From First Take to First Citizen? The Curious Case of Stephen A. Smith’s Presidential Ambitions
Stephen A. Smith, the boisterous ESPN personality known for his fiery takes and unwavering opinions, is apparently testing the waters of a potential presidential run in 2028. This notion, seemingly outlandish at first glance, is gaining traction fueled by his undeniably massive media presence and a growing sentiment that the Democratic Party needs a shakeup.
This week, Smith’s ambitions were underscored by an unexpected cameo on the long-running soap opera "General Hospital." In a brief but memorable scene, Smith played "Brick," a character who swiftly dispatches a would-be assassin aiming to poison a mob boss. The clip went viral, showcasing Smith’s inherent ability to capture attention and generate buzz.
It is precisely this knack for commanding an audience that Smith believes qualifies him for a run at the White House. As he declared at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, "Imagine me on a debate stage with these people, these politicians… This is what I do for a living. I am not a politician. I don’t have a political record for them to lean on. I can challenge what you literally say."
His audacious claim echoes a growing trend of non-traditional candidates leveraging their celebrity and media savvy to enter the political arena. Former President Donald Trump, a reality television star before his political ascendance, even offered his support for Smith’s potential candidacy, praising his "great entertainment skills."
While the prospect of a Smith presidency might seem like a distant fantasy, it highlights the anxieties and aspirations within the Democratic Party. Some Democrats are yearning for a figure who can cut through the political noise and resonate with voters disillusioned by traditional politicians. Ashley Oliver, a registered Democrat from Alabama, admits that while skeptical, she might support Smith if he proposes effective policies.
However, the idea of replacing one bombastic television personality with another raises serious concerns. Many question whether entertainment skills translate into effective leadership and policymaking. Steven Uzoukwu, a cybersecurity analyst from Baltimore, expressed skepticism, stating that Smith has "zero experience in the political realm." He further lamented the perception that being rich and on television somehow qualifies one for high office.
This unease reflects a broader debate about the role of celebrity in politics. While figures like Ronald Reagan, Jesse Ventura, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have successfully transitioned from entertainment to public service, their experiences highlight the need for more than just name recognition. Voters crave substance, policy solutions, and a genuine understanding of their concerns.
The Democratic Party is currently grappling with an identity crisis. Despite a deep bench of experienced potential 2028 contenders, the party struggles to articulate a compelling vision that resonates with a broad spectrum of voters. This void has fueled speculation about a celebrity or influencer candidate emerging to challenge the status quo.
Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, anticipates an influencer candidate emerging to "fill that void." He aptly points out that we live in an "attention economy," where the ability to dominate the news cycle can translate into political power.
The temptation to embrace a Trump-esque candidate on the left is tempered by the current political climate. If Trump’s approval ratings continue to decline and the country faces economic hardship, voters might prioritize stability and predictability over spectacle.
Many voters are cautious about embracing celebrity candidates without a clear understanding of their political beliefs. While figures like Oprah, Taylor Swift, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson could generate excitement, their political platforms remain largely undefined.
Kelly Hafermann, a Democrat from Wisconsin, expressed hesitancy about supporting someone like The Rock, questioning his level of engagement with political issues. However, she remains open to supporting a candidate with less political experience if they demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues and share her values. She mentioned Jon Stewart as an example of someone she would support.
Polls suggest that Democrats are currently leaning towards established figures like Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cory Booker, and Gavin Newsom. However, Smith’s low favorability rating in one such poll highlights the challenges he would face in a primary battle.
Joshua Chester, a Democrat from Michigan, doubts that progressives would embrace Smith’s bluster in the same way conservatives embraced Trump. He argues that Smith’s "takes" often lack substance and that relying on celebrity support is not a viable strategy.
Kat Abughazaleh, an Illinois congressional candidate, stressed the need for better communicators within the Democratic Party. Smith himself has criticized the party’s messaging, pointing out the need for authentic and relatable communication.
Ultimately, the question remains whether Smith, or any other celebrity contemplating a run for president, is genuinely committed to public service or simply seeking self-promotion. Their ability to articulate a compelling governing philosophy and offer concrete solutions to the challenges facing Americans will be crucial in determining their viability.
As Oliver, the finance professional from Alabama, aptly put it, "We need a new face and he could be that new face that excites the base, but it has to be someone that knows how to speak publicly, engage with the public and can draw people in. I don’t think anyone would disagree that Stephen A. Smith can draw people in – it’s just a matter of what happens when he does." The answer to that question will determine whether Smith’s "First Take" turns into a "First Term."
