In a revealing interview with CBS News that aired February 15th, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith made one of his most candid statements yet about potentially entering the 2028 presidential race. The sports personality, known for his commanding presence and commanding debates, told national correspondent Robert Costa something that’s now reverberating across political circles: he’s giving “strong consideration” to becoming a Democratic candidate.
The Confession That Started It All
“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith revealed during the CBS Sunday Morning interview. “I’ve got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues.” The statement represents perhaps his most serious public acknowledgment yet of political ambitions he’s been hinting at for over a year.
Why 2026 Matters
Smith’s reference to using 2026 as a preparation year isn’t casual. The political commentator appears to be signaling that he views the coming months as critical for understanding policy complexities that extend beyond his current portfolio of political commentary on his weekly SiriusXM show. This deliberate approach suggests he’s taking the possibility seriously, at least for now.
The Democratic Path
When asked which party he would align with, Smith was emphatic about his Democratic leanings. “I couldn’t see myself running as a member of the GOP,” he explained to Costa. “I’m a fiscal conservative. I can’t stand high taxes, but I’m a social liberal in the same breath because I believe in living and let live. I pay attention to the desolate and disenfranchised.”
Smith went on to describe his political philosophy as balancing conservative economics with progressive social values. “Yes, I like strong borders. That’s absolutely true. We never needed open borders, but we don’t need it to be completely closed either. We are a gorgeous mosaic,” he added, presenting a nuanced political position that could theoretically appeal to moderates within the Democratic party.
The Debate He Really Wants
What truly seems to drive Smith’s interest isn’t necessarily the presidency itself, but the opportunity to engage in what he sees as meaningful debate. “I’d love to be on the debate stages against some of these individuals that think they’re better suited to run the country,” he told Costa with unmistakable passion. “Because I think that the American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself.”
This statement reveals Smith’s core motivation: a belief that the current field of potential Democratic candidates lacks both the communication skills and genuine commitment he claims to possess. His confidence in his ability to “out-debate” his potential opponents is palpable.
The Reality Check
However, Smith was careful to clarify that he has “no desire” to be a career politician or to surrender the comfortable lifestyle he’s built over decades in broadcasting. When speaking with Sean Hannity on Fox News, he noted plainly: “My lifestyle is quite lovely. I would not want to ruin that by running for the presidency of the United States of America. I have no interest, but I was just trying to make a profound point.”
This contradiction—between his public flirtation with candidacy and his private reservations about the personal costs—represents the core tension in Smith’s relationship with presidential politics. He appears to love the idea of participating but remains hesitant about the sacrifices required.
Political Insiders Are Taking Notice
CBS’s Robert Costa made an intriguing comparison that’s gained traction among political observers. He noted that spending time with Smith recently reminded him of time spent with Donald Trump in 2013-2014, before Trump’s actual 2016 campaign. “Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign,” Costa wrote on social media. “In an age of celebrity and social media,” he suggested, Smith’s unprecedented path to politics might be more viable than skeptics assume.
The comparison is particularly relevant given that Trump himself has publicly endorsed the idea of Smith running. During a NewsNation town hall, Trump declared his appreciation: “I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance. I’d love to see him run.”
The Pressure Campaign
Smith’s own account suggests he’s receiving significant encouragement from multiple directions. “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,” he revealed in an April interview, before the CBS conversation occurred.
Even his spiritual advisor has weighed in. Smith shared: “I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t consider it, especially when my own pastor called me and said, ‘Don’t close the door on this…you never know what God has in store for you.'”
What He Says About the Democratic Field
Smith hasn’t been shy about critiquing the current state of Democratic leadership. He’s characterized the party’s bench of potential candidates as “pathetic” and has suggested that beating them wouldn’t require extraordinary political skill. His confidence borders on dismissiveness, yet it reflects genuine frustration with what he perceives as weak political leadership on the left.
Interestingly, when asked about preferred Democratic candidates, Smith previously named Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Maryland Governor Wes Moore in September as candidates he could support. However, his expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic party overall suggests he might ultimately believe his own entry into the race could elevate the conversation.
The 2028 Timeline
With 2026 serving as his study and decision-making year, Smith has provided Democrats with a timeline for knowing whether he’ll actually follow through on these hints. The political world is watching to see whether he uses the year to build campaign infrastructure and develop policy expertise—or whether he ultimately decides his ESPN salary and comfortable life are worth more than a long-shot presidential bid.
The Entertainment Factor
Perhaps most telling is the universal acknowledgment from political observers that a Smith candidacy would be unprecedented in terms of public engagement. The debates alone would draw record viewership if he participated. His unique communication style, honed over decades of televised confrontations, would inject an undeniable dynamism into Democratic primary debates.
Conclusion
As 2026 unfolds, all eyes will be on Stephen A. Smith to see whether his CBS confession was genuine political aspiration or his most elaborate “hot take” to date. The commentator who built a career on strong opinions and commanding presence may soon face his most important test: whether he’s willing to back those opinions with political action. For now, he’s keeping America waiting—and talking.