After some polls had shown him as one of the top candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith continually denied he’d be a candidate for the office. Evidently, he’s reversing course.
While speaking at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Smith was asked by McVay Media President Mike McVay about his political aspirations.
“I have no desire to do it,” said Smith about seeking the office of the presidency. “I’m living a pretty good life right now. Life’s been good. The last thing that I would want to do is involve myself in politics. I’ve always perceived politicians as being professional beggars. I don’t say that derogatorily or anything like that. It’s just the reality. You’ve always got your hand out for something. People always need favors in return. I’m not that guy. So I could never see myself as a politician.”
Stephen A. Smith then revealed that he’s been courted in recent weeks to reconsider his stance.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it,” he shared. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it. I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door. I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility. If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe … that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States. I am not going to rule it out.”
Smith shared that he would be able to go on the offensive should he run for the office, due to his lack of political record and that he would be able to “eat (other candidates) alive” from their records.
He concluded his remarks by stating that in everything he does, he aims to win, and wouldn’t enter the race unless he truly felt he had the possibility of winning the race and making a change in the lives of millions of Americans. Smith listed prominent Democrats like Governors Wes Moore (MD), Josh Shapiro (PA), and Gavin Newsom (CA) as the most likely candidates that he would have to challenge for the nomination.
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