Nationwide — Stephen A. Smith is now severely entertaining the thought of a presidential run—lower than a month after firmly rejecting the notion. In a put up shared April 7 on X, the outspoken ESPN host signaled a shift in tone, writing, “Time to cease messing round. Life is nice. Particularly at ESPN/Disney. Hate the considered being a politician. However sick of this mess. So I’m formally leaving all doorways open.”
In response to USA Right now, the 57-year-old “First Take” host, recognized for his fiery takes and present public spat with NBA star LeBron James, has turn into an unlikely determine in political hypothesis circles. Whereas Smith beforehand informed USA TODAY in March that he had little interest in holding public workplace, latest political turmoil—and encouragement from notable insiders—has him reconsidering.
In response to a January 27 ballot carried out by Republican agency McLaughlin & Associates, Smith earned 2% assist amongst Democratic major voters—putting him in the identical polling tier as a number of present elected officers. Whereas Vice President Kamala Harris led the pack at 33%, Smith tied or got here near names like Pete Buttigieg (9%), Gavin Newsom (7%), and Cory Booker (2%), suggesting his nationwide profile is to not be underestimated.
Talking in the course of the NAB Present in Las Vegas on Monday, Smith stated, “I’ve had no selection however to get extra severe about it.” He revealed that a number of governors, mayors, and Capitol Hill insiders have reached out to him, encouraging a doable run. Regardless of his hesitance to enter the political fray, Smith admitted that the nation’s present state has pressured him to rethink his stance.
Smith emphasised that he’s nonetheless not desirous to turn into a politician, however warned that if the nation doesn’t enhance by the 2026 midterms, “all bets are off.” His feedback underscore a rising frustration with the established order—and a perception that daring, unconventional voices could also be what’s wanted to disrupt it.
Whereas skeptics might scoff on the thought, Smith’s 2% exhibiting echoes early polling of Donald Trump earlier than his 2016 upset. Again then, Trump additionally began at 2%, trailing behind social gathering favorites like Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. Smith’s mix of identify recognition, media savvy, and unfiltered commentary might make him a compelling wildcard within the years forward.
