At this point, the idea of sports pundit Stephen A. Smith running for president in 2028 isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem at first glance. Given his media presence, ability to command attention, and rhetorical skills, he’d likely be more engaging than many of the career politicians expected to run.

We’ve already seen unconventional candidates like Trump rise to power based on media influence, and with the public’s growing frustration with establishment politicians, a figure like Smith—who speaks his mind—could tap into that sentiment.

The real question is whether he has the policy knowledge, political infrastructure, and broad coalition-building ability to make a serious run. Name recognition and media savvy are essential but don’t automatically translate to electoral success.

Currently, it does not seem like Smith is interested in becoming the Democrat nominee. He had this to say on a recent podcast:

"It is an utter embarrassment to the Democratic Party that I am a candidate in people's eyes." - @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/0NPQfFEKGt

— Pod Save America (@PodSaveAmerica) February 19, 2025

Prior to appearing on "Pod Save America," Smith continued to blast the Democrats, saying:

"Y'all are too busy trying to pick candidates for the American people instead of listening to the American people tell you who they want. The last Democrat that the American people told you they wanted was Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton, it's her turn. Bernie Sanders had momentum — but it's Hillary's turn. 

Joe Biden captured momentum because representative Clyburn got involved in South Carolina, saved his behind, but it's really, really his turn. Okay. He has no business running for reelection, but everybody went for it. Knowing he was supposed to be transitioning. He's going to be 81 years of age. Then you sit up there. He doesn't have a primary. Then he goes on the debate stage, embarrasses himself. Then y'all still let him take three damn weeks to walk away instead of getting the hell out there immediately. 

 So you can see if there's somebody other than Kamala Harris who could be the democratic nominee. Then she gets the nomination and everybody wants to act like she's the rock star. All of y'all wanted all along. Oh my God, let's throw up our hands and just to say, Hey, she is the one when you know, good and damn well, that wasn't the truth."

Anybody who has been paying attention knows that Smith has a point on both fronts. This whole conversation about Smith potentially running for president began once a poll showed him at two percent. 

That same poll included Kamala Harris as the far and clear leader, which is a bad sign for Democrats and a great sign for the GOP.

NEW - 2028 Democratic Primary Poll

🔵 Harris 33%
🔵 Buttigieg 9%
🔵 Newsom 7%
🔵 Aoc 6%
🔵 Shapiro 3%
🔵 Walz 3%
🔵 Stephen A. Smith 2%

McLaughlin #C - 1/27

— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) January 30, 2025

Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of the Democratic Party highlights a broader issue within American politics—voters are tired of establishment figures being handpicked rather than earning support through genuine engagement. His argument that Democrats focus too much on choosing candidates based on party loyalty rather than listening to the people reflects growing frustration among voters who feel unheard. 

If the party continues to prioritize political insiders over non-career politicians, who resonate with everyday Americans, it risks further alienation from its base. Smith’s perspective underscores the need for Democrats to rethink their approach, embrace open debate, and prioritize policies that directly address voter concerns rather than relying on predetermined successors. 

Whether or not he ever enters the political arena, his critique serves as a warning: if Democrats don’t evolve and reconnect with the people, they will find themselves losing ground to outsider candidates who are willing to challenge the status quo.