Smith Responds to Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Reaction to Trump's Election Win**

Stephen A. Smith, the prominent ESPN host, has shared his perspective on Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional response to Donald Trump’s election victory. Kimmel, who broke down in tears during his late-night show on Wednesday night, declared that the election results would negatively impact both those who voted for Trump and those who did not. Smith, while appearing on "The Will Cain Show" on Thursday, expressed that his views differ significantly from Kimmel's, despite both being part of The Walt Disney Corporation.

"That would not have been me," Smith stated. He emphasized that he wouldn’t have cried over Trump’s win and dismissed the idea of delivering a sorrowful monologue. Smith went on to acknowledge the economic successes of Trump's first term prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that many Americans voted with their financial stability in mind.

Smith explained, "The American people have spoken. Whether you like it or not, this country has indicated that we went too far left. It's about our pocketbooks and safety, period." He further remarked on the significance of Trump's victory, noting that Trump not only won the popular vote but also secured at least five out of the seven key swing states, with votes still being counted in Arizona and Nevada.

Smith applauded the collective decision of the American electorate, stating, "In the end, it is always good when the American people are as unified as they were in this election. That’s the American people speaking, 'We don’t like what we have; we want this.' And when you receive such a strong message, it must be acknowledged."

Drawing a clear distinction between his reaction and Kimmel's, Smith humorously suggested that as a late-night host, Kimmel could have opted to lighten the mood. "If I were in Kimmel's position, I would have aimed to be funny and let everyone know it’s not all gloom and doom," Smith said. "We have faced many challenges in our society and will continue to do so long after Trump."

Additionally, Smith had previously criticized public figures like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama for potentially alienating voters in the lead-up to the election. While Smith clarified that he himself did not vote for Trump, he maintained that a late-night show is an opportunity to provide some levity, contrasting sharply with Kimmel’s tearful monologue.

Kimmel's emotionally charged reaction is shared by a few in the entertainment industry, including Cardi B, Jamie Lee Curtis, Billie Eilish, and Whoopi Goldberg, who have all expressed distress over the election results.