Stephen A. Smith “leaving all doors open” to potentially become the USA’s second-ever black President

Stephen A. Smith has changed his opinions about being a politician as the political atmosphere gets increasingly challenging.

Stephen A. Smith “leaving all doors open” to potentially become the USA’s second-ever black President

Stephen A. Smith (Image via Variety)

Stephen A. Smith, one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices, has publicly shared that he is now considering a run for president. The shift in tone comes just weeks after firmly dismissing the idea.

The 57-year-old sports commentator has long used his platform to speak on social issues beyond the world of sports. He has opened up about the Democratic Party’s inadequacies in preventing another Trump administration. Furthermore, he has also been vocal about the straying values of the party.

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The current global scenario has become more challenging with the newly introduced tariffs and other political elements in play. There’s a growing hate against the United States of America across the globe. With frustration mounting over the state of the nation, Smith now says he’s open to stepping into a political role if needed. He admitted that the external atmosphere is making him consider the presidential run despite a peaceful and contending life.

Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open.

Stephen A. Smith admitted

Smith, 57, had previously told USA TODAY in March that he had no interest in holding office. He explained that he preferred challenging politicians rather than becoming one himself. But he now says recent conversations have pushed him to think more seriously.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it. I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it.

Stephen A. Smith said Monday at the NAB Show in Las Vegas

A January poll by McLaughlin & Associates placed Smith at 2% support among Democratic primary voters. While that figure is low, it mirrors early polling for Donald Trump before his successful 2016 campaign. Other names in the same poll included Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Gavin Newsom.

Democratic Party’s inability to be the ideal opposition has put non-traditionalists like Stephen A. Smith and AOC at the forefront

Amid rising frustration over Democratic leadership and national unrest, Stephen Smith’s name has gained a serious ground unlike before. He has voiced his dissatisfaction against Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate at the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. As the people in the states have already started feeling the Trump Effect, the eyes are set for the next election already.

Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith [Image Credit: BlackPast]

At the same time, new polling from Data for Progress reveals signs of a Democratic voter base hungry for new voices. In a hypothetical 2028 U.S. Senate primary in New York, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leads Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer by a striking 19-point margin. The reason of AOC’s unprecedented rise being Schumer’s recent thumbs up for a Republican agenda.

The survey also shows that 84% of likely Democratic primary voters believe the party isn’t doing enough to stand up to Trump and the MAGA movement. Schumer holds the highest disapproval rating among all Democratic leaders tested.

The data reflected a growing appetite for change within the party. It seemed as if the people want leaders who reject traditional political routes and are willing to confront the establishment. Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity, especially among voters under 45, gives more insights into why Smith’s presidential race claim made some sense. They want someone with a stronger media presence, challenges the norms and understands the crux of the vox populi.