Stephen A. Smith Avoids 2028 Democratic Run

During a CNN appearance on Sunday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ruled out running as a Democrat in 2028, expressing his frustration with the party’s current state.

While he stated that the idea of becoming a politician doesn’t appeal to him, he mentioned he remains open to possibilities for a political career. Appearing on “Jake Tupper and Dana Bash Coalition,” Smith clarified that unless there is significant change within the Democratic Party, a presidential bid is not in his plans.

“What do you know? I’m independent. I’m a registered independent. I lean left, but I’m also financially conservative,” Smith explained when asked about aligning with Democrats. He identified as socially liberal but expressed dissatisfaction with the way the party is structured. “If pressed to run, I guess it would be as a Democrat, but I’m not satisfied with the current leadership.”

He reflected on the struggles of the Democratic Party, noting, “I think Democrats are losing touch, and that’s evident.” When prompted about what specifically led to his discontent, he was candid in his criticisms.

Smith took issue with the party’s reliance on identity politics and government spending, mentioning the psychological impact of cancel culture on society. “I believe that the focus on identity politics has hurt the nation. People are afraid to speak up, worried they’ll lose their jobs over being mistakenly labeled,” he stated.

Since the 2024 elections, Smith has voiced concerns regarding the divisive nature of Democratic rhetoric and their disconnect from average voters. He questioned California Governor Gavin Newsom’s potential bid for the 2028 election, suggesting a lack of effective leadership in the state.

Following their defeat in 2024, Democrats have faced challenges in delivering a cohesive message, leaving many voters uncertain about the party’s direction. A recent CNN/SSRS poll indicated that over 30% of Americans couldn’t name figures representing the party’s core principles.