The idea of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith transitioning from sports analyst to political candidate has gained traction following a surprising poll that included him as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 U.S. presidential election. The poll, conducted by Donald Trump’s former pollster John McLaughlin, saw Smith receive 2% of the vote in a hypothetical Democratic primary.
While this number may seem insignificant at first glance, it placed him ahead of prominent political figures like Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke. Vice President Kamala Harris led the poll with 33%, but the fact that Smith even registered in the results has sparked conversation about his potential political future.
Smith has never been shy about his opinions, whether in sports or politics, and he has openly flirted with the idea of running for president.
This comment aligns with Smith’s increasing involvement in political discourse. Over the past few years, he has built relationships across the political spectrum, frequently appearing on Fox News alongside Sean Hannity while also expressing support for Democratic leaders like Kamala Harris.
His ability to appeal to different audiences is one of the reasons why some believe he could be a serious candidate if he ever decided to enter the race.
Smith himself was in disbelief when he saw the news, taking to social media to express his shock. He reposted an NBA Central tweet reporting his inclusion in the poll, humorously questioning its legitimacy by writing:
“Not Centel?”
This was a reference to the NBA Centel parody account, which has previously fooled several NBA players and even Smith himself. His reaction made it clear that even he had not expected to be taken seriously in political discussions.
Smith has also made it clear that if he were to pursue politics, it would only be for the highest office in the land. The son of West Indian immigrants, Smith grew up in Queens, New York, and has worked his way up to become one of the most recognizable faces in sports media.
His charisma, ability to communicate effectively, and centrist views could make him an attractive candidate for Democrats looking for a fresh face to revitalize the party. With aging leadership in figures like Chuck Schumer (74), Bernie Sanders (83), and Nancy Pelosi (84), Smith, at 57, would be a much younger alternative with broad appeal.
However, running for office would come with significant sacrifices. Smith is currently in negotiations for a massive contract extension with ESPN, rumored to be worth $100 million over five years.
If he were to formally enter the political arena, he would likely have to walk away from his lucrative sports media empire. McLaughlin noted that even Trump hesitated to run in 2012 because he did not want to give up his television empire, including The Celebrity Apprentice.
Despite these challenges, Smith has shown confidence in his ability to compete in the political landscape. The prospect of a Stephen A. Smith presidential campaign may seem far-fetched, but in a political era where celebrity candidates have proven successful—most notably Donald Trump—Smith’s candidacy may not be as implausible as it once seemed. Whether this is just another chapter in his larger-than-life media career or a genuine step toward a political future remains to be seen.
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