ESPN host Stephen A. Smith is stoking speculation about a possible bid for the 2028 US presidency.
In a recent episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith suggested that he might consider entering the political stage.
“The Democrats look very pathetic after this election. I might enjoy running. I might change my mind one day. I doubt that, but I might do that “How long will it take to defeat y'all? And Trump can't run again,” he said.
However, in an interview on “Hornity,” Smith revealed his stance and firmly stated that he had no plans to run.
“My lifestyle is really lovely,” Smith said. “I don't want to ruin it by running for the presidency of the United States. I'm not interested, but I was just trying to make a deep point.”
He added that broadly perceived candidates like his could become competitors in the current divided state of Democrats and without a clear frontrunner.
“I think the Democrats in the state they are in themselves can actually win someone like me,” the “first take” host argued Tuesday.
A recent poll from McLaughlin & Associates in January shows former vice president Kamala Harris is a distant frontrunner against other top Democrats.
Harris led the pack with 33% among Democratic voters, followed by former Transport Secretary Pete Butttigigue at 9% and California Gov. Gavin News at 7%.
Smith's popularity has led him to receive 2% in the polls and believes he can “certainly” win if he launches a campaign.
Over the past few months, Smith has been more vocal on political issues, particularly regarding the debate around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
In a video on his YouTube channel, he criticized former President Donald Trump's stance on the DEI initiative. Smith was particularly opposed to Trump's view that Day's policy was often used to justify unqualified employment due to the minority status.
In an interview with the New York Bronx, the native Bronx further explained his position.
“My issue with eradicating Day… it was an explanation that the Trump administration and other administrations were giving it to you. I don't want to hear about people who automatically aren't eligible for minority.” Smith said.
Trump has signed executive orders ending many DEI initiatives and rejected hundreds of government officials involved in DEI-related jobs.
Trump also suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) DEI standards may have contributed to the recent crash of Washington planes, killing 67 people.
“We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation systems,” Trump said. “The best aptitude – you must be the best intelligence – and psychologically excellent people have been granted the qualification of air traffic controllers.”
“It's one thing to get rid of it all together,” Smith said. “That's completely different to clarify and put into words the position that everyone associated with the DEI is an ineligible individual.”
