*When Democrats look ahead to 2028, they’re already running through a long list of potential presidential candidates—governors, senators, and party stalwarts. But in recent weeks, a new name has emerged in the conversation, one that’s as unexpected as it is intriguing: Stephen A. Smith.
Yes, that Stephen A. Smith—the ESPN personality known for his fiery sports takes, viral rants, and larger-than-life persona. While it may seem implausible at first glance, some are beginning to wonder if Smith could be the unconventional candidate the Democratic Party needs to unite its fractured base and channel the kind of energy that propelled Donald Trump to the White House, Politico is reporting.
Smith, who has been a fixture at ESPN since 2005, is no ordinary pundit. He’s built a career on his ability to turn even the most mundane topics into viral content, from his impassioned critique of the Pixar movie Cars to his impromptu performance of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies.
His knack for capturing the internet’s attention has made him a household name, and now, he’s turning his focus to politics. Over the past year, particularly on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith has been vocal about his frustrations with the Democratic Party’s inability to defeat Trump in 2024. While he rarely delves into policy specifics, he’s made it clear that he believes Trump is unfit for the presidency and that Democrats need to do better.
Smith’s foray into politics has been gradual but deliberate. His podcast, which primarily focuses on sports, has recently featured discussions on Trump’s executive orders, government spending freezes, and even an interview with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star in the Democratic Party.
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Stephen A. Smith just went on an epic rant blasting the Democratic Party for not being Democratic.
“Obama resonated more because the people chose him to be the Democratic nominee… as opposed to somebody backdooring their way into that position.”
“So Kamala Harris, who didn’t… pic.twitter.com/yjvZZxRXN0
— End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) January 25, 2025
On Real Time with Bill Maher, Smith didn’t hold back, criticizing former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party for their failure to connect with voters.
“The man was impeached twice. He was convicted on 34 felony counts. And the American people still said, ‘He’s closer to normal than what we see on the left,’” Smith said of Trump’s 2024 victory. His blunt assessment resonated with many, including Maher, who agreed with his take.
Smith’s ability to speak plainly and authentically has earned him praise from prominent Democrats. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) called him “one of the most talented and authentic communicators of our age,” while Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) suggested that Smith could win in today’s political climate, where messaging often trumps policy. Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged Smith’s appeal, joking about their shared love for the New York Knicks.
The speculation around Smith’s potential candidacy has exploded on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in. One X user’s post declaring, “F— it, we found our guy,” garnered 17,000 likes, while a fan account titled “Stephen A. Smith 2028” gained over 10,000 followers overnight. The account’s owner, who remains anonymous, drew parallels between Smith and Trump, noting that both were initially dismissed as jokes before becoming serious contenders. “In 2016, Trump freed the Republicans from their Obama-induced malaise in a sweep of dynamic charisma,” they wrote. “As an outsider himself, Smith is very well positioned to do the same for the Democrats.”
For his part, Smith has basked in the attention but remains noncommittal.
“I doubt I’ll ever run. It’s not me,” he said earlier this month. “I’ve got a pretty good life, and I don’t want to ruin it by ever getting involved in politics. But I gotta tell y’all something, the Democratic Party looks so pathetic after this election, I might entertain running. I might just change my mind one day.” In a recent CNBC interview, he added, “I wouldn’t mind being in office. But running for it is a problem. I’m not one of those dudes that’s great at shaking hands and kissing babies, per se. I’m not a beggar.”
Whether Stephen A. Smith seriously considers a 2028 run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his candidacy, even as a hypothetical, has already sparked a conversation about the future of the Democratic Party. In an era where unconventional candidates often defy expectations, Smith’s charisma, authenticity, and ability to connect with disaffected voters could make him a formidable contender. For now, the buzz is real, and the possibility of a President Stephen A. Smith is no longer just a punchline—it’s a potential game-changer.
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