Stephen A. Smith Flirts with 2028 Presidential Run, Slams Democratic Party’s ‘Pathetic’ Performance
Stephen A. Smith, the prominent ESPN commentator known for his outspoken nature, has ignited political speculation by expressing deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the Democratic Party and hinting at a potential presidential bid in 2028. Smith’s remarks, delivered across various media platforms, signal a growing disillusionment with the party’s direction and a belief that he could offer a more resonant message to the American people.
In a recent appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union," hosted by Jake Tapper, Smith minced no words regarding his feelings toward the Democratic Party. He stated that the party, "as it is presently constructed," would need a significant overhaul – a virtual "purge" – before he could consider himself aligned with it. This scathing assessment underscores the depth of Smith’s concerns and suggests a fundamental disconnect between his political philosophy and the party’s current trajectory.
Smith’s flirtation with a presidential run isn’t entirely new. He revealed that he’s been mulling over the possibility for weeks, spurred on by encouragement from unexpected corners. "I have no choice, because I’ve had elected officials – and I’m not going to give their names – coming up to me. I’ve had folks who are pundits come up to me. I’ve had folks that got a lot of money, billionaires and others, that have talked to me about exploratory committees and things of that nature," Smith explained during an interview on ABC’s "This Week" with Jon Karl back in April. He also adds that he has never had the desire to be a politician.
While acknowledging his lack of formal political experience – "I’m not a politician. I’ve never had a desire to be a politician" – Smith appears to be seriously considering the possibility, fueled by a sense of duty and a conviction that he can offer a better alternative to the status quo. He argues that the Democrats are "absolutely positively blowing it," pointing to their perceived embrace of policies that he believes are out of touch with the concerns of everyday Americans.
Smith specifically criticized the Democratic Party for what he sees as an overemphasis on identity politics, open border policies, and excessive government spending. He painted a picture of a nation "ravaged" by these trends, citing examples such as the hypersensitivity surrounding pronoun usage. "You had people literally scared they were going to lose their jobs if they pronounced the wrong pronoun for crying out loud. It got that bad," Smith asserted, highlighting what he perceives as an atmosphere of political correctness gone awry.
Smith contends that the average American is primarily concerned with "kitchen table issues," such as paying their mortgage, affording gas and groceries, and living in "peace and harmony." He accuses both major parties of being detached from these realities, focusing instead on divisive rhetoric and policies that do little to address the everyday struggles of working families.
"I’m talking about what they preached and what they talked to the American people about more so than what they’re doing, the kind of messages that they were disseminating was incredibly uncomfortable to listen to and to hear. And I thought that it wasn’t emblematic of what most Americans are thinking about," Smith said, emphasizing his belief that the political discourse has become increasingly disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Despite his critiques, Smith admits he’s currently unprepared and unqualified to seek the presidency. However, he has chosen to keep the door open, citing the advice of his pastor, who urged him not to dismiss the possibility out of respect for those who support and believe in him.
He paints a grim picture of the current political landscape, questioning how much worse things could possibly get. Smith also offered a scathing assessment of the incentives for elected officials saying that "Do you realize that if you are an elected official, your real work is with the campaign… You realize that you can literally go onto Capitol Hill and all your job is to do is to disagree with the other side."
Stephen A. Smith’s willingness to entertain a presidential run, coupled with his stinging criticism of the Democratic Party, has undoubtedly injected a new level of intrigue into the 2028 election cycle. Whether he ultimately decides to throw his hat into the ring remains to be seen, but his outspoken commentary and growing dissatisfaction with the established political order suggest that he could play a significant role in shaping the future of American politics. His potential candidacy, while unconventional, could tap into a wellspring of discontent among voters who feel alienated by both major parties, potentially reshaping the political landscape in unpredictable ways.
