When a sports commentator tells ABC News he has “no choice” but to consider running for president because politicians have “sold out” America, the political landscape has officially entered uncharted territory.
Story Highlights
- ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith publicly confirms he’s seriously considering a 2028 presidential run as an independent candidate
- Democratic Party elites, billionaires, and even Smith’s pastor are actively recruiting him to challenge career politicians
- Smith frames his potential candidacy as an “indictment” of Democrats who lost focus on economic issues like tariffs while prioritizing cultural battles
- The sports media star believes he can beat established political figures including Rahm Emanuel, Mark Kelly, and Cory Booker
The Reluctant Outsider Emerges
Stephen A. Smith never planned to leave the ESPN studios for campaign rallies, but pressure from unexpected quarters has pushed him toward the political arena. Elected officials, media pundits, billionaire donors, and his own pastor have approached him about a 2028 presidential run. Smith describes their persistent recruitment as leaving him “no choice” but to seriously consider abandoning his sports commentary career for the ultimate political stage.
The timing reveals everything about the current state of American politics. Following the Democrats’ sweeping losses in 2024 that returned Trump to power, party leadership finds itself so depleted that they’re courting a sports commentator. Smith recognizes this desperation as validation of his central thesis: career politicians have fundamentally failed the American people by prioritizing ideological purity over practical governance.
The Democratic Party’s Leadership Vacuum
Smith’s potential candidacy represents more than celebrity political ambition—it exposes the Democratic Party’s complete inability to connect with working Americans. While Trump campaigned on tangible economic issues like tariffs, Democrats obsessed over what Smith calls “woke culture, cancel culture, and abortion rights.” This misalignment between party priorities and voter concerns created the opening that established Democrats now hope Smith can fill.
The sports commentator has already identified his likely primary opponents: Rahm Emanuel, Mark Kelly, Cory Booker, and even Jon Stewart. Smith’s confidence in beating these political veterans stems from his belief that voters crave authenticity over polish. Where career politicians offer calculated responses, Smith delivers unfiltered opinions that resonate with Americans tired of political theater.
Independent Voice in a Polarized Landscape
Smith’s appeal transcends traditional party lines because he critiques both sides with equal fervor. He calls Trump’s initial tariff approach “haphazard” while praising his willingness to take action on trade. He condemns Democratic leadership for ignoring economic anxiety while acknowledging their social justice concerns have merit. This balanced criticism positions him as the rare political figure unafraid to challenge sacred cows on both sides.
His independent status offers strategic advantages in an era when both parties inspire more disgust than loyalty. Smith openly admits he finds politicians from both parties “quite repulsive,” a sentiment shared by millions of Americans trapped between unsatisfying electoral choices. His media platform allows him to bypass traditional political gatekeepers and speak directly to voters who feel abandoned by the current system.
The Billionaire Backing and Serious Money
Smith’s potential campaign isn’t just media speculation—it has attracted serious financial interest. Billionaire donors have reportedly discussed forming exploratory committees, suggesting his candidacy would have the resources necessary for a legitimate presidential run. This financial backing transforms Smith from celebrity curiosity into viable political threat.
The combination of media influence, donor support, and grassroots appeal creates a perfect storm for political disruption. Smith’s ability to “resonate with the masses” on kitchen table issues like affordability and safety gives him advantages that traditional politicians lack. While career politicians debate policy nuances, Smith focuses on the fundamental question: are Americans better off today than they were four years ago?
Sources:
ABC News – Stephen A. Smith says he has ‘no choice’ but to consider a run for president
Axios – Stephen A. Smith leaves the door open for 2028 presidential run
