As Stephen A. Smith’s candidacy for president gains traction, his former First Take debate partner, Will Cain, has refrained from endorsing it. The recent developments in Smith’s presidential ambitions came from Kara Voght and Ben Strauss of The Washington Post, who gathered endorsements from Frank Luntz, Mark Cuban, and Steve Bannon, while also reporting opposition from Cain.
Cain, who has recently launched a weekday Fox News show, is a conservative, while Smith is seen as a potential Democratic candidate. This contrast makes Cain’s refusal to back Smith understandable, particularly regarding the plausibility of Smith running for president in 2028 or beyond. “Smith is unpredictable, independent, and entertaining. He can command an audience and television screen,” Cain remarked to The Washington Post. “Those characteristics could remind someone of Donald Trump.”
Though both Smith and Trump share the label of a ‘bombastic TV entertainer with bold opinions and no substantial political background,’ Smith faces the challenge of achieving the same national recognition that Trump had when he ran in 2016. While every sports fan knows Smith, Trump’s influence has been cultivated over decades.
“I don’t think [Smith] has the grasp of the issues to be president,” Cain continued. “He’s like a shiny object that someone would be forgiven for taking seriously.” This sentiment aligns with Smith’s own views on his political acumen; he has consistently downplayed his interest in running for president, citing a lack of political knowledge and the prospect of a pay cut as reasons for his reluctance, as he mentioned in a recent interview.
While the idea of Smith running for president is intriguing, skepticism remains regarding his commitment to this narrative. Cain characterized him as a compelling figure amid the chaos of the Democratic Party, which is regrouping post-2024 election. Ultimately, Smith prefers to engage in discussions about social and political issues through his podcast and various cable news appearances rather than seeking office.
Although Cain backs Smith in his roles as a sports commentator and Fox News guest, there’s a consensus that he’s not the answer for the Democratic Party. The notable difference is that Smith is open to being persuaded otherwise.
