As Dems attempt to mount a comeback for 2028, Stephen A. Smith is still flirting with the idea of a presidential campaign.
While appearing on Real Time with Bill Maher, the NBA analyst admitted that although he “can’t imagine” running for president, it remains a “possible” option for him after previous talks of a pivot to public office.
“Listen, life is good, man. I mean, I leave the door open,” he told Maher. “I can’t imagine myself doing it, but I haven’t ruled it out, because I’m disgusted with what I’m seeing on the left.”
Smith added, “I look at the national voice for the Democratic Party, it is non-existent. As far I’m concerned, a damn construction worker could win the Democratic nomination right now, as bad as it is for the Democratic party. They better get their act together. And excuse my language, but they are in for an ass-kicking if they don’t get their act together. The party is in disarray. New leadership.”
In April, Smith shared an article about speculation of his political plans, confirming he is “officially leaving all doors open” for a 2028 run. “Time to stop messing around,” he wrote in part. “Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.”
Smith later told Deadline he has “no intentions” of running for president. “I’m leaving my options open, but in the same breath, I have no desire to be a politician at all,” he said in May.
“I’m living a pretty good life. I just signed a new contract with ESPN. I’m acting on General Hospital now. I’m acting on Law & Order,” Smith continued. “My life is pretty damn good. Why would I ruin it by being a politician? So that’s my initial response. But, in the end, you never know what God has planned for you, so you just leave your options open, and that’s what I’m doing.”
The interview came after Deadline reported in March that he signed a five-year $100 million deal with ESPN. In June, he also signed on to host two new shows for SiriusXM.
