ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith signaled he’s seriously considering a run for president in 2028, telling CBS Sunday Morning in an interview that he’s giving “strong consideration” to joining the Democratic debate stage in 2027.
The amazing part about that is, if he were on that debate stage, even Smith would elevate the total intelligence quotient of the participants.
In comments teased ahead of the segment airing this weekend, Smith said he plans to use the coming year to study policy issues in depth before making a final decision.
“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith said. “I’ve got this year coming up to think about it, to study, to know the issues.”
If he studies issues for a week, let alone a year, he’ll have the upper hand on what Democrats have to offer.
🚨 JUST IN: Stephen A. Smith is now considering running for PRESIDENT as a Democrat in 2028 — CBS
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 13, 2026
"I'm giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027"
"I've got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues."
This would throw… pic.twitter.com/T5iCCT3R5I
Stephen A. Smith 2028 Presidential Run: ESPN Star Gives “Strong Consideration” to Democratic Debate Stage
Smith has previously floated the notion of running as a Democrat, citing frustration with the party’s lack of strong leadership and vision. He definitely wants to debate colleagues he believes are ill-suited to lead the country.
Can you imagine him taking on Gavin Newsom or even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? What would those passengers in the clown car do to counter Smith, who, while he rarely knows what he’s talking about, oftentimes sounds like he knows what he’s talking about?
AOC barely knows how to tie her own shoes. Newsom can’t get the Brylcreem to stop seeping into his brain. Smith might have the inside track.
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The longtime ESPN host’s potential candidacy has drawn attention due to his massive platform, confrontational style, and name recognition. Former President Donald Trump has even voiced support in the past, praising Smith’s entertainment skills and suggesting he’d make a formidable candidate.
Smith, still keeping any decision close to his vest, has said if he were to run for President in 2028, he’d have a pretty easy time securing a nomination. Beyond that, he notes he wouldn’t have to run against Donald Trump either.
“I might entertain running. I just might change my mind one day. I doubt it, but I might. Because how much would it take to beat y’all?” he said. “And Trump can’t run again. He’s done.”
In a follow-up interview with Fox News personality Sean Hannity, Smith seemed to indicate that it’s very unlikely he would run for President.
“My lifestyle is quite lovely,” he said. “I would not want to ruin that by running for the presidency of the United States of America. I have no interest, but I was just trying to make a profound point.”
Stay tuned.