Posted on 04/09/2025 11:53:52 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Speaking at the National Association of Broadcasters Monday, the ESPN host said people have been pressing him about getting into politics.
Stephen A. Smith isn’t jumping into politics just yet—but he’s not ruling it out either.
While speaking at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, the outspoken ESPN star said he’s starting to take the idea of running for president in 2028 a bit more seriously. “I’ve got a good life. I don’t want to be a politician,” he said. “But I won’t close the door.” According to Smith, people have been pressing him more and more about stepping into the political arena, and it’s made him think twice.
He joked about how much he’d enjoy going toe-to-toe with politicians in a debate. “This is what I do,” Smith said. “I don’t have a political record they can come for, but I can challenge what they say in real time.” He name-dropped folks like Marco Rubio, JD Vance, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro as potential 2028 contenders, and said they’d all have some explaining to do if he were to step on that stage.
Smith also weighed in on issues like tariffs, saying he’s not against them entirely—but criticized how Trump went about implementing them, calling it sloppy and lacking strategy. “It just seems random. That’s not helping us move forward,” he said.
Even though politics isn’t his first love, Smith admitted that if he ever got serious about running, he’d need to study up for a few months. But don’t expect any announcements anytime soon—he said he’ll wait until at least late 2026 before making a final decision.
Right now, Smith’s got plenty going on. He recently signed a $100 million deal with ESPN, has a popular radio show, and is preparing for ESPN’s new streaming service. He also reflected on the state of college sports, acknowledging it’s not perfect but better than the old system that left athletes underpaid.
And for those coming up in the game? Smith had some tough-love advice: “Stop chasing the hype. Put in the work.” He shared stories of his early grind—including a long commute for a radio gig and the hard lessons he learned after being fired from ESPN. One of those lessons came from his mother, who reminded him to take responsibility instead of blaming others. “That was a turning point for me,” he said.
At the end of the day, Stephen A. might not be ready to run for president—but if he ever does, he wants folks to know he’s coming in swinging.
You sure this story is not sourced from The Onion?
Maybe Smith’s running mate could be Kendrick Perkins.
“I don’t but I do” sounds like buttering both sides of the bread.
Indeed.
This dumbass, like O-hole, believes all of enemedia scum spew about him; the job requires more than being a mouthy ass clown, though people were stupid enough to let O-hole ruin the country for eight years with that singular “talent”...
He would be as effective as that other entertainment that left show-biz to become President.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Blowing smoke. I hope he goes ahead with it.
In the last year, Smith has wandered a little bit of the reservation, in terms of politics.
I don't know Perkins politics, but he makes it clear he penalizes any white player in the NBA. SNL made fun of him a few weeks ago, not for that, but for saying bizarre things in general.
He'd be better off picking Shannon Sharpe.
Yes, but every single celebrity flirting with a run for office says that, including Trump in 2012 and 2000.
Just about any Democrat who can fog a mirror is thinking about running. Sen. Kennedy was being interviewed and someone brought up AOC. His response was priceless:
“AOC is the reason there are directions on a bottle of shampoo!”
Agreed. I was being facetious. Perkins is the least articulate screaming head I can think of.
Reagan and Trump left entertainment to become president.
If he knows the difference between a man and a woman he would be better than any other Democrat.
Is he for men in women’s sports?
I never heard of him until a few indirect mentions here.
First impression: NO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zmt2M3c4TQ
In Live and Let Die the fictional island San Monique dictator Dr. Kananga bloviates about “giving friendship to all but favoritism to none.
That never works. One will make a demand and if it’s not followed then fighter planes scramble. Just the way it is.
Not the Bee.
Reagan and Trump left entertainment to become president.
+++++++++++
Smith can at least articulate a thought. Compare that with the intoxicated laughing hyena. As far as the Donks go, he is at least smart enough to make it look like he is trying for the center lane. Go ahead and laugh but Newsome is doing the same thing.
As deep as my convictions are I would think long and hard before I put a political move in front of $100,000,000. Heck, I have to repress my views sometimes for a lousy $100k.
$100,000,000 can purchase a lot of political influence without a ever having to open your mouth. He is paid for sports, if I start hearing his politics left or right he’s done.
My customers care about price quality service. If we align politically then we can carefully discuss some things. If not then we stick to business.
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