If Stephen A. Smith truly plans to run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2028 election, his message appears focused on one central theme: Democrats suck. The newly minted $100-million man at ESPN performed reasonably well in a January poll by McLaughlin & Associates, competing against prominent party figures. While there is a significant gap between a poll from January 2024 and one from January 2027, it suggests that the sports media personality is positioning himself as a contender, despite having flipped and flopped on his interest in such a candidacy multiple times.
Recently, President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs sent shockwaves through the national and global economy, leading to a significant market downturn. Financial experts’ reactions have been sobering. Democrat leaders have capitalized on the situation, claiming it is yet another of Trump’s decisions that will harm the economy and benefit only the wealthy.
On his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith addressed the issue on Saturday, diligently identifying those he holds responsible for the crisis. He stated, “Yes, you did say he was a threat to democracy… but you still lived life allowing cancel culture and identity politics to be pervasive throughout our society.” He criticized the Democrats for not focusing on pressing concerns such as the cost of living and immigration, while prioritizing moral narratives to engage voters.
Smith further contended that although many criticize Trump for dishonesty, he has been clear about his intentions: “He didn’t lie about tariffs or closing borders; he made it known that things would become challenging for lawless individuals.” Essentially, Smith’s argument reduces to: ‘We knew he would be bad, but it’s your fault for not preventing him from enacting harmful policies.’ While he highlighted legitimate concerns about the Democratic messaging, he overlooked instances where Democrats attempted to address those problems but were stymied by Republicans and Trump.
Presenting a troubling perspective on the American populace, Smith claimed, “We know him… He ain’t right, but you’re just as guilty as he is. You put him back in that White House because you forgot about your own.” He argues that voters must acknowledge their role in the political landscape, yet this message could alienate potential supporters he might need if he continues his political aspirations. Moreover, it reveals a rather pessimistic view of everyday Americans, portraying them as naive individuals in need of salvation.
Despite his assertions of independence, Smith is often observed engaging with conservative narratives, mingling with Fox News hosts while rejecting labels as a conservative. He even voiced criticism of Trump, leading one to view him similarly to Bill Maher—a libertarian-leaning moderate who takes jabs at liberals while echoing conservative rhetoric. While Smith emphasizes others’ failures, he rarely offers concrete solutions, making him a fitting representation of contemporary politics.