‘Sick of this mess’: Stephen A. Smith leaves door open to possible 2028 presidential bid

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Monday on X that, despite hating the “thought of being a politician,” he is officially leaving “all doors open.”

Speculation about “The Stephen A. Smith Show” host running for office began in February when he said that, despite having no desire to run, he, if forced, would run as a Democrat. While denying reports regarding a potential run, Smith took to X Monday afternoon and wrote that it’s “time to stop messing around,” as he linked to an article about his potential run for office.

“Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open,” Smith wrote.

Smith on Monday appeared onstage at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas, where McVay Media President Mike McVay asked him about his potential presidential goals, according to Barrett Media.

“I have no desire to do it,” Smith said. “I’m living a pretty good life right now. Life’s been good. The last thing that I would want to do is involve myself in politics.”

“I’ve always perceived politicians as being professional beggars. I don’t say that derogatorily or anything like that. It’s just the reality. You’ve always got your hand out for something. People always need favors in return. I’m not that guy. So I could never see myself as a politician,” Smith added.

A January poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates said Smith held 2% of voters’ support for a 2028 presidential bid, while former Vice President Kamala Harris led with 33%. Democratic pundit James Carville said, however, that Smith doesn’t “know his ass from a hole in the ground,” and added he should leave politics to the politicians in office.

Smith said in recent weeks that he’s reconsidered his stance, adding he’s had “no choice but to get more serious about it.”

“I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it. I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door,” Smith said, according to Barrett Media.

“I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility. If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe … that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States, I am not going to rule it out.”

Since the 2024 election cycle, Smith has criticized the Democratic Party, specifically what he said was its rhetoric and lack of appeal to a majority of voters. In a recent episode of his show, Smith said he doubts Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom could win a potential 2028 presidential bid due to the lack of leadership in his own state.

The Democratic Party has struggled since November 2024 to unify behind a message, with no clear leader for voters to rally around. According to a CNN/SSRS poll released March 16, over 30% of respondents said they could not name a Democrat who “best reflects the core values” of the party.

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