ESPN’s First Take show’s host, and executive producer Stephen A. Smith could run for the U.S. president in 2028.
Smith’s speculation for running arrives in response to a survey of potential Democratic candidates by Donald Trump’s former pollster John McLaughlin, via Front Office Sports.
McLaughlin explained to Front Office Sports that Smith’s name was included in the survey due to media reports suggesting he had considered the possibility of running for president.
“We included his name because there were media reports about him talking about the presidency. But he didn’t come in at zero,” he noted. “He got some support. He certainly got media attention. So he’s probably gone up. But he’d probably have to take a pay cut. Just like President Trump had to take a pay cut. So we’ll see.”
The poll indicated that while Smith garnered only two percent of the hypothetical Democratic primary vote, he ranked near notable figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, both of whom received three percent. Former Vice President Kamala Harris topped the poll with a commanding 33 percent, BasketBallNews is reporting.
Smith himself teased a political future on his eponymous YouTube show.
“I doubt I’ll ever run. It’s not me. I live a pretty good life—and I don’t want to ruin it by getting involved in politics,” Smith said on his show.
“But I’ve got to tell you something: the Democratic Party looks so pathetic after this election, I might entertain running. I just might change my mind one day. I doubt it. But I might. Because how much would it take to beat you all? And Trump can’t run again. He’s done,” Smith hinted on running for presidency in 2028.
Time will tell if Smith decides to make a bid for the presidency.