As Stephen A. Smith shifts his emphasis to political commentary, whispers about his potential presidential ambitions in 2028 begin to circulate.
The Hill reported that the star of ESPN's "First Take," has had various roles, including a radio show host, actor, and now, a political commentator. This diverse background has enabled him to cultivate a unique audience base.
Following the Democratic Party's defeat in the recent presidential election, Smith has increasingly voiced his opinions on their shortcomings. He has been particularly vocal about the necessity for the party to address crucial voter concerns, such as inflation and immigration.
Despite his critiques, Smith remains a registered independent, though his views skew moderately left. He supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle but expressed disappointment with the outcome, highlighting the challenges faced by the Democratic Party.
His political involvement deepened as he invited prominent figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss these issues on his podcast, thereby increasing his visibility and influence in political circles.
Democratic strategist Jared Leopold praised Smith’s contributions, stating, “It’s great to have someone from outside of politics making compelling arguments for the Democratic Party.” He recognized the importance of sports as an entry point for many voters, a sentiment echoed by other political commentators.
Joe Zepecki, another Democratic strategist, welcomed Smith to the political discourse warmly with a statement: “Welcome to the party.” He emphasized that anyone who can articulate the costs of the Trump administration’s policies is encouraged to speak out.
Despite this encouragement, early polls indicate minimal support for Smith within the Democratic electorate, showing just 1-2% favorability for a potential presidential run. This reflects the skepticism of voters when considering celebrities or non-traditional candidates for serious political roles.
Addressing the speculation about a presidential run, Smith has remained mostly dismissive but open to the possibility under specific circumstances.
“I’m half joking, but I kind of mean it. … If you came to me and told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would consider it,” he said during an interview.
This statement has not only fueled further speculation but also indicated his pragmatic approach to such a crucial decision. He recognizes the complex dynamics of national elections, influenced by varying sources and quality of information available to the electorate, as noted by strategist Antjuan Seawright.
Smith's recent political engagements, including his pointed critique on Democratic strategies and discussions with key political figures, have highlighted a potential shift in his career trajectory. Whether this will culminate in a presidential run remains to be seen, but it is clear that his influence in political discourse is burgeoning.
As the conversation about Stephen A. Smith’s involvement in politics grows, so does the scrutiny under which his statements and positions are placed.
His ability to engage with complex political issues through the lens of a sports commentator brings a fresh perspective to the political dialogue.
Joe Zepecki’s remarks encapsulate this dual view: “He sees an opportunity for himself to dunk on America’s softest target, the Democratic Party.” These observations suggest a strategic positioning by Smith to leverage his media skills in a political arena.
The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Smith’s political commentary is a temporary interest or a long-term commitment.
As he has stated, if the conditions seem favorable, "holler at me in three years," indicating a potential reconsideration of his stance on running for office.