In a theGrio Exclusive, the Controversial Sportscaster Relished the Idea of Debating the Political Establishment in 2028
Stephen A. Smith says he is “dead serious” about the possibility of running for president in 2028, explaining that the idea has moved beyond casual conversation and into something he feels compelled to consider.
In an exclusive clip obtained by theGrio from a sit-down interview on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis, the longtime ESPN sportscaster said he has been approached by people he considers credible and influential about entering the race, despite having no desire to become a traditional politician.
“I’m considering it in all seriousness, because I’ve had very, very serious people approach me about it,” Smith said. While he emphasized that he loves his current career and never aspired to elected office, he said the responsibility that comes with influence has forced him to think differently. “With tremendous power comes tremendous responsibility,” he said, adding that conversations about the presidency have made him pause in ways he never expected.
Smith told Davis that the encouragement has come from unexpected places, including his own pastor, who urged him not to dismiss the idea outright. “Don’t close the door on this,” Smith recalled being told.
“You never know what God has in store for you.” Though any official campaign would not begin until 2027 at the earliest, Smith said he is not ruling anything out, calling the timeline “a very long time away” but acknowledging the seriousness of the moment.
The registered Independent framed his interest less as a desire to govern and more as a willingness to confront what he views as political failure head-on.
Smith said the idea of debating career politicians on a national stage is what most appeals to him. “I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians,” he said. “Not be a politician, but wanting to go up against them on a debate stage to call out what they have done to our country, to harm us. It would be my pleasure.”
During the interview, Smith also addressed criticism he has faced for his commentary on prominent women in politics, including Jasmine Crockett. Smith acknowledged that he personally apologized to Crockett for potentially contributing to a political climate in which Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the congresswoman, including calling her “low IQ.” However, he maintained that his criticism of Crockett’s rhetoric toward Trump was rooted in concern about effectiveness, not personal animus.
Smith said he believes name-calling, even when aimed at Trump, does not ultimately benefit constituents and distracts from substantive outcomes. That stance sparked backlash from several commentators, particularly women, including journalist and former MSNBC host Joy Reid, who criticized Smith publicly.
“I don’t know this woman. I’ve met her one time. I shook her hand once,” Smith said of Reid, explaining that her response stemmed from comments he made after her MSNBC show was canceled.
Smith said he praised Reid’s intelligence and talent but argued that declining ratings inevitably lead to consequences in media, especially in a cutthroat industry. “If your numbers drop 47% and you are Black in this culture that we’re living in, did you really expect something else to happen?” he said.
Smith added that his critiques are often mischaracterized, including comments he has made about figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris. He said his focus is on long-term political strategy and effectiveness, even when that perspective is unpopular. “You might be right,” he said of his critics’ concerns, “but the manner in which you’re going about it ain’t gonna serve you well long term.”
For now, Smith remains firmly in his role as a media figure, not a candidate. Still, his remarks made clear that the idea of a presidential run is no longer hypothetical or tongue-in-cheek. Whether or not he ultimately enters the 2028 race, Smith says he is paying attention, weighing the moment, and refusing to dismiss a possibility he once would have laughed off entirely.
