Shock presidential announcement threw a wrench in Republicans’ plans

We’re years away from the next election. But Democrats are already making moves.

Now a shock presidential announcement threw a wrench in Republicans’ plans.

Stephen A. Smith Floats Possibility of 2028 Presidential Run

Longtime ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith may be known for fiery sports commentary, but now he’s making headlines for something far more unexpected: a potential run for president.

Speaking on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl, Smith said he hasn’t ruled out the idea of entering the political arena in the future.

“I have no choice because I’ve had elected officials, and I’m not going to give their names, elected officials coming up to me. I’ve had folks who are pundits come up to me. I’ve had folks that got a lot of money, billionaires and others, have talked to me about exploratory committees and things of that nature,” Smith said. “I’m not a politician. I’ve never had a desire to be a politician. I just signed a contract extension with ESPN. I am very, very happy with my day job.”

He added, “But here’s the reality, people — literally, people have walked up to me, including my own pastor for crying out loud, who has said to me, you don’t know what God has planned for you. At least show the respect to the people who believe in you, who respect you, who believe that you can make a difference in this country to leave the door open for any possibilities — two to three years down the line. And that’s what I’ve decided to do.”

Disillusionment with the Democrats

Smith has recently become more vocal in his criticism of the Democratic Party, saying they’re “lost” and appear directionless. Even while contemplating a potential campaign, Smith pointed to a few prominent Democrats he believes are more qualified.

“I would hope somebody else would step up that’s more qualified than me, but if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider. Yes, I would, because I don’t mind the thought of tussling with these folks at all on the left or the right. All of them disgust me to be quite honest with you,” he said.

He mentioned Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as potential leaders—though not without acknowledging the controversies some of them face.

Smith’s blunt take reflects a frustration shared by many Americans tired of career politicians on both sides of the aisle. His comments suggest an appetite for fresh leadership—possibly from someone outside the political class.

Responding to Bannon and Blasting 22nd Amendment Talk

Smith also responded to comments from Steve Bannon, who recently said on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher that only someone like Smith or another celebrity figure would be a serious threat in a 2028 presidential matchup—especially if Trump were to run again.

Bannon is “trying to be slick because he’s looking at a non-political individual like myself, looking at me as a populist, but you better be careful what you ask for because some of the stuff that Trump and the Right has been trying to get away with, like circumventing the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, talking about how there could be a third term,” Smith said.

“Excuse me, be careful what you wish for because if any GOP member, if any Republican supports that, I don’t want to hear a word out of their mouth ever again about following the Constitution, the Constitution, the Constitution. That’s what they’ve been living off for years, and then you’re talking about circumventing the 22nd Amendment, and you think that’s cool? No way. That’s not something that we should stand for.”

While Smith may be keeping the door only slightly ajar for a political future, his growing national profile and unfiltered commentary are drawing attention far beyond the sports world—and, increasingly, from both sides of the political spectrum.