Stephen A Smith admits Byron Donalds could make him a Republican, calls him ‘the real deal’

ESPN host Stephen A.

Smith said Thursday that Rep.

Byron Donalds, R-Fla., could make him a Republican, praising the Trump-backed gubernatorial frontrunner days before Florida Republicans choose their nominee to succeed Gov.

Ron DeSantis.

"And I ain't no d--- Republican.

But that mean if anybody could make me one, it would be him.

I'm just going to keep it a buck.

I'm just letting you know," Smith said .

"He's the real deal.

Make no mistake about it.

I've seen him battling with Democrats.

I've seen him battling with people on different shows, whatever.

He ain't backing up.

He knows his stuff.