Stephen A Smith Hints at 2028 Presidential Run in CBS Interview
ESPN star Stephen A. Smith has once again sparked speculation about a potential presidential bid, this time in a forthcoming interview with CBS News Sunday Morning. The broadcaster, known for his outspoken sports commentary, reportedly told host Robert Costa that he is giving "strong consideration" to being on the debate stage for the 2028 election.
Mixed Signals and Political Ambitions
Smith's latest comments mark a significant shift from his previous statements, where he had both embraced and dismissed the idea of a White House run. In the CBS interview snippet, teased by Costa on social media, Smith indicated he plans to use 2026 to study the issues and deliberate on a campaign. "I will confess to you, I'm giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027," Smith said, according to the report.
This is not the first instance of Smith flirting with presidential politics. Over the past year, he has appeared in some 2028 candidate polls and has been approached by elected officials, including governors and mayors, about a potential run. In April 2025, Smith stated, "I have no desire to be a politician, but I've decided that I'm no longer going to close that door."
Disillusionment with the Democratic Party
Smith's potential candidacy is driven in part by his disillusionment with the Democratic Party. He has criticized the party as "leaderless" and lacking a definitive voice. In July 2025, he told ABC News, "As a body, the Democratic Party just looks very, very bad right now because they look leaderless." Despite this, he has named Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Maryland Governor Wes Moore as his preferred Democratic candidates for 2028.
However, Smith has also expressed a desire to run himself, suggesting he feels compelled due to the party's shortcomings. His comments on The View in early 2025, where he claimed he could "beat them all" in a Democratic primary, further highlight his confidence in a political showdown.
Previous Denials and Concerns
Smith's political aspirations have been inconsistent. In March 2025, he told USA TODAY that he didn't "give a damn about the office" and preferred trading jabs with sports personalities. By June 2025, during an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, he ruled out a run entirely, citing concerns about being "owned" by political favors. "The money that I have earned working my ass off all of these years now, I would have to curry favor, which means I would be owned. And I ain't having that," he explained.
It remains unclear whether Smith still holds these reservations or if his latest remarks signal a genuine change of heart. The full CBS interview, set to air on February 15, may provide more clarity on his intentions.
Support from Unlikely Quarters
Interestingly, Smith has garnered support from an unexpected figure: former President Donald Trump. During a NewsNation town hall last year, Trump praised Smith's entertainment skills and expressed enthusiasm for a potential run. "I love watching him. He's got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him," Trump said. "I've been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I'd love to see him run."
As Smith continues to weigh his options, the political landscape remains uncertain. His base of supporters is yet to be defined, but his high profile in sports media could translate into a unique campaign dynamic. With the 2028 election still years away, Smith's deliberations will be closely watched by both political analysts and sports fans alike.
