Barkley Discusses Stephen A. Smith’s Presidential Aspirations

Charles Barkley isn’t too keen on the idea of ESPN host Stephen A. Smith becoming president. During a recent segment on Outkick’s “Don’t @ @ with Dan Dakich,” Barkley emphatically dismissed the notion. “Hell no! Come on, stop,” he said, clearly not holding back.

Addressing his friend, Barkley urged Smith to refrain from considering a presidential run, suggesting it’s not a path he should entertain. He pointed out that people might think too much about the demands of political life, potentially leading to stress. “I saw him last night, and he’s juggling too much,” Barkley quipped, noting Smith’s busy schedule in showbiz.

“You’ll end up on CNN or some other platform, and before you know it, it’s too late—you won’t be taken seriously,” Barkley continued, stressing the need for Smith to be cautious with his public persona.

In his own career, Barkley expressed a desire to limit his television appearances, asserting that sometimes less is more. “I really want to step back. I only do a few ads a year, and I try to keep my public exposure minimal,” he explained, implying he’s learned the value of privacy.

While Smith mentioned on social media in April that he’s keeping his options open regarding a presidential bid, he also expressed discomfort with the idea of being a politician. Yet, it seems Barkley firmly believes Smith should steer clear of politics altogether, at least from his perspective.