With many names already being tossed around for a potential run at the Oval Office in 2028, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith says he’s “leaving the door open” to a presidential run—and while the whole thing may have started as media banter, it’s now moved into real-world speculation, with billionaires and elected officials reportedly encouraging him to explore a run.
During a recent appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” Smith told anchor Jonathan Karl that the idea of running for president has gone from fantasy to something he now feels “no choice” but to consider. And no, he’s not just talking trash like it’s another episode of “First Take.”
“I’ve had elected officials come up to me—I’m not going to give their names,” Smith said. “I’ve had pundits. I’ve had billionaires talking about exploratory committees. I’ve never had a desire to be a politician. But I have to leave the door open.”
Translation: people with real money and influence are floating the idea seriously, and Smith’s not exactly saying “no.”
Even his pastor, according to Smith, has pressed him to consider the possibility, telling him, “You don’t know what God has planned for you. Show respect to the people who believe in you.”
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says he has “no choice” but to contemplate a run for president.
“I would hope somebody else would step up that's more qualified than me, but if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider.” https://t.co/IdW7zXspwA pic.twitter.com/XzuYLG9HVh
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 13, 2025
So what does this actually mean?
It means we’re officially at the stage in American politics where the guy who yells about LeBron vs. MJ could be squaring up with Kamala Harris or Ron DeSantis on a debate stage. And honestly? That’s less of a joke than it used to be.
Smith’s frustration with both political parties has only added fuel to the speculation. He told Karl, “I don’t mind tussling with these folks on the left or the right. All of them disgust me, to be quite honest with you.” He’s been especially critical of the Democratic Party’s lack of connection with working-class Americans and hasn’t been shy about calling out Republican failures either.
This isn’t the first time Smith has teased political ambitions. He’s posted cryptic messages on X about “leadership” and “stepping up,” and earlier this month he explicitly said he’d consider a run “two to three years down the line.”
Let’s be real: Stephen A. Smith isn’t exactly George Washington material—but if we’ve learned anything over the last decade, “celebrity outsider with a microphone” isn’t the dealbreaker it used to be.
He’s got the name recognition, he’s got the platform, and now he’s got the people whispering in his ear.
Whether this goes anywhere or just becomes another spicy headline, at least 2028 is getting more interesting.
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